I'm finally ditching the run-flat tires. I'm considering going with 215/45 R17 instead of the original 205/45 R17 size. Currently the car is running a -1.8 camber in front, with a 19mm rear sway bar. Other than that the suspension is stock (sport) with a strut brace. One of my considerations is the price... for some reason (may be mass production) the 215/45 is priced $22 less per tire than the 205/45. If there would be no difference in handling why not purchase the wider tire for the lesser price? I am getting new wheels as well... 17" x 7 wide, Team dynamic Monza R. and the tires I'm considering are Toyo Proxes 4. what do you fellow Mini addicts think?

 

Those tires will be slightly taller plus wider. I run the 215/40/17, which is slightly shorter, helps with gearing a bit (shortens it for a bit better response) and also adds width. A win win imho

 

The size differences are minimal. If price is the objective why are you not looking at the 205/40-17?

 

Thanks for your opinions, hsautocrosser, the price is not the over ruling factor,but rather only one piece of the puzzle. This car does not get driven once we get snow (salt on the roads). I drive somewhat spirited on back roads and want a tire that grips well in dry and wet conditions. Does the slightly wider tire with the same height (205/45 vs 215/45) have a tendency of rolling on the sidewall when driven hard? Or is very insignificant? If the handling of the 2 sizes makes very little difference then the price weighs in.

 

I have run 205/40/17; 215/40/17; and 215/45/17, I went with the 215/45/17 while I was living in Buffalo NY to help deal with the ruff roads and fell in love with them. I autocross with this size and with proper air settings found no problem with traction or rolling the edge.

 

I currently run 215/45 17 on the street and on the track. To me, on the street differences are not that great but on the track, it makes a great difference especially in the turn in and in-turn traction.

At least the speedo is closer to actual.

 

I too, went up to 215/45/17 when I ditched the run flats... Hankook Ventus V-12evo's. Couldn't be happier! No rubbing, quiet, more accurate speedo, great ride, and improved handling. A win / win IMHO...

 

Hey, thanks for the great input everyone, it really helps make a decision with your experiences. Sounds like the 215/45s will be the way I go. Thanks again!

 

I went that way also and it is fantastic, smoother ride than the run-flat 205/45.

 

I just ditched my run-flats for Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 215/45/17 and it's like a whole new car.

More compliant over bumps, more traction when accelerating hard and less torque steer.

 

does anyone run an offset of 45 on a 17" X 7" wheel with the 215/45/17's , any rub issues?
I'm about to pull the trigger on a set of pro race 1.2 17 X 7" which have that offset. Any experiences would be helpful. The wheel/tire people I'm working with are wondering about the fit..... that threw a little concern in my head too. My suspension is a sport with adjust plates and 19mm rear sway... not lowered at all.

 

I have 17x7.5 with 215/40 and 45 offset and not problem. A 215 is only 10mm wider than a 205. The OE 17" wheels have a 48 offset.

Run the numbers in http://www.1010tires.com/tiresizecalculator.asp it may help you understand.

Only the people with 8" wide rims and 235 width it becomes an issue.

 

I went from 205/45/17 Dunlap Sport all season run-flats to 215/45/17 Michelin Exalta PE2 summer non-runflats and I can't believe how big of a difference it made in how my care rides & handles. I should have done it when I first bought my car. It is now quiet and a much smoother ride. The car corners better then ever and I can NOT get it to hydroplane as hard as I try. The Dunlaps were like surfboards in the rain. The Michelins also look much better because of the extra width and hight. I paid $829.00 installed & balanced for the life of the tire. I'm getting a $70.00 rebate back from Michelin and I got $120.00 for my used Dunlaps on Craigs list. I did by a Slime kit to carry in my car in case of a puncture.

 

Thanks for the info ronnie948. I just ordered the 215/45/17 s for my MINI. Sounds like it will be fun when installed on the car. I'm also dumping the "S lites" for a lighter wheel. All the input has been helpful!

 

I want a set of OZ Wheels but just can't afford them. My JCW Challenger wheels are 22 pounds. The O.Z. Alleggerita HLT Matte Graphite Silver wheels I want are 14.2 lbs. When I bought my Michelins I checked to see if they were heavier then the run-flats. They were the same exact weight at 22 pounds even though they are a size larger. It sure would be nice to save about eight pounds a wheel. $1,496.72 is a little (Lot) out of my budget right now so I will just keep the wheels I have.

Let us know what wheels you get and post a photo or two when you get them installed.

 

Just got the new wheels, Team Dynamic pro race 1.2 (white) with Toyo Proxis 4 tires. I finally got a chance to wheel armor the wheels this evening. I hope to put the new shoes on tomorrow evening. I'll try to post photos.

 

My MC is my daily driver/commuter so I went with some very inexpensive Sparco Drift's with 215/45R-17's (from Tirerack) and love them for the look and handling. My "justa" came with the 175-65R15's so to me the handling is great now and a big difference from stock.