I have had Rota SVNs, 17x7.5 offset +45, on the Mini for awhile now with Hankook Ventus HRII 215/45s. Stock suspension. It's time for new rubber and I was wanting to again go with the same tires. However, I noticed from some postings about offset that this setup is pushing it as far as clearance. I will say that I like how the tire fills the wheel wells nicely, but I'm concerned about the rears. I noticed just a tad bit of rubbing on the rear tire's outer edge. But this was after a pretty full load. I wouldn't mind going down to a 205/45, but will that even look good on a 7.5" rim? The 215/45 seems like it's perfect for the rim now. Or will I be ok with the slight rubbing?

 

You are fine with either

205/45-17 - will fit your 17x7.5" rim OK
or
215/45-17 - does fill out the wheel gap with stock suspension but not enough clearance if you do lower your car. A little rubbing is fine, just a little irritating when it happens.
You can also take a dremel tool and remove some of the plastic wheel inner arch to reduce the rubbing.

 

Thanks for the reply! New 215/45s going on this weekend. Just something about the way they fill the rim and wheel well is what I like over the 205/45s.