205/40/R17: Is this tire size compatible with 2009 MCS? It looks like the recommended size for 17's is 205/45 but I really don't know how much difference it makes. I am asking because there is a used set (wheels and tires) that I am interested in.

Thanks, Erik

 

The 205/40/17 is smaller than the 205/45/17. I'm in the same pickle as you blew my 45/17 on weekend and couldn't find any so opted for a used 40 for now. It runs terrible I wonder if maybe you ran slightly bigger eg 205/50/17 if that would be better.

Looking forward to hearing others input.

 

I run 205/40/17, no problems.

You replaced just the one blown tire with a 40 series?

 

So long as you're switching to all 40 series tires, you'll be fine.

 

for a better ride and look, go with 215/45R17

 

Yeah I only switched to one 40 as it was an emergency. I have placed an order for a 45 can't wait. 40 is just to low on a profile.

 

Yeah I have owned 17s with a 40 series on them and they just ride entirely too rough. I felt everything(hitting a rock almost threw my back out) but, it was also on my Nissan. It acctually help lead to the fact that I bent 2 of those wheels.

 

Thanks for the inputs.

My priorities are:

1. Ride

2. Look

3. Handling

As such, I should probobly stick with a taller tire and maybe even stay with 16". What do you think?

Erik

 

No clearance issues with that set-up?

 

I am on a 17x8 +35 with a 205/40/17 with no fitment issues or rubbing issues.

I rocked a 225/45/17 on a 17x7.5 +43 without any issues as well, grant I was not on coilovers, but even when i was i just couldnt go low like I am.

 

Had 215/40-17's and like the look ride and handling.
However, after bending two wheels, I went with 215/45-17.
No bent wheels with the 45's.
YMMV

 

Dont buy cheap wheels???

:P

Kidding sorta, I have never bent a wheel on a 40 series tire or anything. But all my wheels have been aftermarket and are either high end cast or forged.

 

I like my 205/50/16's.

 

Personally 16s look too small on a R56.. smaller wheels = more wheel gap or more tire till fill that wheel gap.

I think 17s fill the wheel well better, but thats preference.

 

That is why you go lower, duh......

 

Still doesnt fix the problem of a 16 just not filling out the fender well without the use of a larger tire.

On the R56 a 17 fills it the best especially when dumping or slamming a MINI.

I mean on an R53 I can see a 16..but on an R56.. looks small!!

There is an R56S parked next to me at work on black 16s and they funny next to my 17s.. probably cause i am slammed and it is stock

 

Yeah I plan going to 15s with some thick tires. I am lowered but I am on springs so it might not be low enough.

 

More of a road factor than wheel weakness.
I should have been more clear, the difference between 40 & 45 is just enough to save a wheel in many cases.

 

I do a fair bit of driving off pavement or on rough pavement so I am definately not going to lower the car. I am also wandering whether 17's would be the best choice.

 

17s are the best choice and here is why - some is opinion.
1. tires are relatively common and cheap to find in a 205/40, 205/45, 225/45, R17, etc.
2. 17 i think is the best looking size on the r56.. 18s are too big and 16s are too small to me.
3. I am sorry you arent lowering you car because they come stock with some excessive wheel gap.. i can fist it.

 

I run 205/45/17s on my R53 in the winter time (Blizzaks). Summer tires (Direzza Star Specs) and track tires are 205/50/16 and 205/45/16. I think they look great and I like the extra sidewall height. OZ Ultraleggera wheels are awesome - have 2 sets in 16.

My R53 is also lowered a bit - running KW variant 3 coilovers.

 

I've bought some Megan Racing Coilovers so will be lowering mine soon and I'm going to stick with my 205/50/16's. A little wheel well showing isn't a big deal to me.
As far a Pepperstripes, if you are going to be running on gravel and rough roads mostly, I'd think you'd want a little more room in the wheel well for forgiveness.
Roads here were I live are pretty smooth and don't have alot of pot holes so lowering isn't a problem.
Lowering or not is a personal perspective, if we were all lowered there wouldn't be any individualization (if that's a word).

 

If you can afford it, I would return those Megans and get some decent KW coilovers (v1, v2, or v3, depending on what you want to do with your MINI) or some Bilstein PSS9s. Then add some good camber plates up front, and some camber links in back. If you don't track your car, consider some lowering springs and Koni yellows instead. Better stuff than the Megans for sure, IMHO.

 

Granted, there are more pricey coilovers out there but reviews on the Megans are good and everyone I've talked to like them for the price. I discussed them with Way at waymotorworks and went off his suggestion. He hasn't steered me wrong yet. I was originally just going to get new Koni yellows but sprung for the Megans.
I'm only going to lower it 1" so they should be ok for my use (don't track it).

 

megans are shitty. thats all i have to say.. they are worse than vmaxxs.. same **** as godspeeds if i remember the article on nasioc about megans.. waste of money.

my KW V1s were $300 and were freshly resealed by KW.

Still cheaper than megans or vmaxx..