I have a 2006 MCS with JCW suspension and 18x7 JCW R105 rims. It's a low mileage car with the original Dunlop SP Sport 01 runflats (205/40/18) that need to be replaced soon.

When looking for high-performance tires, the most options and highest performance options (Potzena RE11, Star Specs, Kumho Ecsta XS, etc) are in the 225/40/18 size. This tire would be .78" wider and .63" taller than stock. I think it would look great with the wider tire. The taller sidewall would visually give less wheelgap and should provide a better ride. But I do have a few questions:

• Rubbing? If so where and can this be corrected with spacers?
• Handling? Most people say the .63" sidewall height increase will adversely affect handling but how (less crisp turn-in)? Does the .78" width of the tires negate the handling deficiency created by the taller sidewall so that the handling is roughly the same as stock?
• Aesthetics. Anybody have pics of 225s on 18x7 rims from a few angles? It sounds like it should look mean, but I also want to make sure it doesn't look like they're about to pop!
• Other options: The two other options would be 215/40/18 and 225/35/18 although there are significantly fewer tire options and most are lower performance that also cost more. Would 225/35/18s on an R53 w/ JCW suspension rub? The 225/35/18 is a lower and wider tire than either stock or 215/40/18 and would this automatically mean better handling?

Thanks!

 

Depending on the tire the extra height will usually result in more sidewall flex around hard turns, thus giving the car a little bit more sloppy feel. Being a MINI, I don't think it can really feel truly 'sloppy' but it might not be as crisp as running say, 30 or 35 sidewall. Being from MA myself, I would say go with the 40 sidewall as the roads around here are awful and a 35 sidewall increases your chances of a bent wheel that much more. I like having the extra security of a little more tire around the wheel personally. Also take into consideration the slight changes to your gearing the different size tires will make.

 

I have 225/35 Goodyear F1 GS-D3. I don't have any rubbing issues, but I'm not lowered. I love the looks and handling, but I do stress about my wife driving on some of our bad roads.

 

225/40 is wide and tall enough to rub.

These nomial changes in width and height on paper have an effect, in reality that effect may be as noticeable.

It will baloon over the 7's not too badly.

Alex

 

Alex, you *seem* to be contradicting yourself, sure it's a misspell or fast typing

It *appears* you are saying 225/40's will rub, period and your second sentence is really confusing.

For those in search of wideness, most of the tire mfg will state the range of width sizes a particular tire will work with

 

If there is any 2nd Gen MINIs with 225/40-18 on 18x7 wheels anywhere in California thats willing to let me get a test fitting let me know?

As soon as the GY DS-D3s get bald gonna try the 225/40-18 Kumho XS.

 

So if 225/40/18 will rub, how about 215/40/18s on an R53 with JCW suspension? The sidewall height and sectional width are less.

 

When I bought my 05 JCW it came with 225/50/18 Nexen N3000s and they rubbed. Swapped those tires out for some 215/40/18 Hankook Ventus V12 EVO and haven't looked back.

 

The 215/40-18 will not rub on a JCW suspension car with stock 18x7 wheels and stock wheel offset (no spacers).

Mounting 225/40 tires on a 7" wheel will not result in a full 0.7" section width increase over a 205/40 tire. The section width increase will be more like 0.5" because of the wheel width. Tirerack.com states that there is about 0.2" difference for 0.5" wheel width difference used for measuring the sectional width of a tire. The 205/40 is based on a 7.5" wide wheel and the 225/40 is based on a 8" wheel. If you go to the specs for the Yokohama S.drive you can see the different measured wheel width because that tire comes in both sizes.

Also, the actual tire width will vary by tire model. Even though a tire is 225/40 the sectional width will vary between tire models. For example, the Kuhmo XS is a little narrower then the s.drive (9.0" vs. 9.2"). You need to look at the specs for each tire you are interested in, especially if rubbing could be an issue as it could be for a 225/40-18 tire.

 

The short answer is 225/40-18 on 18x7 wheels is not a good solution for the MINI. Tire diameter is too tall at 25.1" (almost an inch taller than stock).

225/35-18 is possible to not rub. It's better suited for a 7.5 to 9" wide rim but could fit the 7" rim. Tire diameter is 24.2" which is stock.
A good tire in this size is Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric. Great street tire but may wear faster. 240 treadwear

Generally the best solution is to find tire sizes that are ideally matched for the 18x7 wheel. Some owners will try to put extra wide tires on more narrow rims but tire wear and handling would be less than optimal and some garages will refuse to mount them siting safety concerns if being used for daily driving.

215/35-18 is a good MINI size as it perfectly fits the 18x7 rim and has a tire diameter of 24.1" which gives a little more clearance for lowered suspensions. The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric comes in this size.

215/40-18 is possible and fits the 18x7 rim but is slightly taller than stock at 24.8". A stock suspension or more rear negative camber (may need adjustable lower rear control arms) will help with fit without rubbing and if needed a little trimming on the rear inside wheel arches will help. A lowered suspension will likely rub a little.

205/40-18 works fine. Runflats mostly, and Yokohama S.Drive.

Handling is complex and not just a function of tire and wheel size. Tire construction design and materials and class of tires are big factors. If you want it to handle well you need a really good tire, Max Summer tire is good but wears faster than Ultra High Perf Summer tire.

The stiffer the sidewall the better for handling, the lower the sidewall series the rougher the ride quality to some extent and maybe more noise.

If you have poor roads you don't want to use lower sidewalls or you can risk damage easily to the tires, wheels or suspension parts by hitting a pothole.

Being practical is often smarter than how things look.

 

Thanks guys for the responses. It seems the general consensus is that 225/40/18 will likely rub, and although certain tires may work, it might not be worth the hassle.

Minihune, I was looking at 215/35/18 as it would keep the short sidewall for crisp turn-in/handling feel. Additionally the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetrics have gotten phenomenal reviews. However, as you stated the sidewalls are lower and the roads around Boston are not know for being forgiving on tires/wheels/suspensions, especially in the spring thaw with potholes the size of MINIs.

Noz, that's perfect to hear. When looking at the 215/40/18 size, the Hankook Ventus V12 EVOs have gotten excellent reviews. Have you taken them on a track or autocross? Bridgestone g-Force T/A KDW 2, Yoko S.Drives and Kumho SPTs are also other possibilities...

 

Quick question guys.

I know you guys are mostly on JCW suspensions. I've got an R53, stock suspension, currently running 225/35/18's without issues.

Recently bought a new set of rims and tires off of an R56. Tires are 225/40/18. Will I have rubbing issues? The tires are thicker, yes, but the width is the same and I haven't had any issues as of yet.

Rims are 18 x 7.5.

 

You could. The tire diameter is actually quite a bit larger, almost an inch larger. However, probably the bigger contributor to rubbing will be the wheel offset if different betweent the two sets of wheels.

 

The wheel offset is 43, my old rims were 42. Any ideas?

 

Any others that have experimented with wider sized R53s.