I really have tried searching the forums, but can't quite get to an answer. I have an R53 with JCW brakes and JCW suspension. I will be replacing my wheels and tires this spring and plan to keep the stock 17x7 wheel size and 205/45-17 tires. Tire Rack is posting a note on R53 wheels that you "May require minimal trimming of rear plastic liner when using an ET42 or lower wheel." Does that depend on the specific wheel or the suspension set up or...? Thanks for your help.

 

The wheel size, wheel offset, tire size, springs, and camber all contribute to whether or not you will have rubbing.
Since you plan to use the JCW springs you are probably only lowered about 5/8". The wheel offset and tire size will have the biggest affect on rubbing.

I have two examples from my experience:
1) I had slight rubbing with 17x7 38 offset, 215/40-17 tires, and H&R springs.
Your planned 205/45 tires are almost 0.5" taller than my 215/40 but your tires are 0.4" narrower. Plus you are not lowered as much.
2) I have slight rubbing with 18x7 38 offset, 215/40-18 tires, and JCW springs. Your planned 205/45 tires are almost 0.5" shorter than my 215/40-18 tires and your tires are 0.4" narrower. With the same lowering.

My guess is with your planned wheel size 17x7 and tire size 205/45-17 that you could probably use a wheel with a wheel offset up to 38mm with no rubbing.

 

Thanks for your help. Greatly appreciated.

 

Just to clarify my statement on wheel offset:
You should be able to use a wheel with 38mm and greater offset, probably up to at least 52mm.
The lower the offset number the closer the wheel is to the outside edge of the car (wheel arch). The rubbing will usually occur, up instide the wheel well, on the plastic wheel well liner near the wheel arch.

 

This is true on 7" wide wheels. Your camber settings, and how much weight is being carried in the Mini can all affect the degree of rubbing. Usually its a rub in the back on a bumper bracket, and easily correctable with dremel.

Alex

 

Alex,

I am running 15x7 Kosei, with (I think) 38mm offset. This has worked well for many years but I am trying to up the ante in 2010.

The problem is that when I go to 225/45 rubber (e.g. R1R) I am not getting the dry weather performance I expect. I strongly suspect that the 7" rims may be a key factor.

At 13.5 lbs and the right diameter, I'm not sure there is an improvement for the Kosei rims - but perhaps?

H&R Coil Overs -- -1.0 Rear, and -2.5 front. No clearance issues up front, but the rears are "self trimming" the fender liners at full bump (which I don't mind).

So the question is -- could you suggest a 7.5" wide rim that would be better than the current rims? Would you agree that this might be worth the expense? If so, would a slightly greater offset be indicated without introducing clearance issue on the inside edges of the rim/tire combination?

I'm truly at a loss and a crossroads, as the Dunlops and Bridgestones are not available in the 225 by 15 size, and the Toyos seem pinched on the rims.

Unless I get a strong nudge I shall probably remain with the rims and fall back to a narrower tread with a proven winner for tires in a narrower size.

Thanks for the thought, and please be assured that a better solution will result in an order.

I run STX of course, but the limits for the class are clearly more than the Mini can accomodate without major surgery, which I do not want.

Sincerely,

Charlie

 

I don't currently have a 15x7.5 available. I show a potentially light 15x8 Enkei PF due in here before the end of February. I think this could reduce the sidewall flex with a 225/45, but an 8" width et35 offset combo is very agressive for Mini!

On stiff sidewalled tires like Hoosier A6's I have run them down as low as 6.5 inches wide with no issues. I personally like the lighter steering feel of 205/50/15, so I'd stay with that size over 225's - but thats all personal.

Alex