I'll be purchasing a set of tires in the very near future as I've worn through all four Pirelli Run Flats. These will be installed on my relatively stock 03 MCS running the stock 17" R90's. This is my daily driver, and I commute 80 miles each day for work. I plan on going with a summer time tire as I want to get a seperate set of winter wheels and tires. I may try to get in a track day or two to see if I want to pursue it further.

So, all that being the case, would I be better off running a 205 or a 215? The commuter side of me says a 205, but the enthusiast side of me says a 215. Thoughts?

Also, I am still researching tires, so if anybody wants to throw out their favorites or suggestestion, let me have 'em! Looking to stay under $100/tire. Or if anybody knows of any good deals going on right now, let me know.

 

I have 215/40/17 Dunlop Star Specs, they're pretty awesome and have been wearing a lot better than I had expected. That size is a little pricier than stock size from what I've seen.

For $100 or less, I'd go for the Potenza RE760's (205's) or maybe Yoko S.Drives.

 

215/45/17
More options to pick from..

Alex

 

Thanks Alex! I actually had that same page open trying to compare. I'm 99% sure I'll be ordering from tirerack.

 

Well, after spending the last 3 hours researching NAM and Tirerack, I pulled the trigger on a set of 215/45/17 Bridgestone Potenza G 019 Grids from Tirerack.

I decided to stay with an all-season, rather than my original idea of a summer tire because primarily of tire wear, and trying to get more than 20k miles out of a set of tires. I could also forsee myself needing to rely on these tires in the cold and possibly snow. From everything I read, the G 019's should fit my needs. In any event, they should be much better than the bald runflats I'm running now.

 

Good Choice on the 215/45/17, that is the size I run on my 17's. Better for commuting, it gives you a little taller sidewall which equals a little better ride.

 

+1

 

 

I bought my Mini mainly because of the excellent handling. Looks, performance were still big factors but the way it takes corners on the street.... I thought was amazing. So, I would not let tire wear come into your decision to buying summers or all seasons. I would acquate that to buying a $20,000 audio system and never turning the volume up past 1! See what I mean? Why not get out of it all you can. OK price is a factor but still......you will probably only put 3 or 4 sets of tires on it before you move on to your next toy.

 

Also+1
The slightly larger sidewall, gave a slightly smoother ride on mine.

 

Eh, I agree with you, to an extent. However, there has to be some type of compromise. The car "is what it is", it's not some high HP machine; for me it's a daily commuter that's fun on a country road from time to time. Your audio example is right on for my situation.... why would I spend $200/tire for a high performance summer tire, if I'm only going to wear it out while commuting to-and-from work? That doesn't make much sense either. In my case, I needed to compromise performance with practicallity. In my opinion, I went with a good all season tire that will perform well in normal circumstances, and give me a comfortable ride and long life.

Now, with that being said, if I decide to start opening this car up and participating in some track events, then yes, I will need to invest in different rubber. Which is fine, because my wheels, brakes, and suspension will all need to be re-evaluated for those conditions as well.

 

I too noticed a slightly smoother ride with this size.
Also fills the wheel well a little more, however, I do notice a slight difference in cornering though...not quite as tight.(but I was running Goodyear F1's)

 

I'm running Michelin Pilot Exhalto PE2 205/45-17 and a 2007 MCS. It seems to be quite a good tire for every-day and canyon carving. According to TireRack tests, the PE2 may not up there with the Star Spec and RE-11 for ultimate grip, but probably more civilized. I haven't run Star Spec nor the RE-11 so don't know for sure.

The PE2 is available in 215/45-17 as well.

 

hmm... good debate i will be purchasing soon also and have wondered this myself. How taller is the sidewall on a 215..noticable?

 

Roughly, the sidewall on a 205/45(stock) is 9.25 cm, a 215/45 is 9.68 cm, and a 215/40 is 8.6cm. I went with the 215/40 for better handling and acceleration. Since I decided against run-flats, it's alot softer ride than the stock tire. Ideally, one would run a 225/40 (9.o cm)but that size is virtually non-existent. Anything wider will rub without wheel well mods.

 

I've been very happy with Nitto Invo 225/45-17's. Comfy ride, fills up the wheel gap, nice and wide for lots of grip..and yes it's a daily driver for me.

 

With 222 whp, those tall tires, I'm certain, work well for you. Someone with a stock S and the old tranny gearing is going to be disappointed with the acceleration on those tires.

 

That's true..I'm like a motorcycle taking off at each light and wheel spin is the one thing I'm always dealing with lol. I've tried a lot of tires in different sizes, and the Nittos have been my favorites.

 

I'm having trouble hooking up with the pavement as well under full throttle. I'll give those 225/45s a try on the next set.

 

I'm also running 215's. But my rims came with spacers, so the rear tires have been rubbing against the black plastic rim above the rear wheels.
Not a big deal, I actually prefer the wider stance with the wider tires.

 

225? wow. My Winter wheels (R86) are 205/60 (Blizzaks) and they look like truck tires on my mini but the guys at the dealership love it and call it the 'beast'

When I put my summer tires on I was thinking of going from 215/35's to 215/50's!! Need to fill up the gap.. Anyone else like fat, donut-like tires like me or am I all alone? haha

 

does anyone have a side by side picture comparison of both of these sizes.

 

I'm looking at the Continental Extreme Contact DWS in 215/45/17 for an all around tire while still having handling and fun on the weekends while milage for a daily driver.

 

Are 215/40/17 ok for DE duty (realizing they have a little lower sidewall rating relative to the OEM tires)? Considering going with Direzzas in this size for DE duty this year as now becoming better options in 17" size vs. 16"....

 

Track and street, totally different criteria. Good to see it recognized. I am so sick of " because racers do it,it must be better" logic for street driving.
Your tire is at least half of the suspension. Even 50 series are pushing the limit for street use. Not enough tire "spring" and you will bounce off the ground no matter what springs and shocks are fitted. A tire not incontact with the ground is useless and unsafe. Hint, look at how tall F1 tires are!

Some summer tires are horrible in the rain. Some are good. Pick for your climate. It rains in Maryland, so I pick all-seasons. It gets cold and some summer compounds get darn slick. Don't care about snow, I know how to drive.