Tirerack.com recommends 215/35/18 with an 18" rim for my 2005 MCS.

I did a calculation and that equates to a diameter of 23.9" as compared to the stock tire (205/45/17) of 24.3". This means the speedo will be out by almost 1mph (not a huge deal I know)

But, I could go with 225/35/18 and this would equate to an overall diameter of 24.2", so now I'm only .1" off the stock diameter and only .2mph off the speed.

Why does Tirerack recommend the 215 when I feel the 225 is a better fit?

Any reasons I'm missing here?

Thanks!

Justin.

 

Cause with 225/35-18 you will need 5mm spacers. I run these and they are harsh on bumps and potholes, I cannot imagine what the 215/35-18 would feel like.
I would rather do 215/40-18 than a 215/35-18 series.

 

I'm running 225/35's without spacers

 

Any rubbing or issues?

 

I am running 225/35-18 too but absolutely needed spacers both front and back. Pretty sure it has do with combination of "lower" JCW springs the actual JCW Strut itself and the rear aluminum trailing arm plus I got stock MINI wheels with a 52 offset.

 

No rubbing with the stock suspension, but I'm installing coilovers next week so my story might change

 

We can do 225's but if you experince a rub, we couldn't take responsibilty for it.

Alex

 

I'm looking at the Breyton GTS-R MINI wheels. They have an offset of 40mm, can't seem to find the width (not listed on your site?)

I have stock suspension, would probably leave it stock because I already have clearance issues in the city as it is.

Where would it rub? On the outside edge where the plastic fender trim is or on the inside near suspension, etc?

 

It is 18x7. Mine rubbed on the inside. With a 40 offset pretty sure 225 would fit. I needed 5mm spacers to make my 52 offset oem rims essentially a 48 offset, so 40 offset should fit. For City driving I'd suggest 215/40.

 

Good advice.

If you want to run 225's keep the et at 40 or under.

If you value your 18 inch rims, and drive in areas where the roads are not the greatest....go with the higher profile tire such as the 215/40/18. Even with the JCW Suspension there is plenty of room and no need for the steering stop kit.

 

thanks! i'm going to go with the 225 as I do highway mostly.

 

225 is a higher profile tire than 215. 24.2" vs 23.9" overall diameter.