I've ordered H-Sport Springs (dropping 1"), and an anti-sway bar & am in the process of getting new wheels...
17 x 7.5 w/48 offset

Just wondering what is the biggest tire that will fit with absolutely no rubbing issues. I'm probably going with the Yoko ES100's as I'm a daily street driver, but I like to be able to turn right at about 45mph, so I need something that's going to put up & shut up.

I've also noticed there isn't a whole lot on line here regarding the Michelin Pilot Sports... any opinions?

 

minismith,

You sound like you could appreciate a good performance street tire. 215/45-17 is your best bet. Two people in the MINI and no issues with rubbing but with four people it might be possible to rub in the back. 215/40-17 has a lower load rating than stock but doesn't rub at all, just be aware.

Yokohama ES100s are good tires and if your budget is best suited for that tire then fine. But for more performance when cornering fast then consider the Bridgestone Potenza Pole Position S-03 or Goodyear Eagle F1 DS-G3. Both cost a bit more but I think you will like them alot.

Talk to Alex@tirerack.com as he can compare all three plus more like the Michelin Pilot sports (expensive).

 

Minismith,

For what it's worth, I recently got a set of 205/50WR-16 Potenza S-03 tires mounted on 16x7 O.Z. Superleggera wheels. I don't know the specs on the wheel offset - maybe Alex can fill in the blank. My MC has an S rear swaybar and has not been dropped.

The tires are terrific and I love the handling. I do however experience rear tire rubbing over some bumps and dips but haven't noticed a problem when cornering. I usually make those right angle turns in the 30 to 35 mph range rather than 45.

It's not apples to apples but I hope that helps.
John

 

The 16x7 OZ Superleggera's have an offset of 37mm, according to
www.wheelspecs.com .
I have SSR GT1's in 16x7 with offset of 42mm and the Bridgstone
SS-03's in 205/50/16 also, and have not had any trouble with
rubbing. I guess the extra 5mm makes the difference in
this case.

 

I did a little test on my way to work this morning. In a large empty parking lot, I drove a fairly tight left hand circle and increased the speed until the tires started to squeal. No tire rub.

 

Thanks for the input. I talked to Randy Webb & he stated the offset wouldn't make them rub, but the combination offset with the 7.5" might cause rubbing with too aggressive a tire width (not on the outside, but on the inside/springs). I guess that is probably why the manufacturer recommends a specific tire size 215/40/17 for the Mini.

Makes my decision a bit easier!

 

On these street tires, material compound speaks more than just tire width
and contact patch when it comes to adhesion to the road. A sticky S03 in
205 size will grip much better than a 215 ES100, for example.

Nitto use to sell their NT555's as having 'largest contact patch'
several years ago, but their grip is very questionable at the limit and
non-predictable.

As minihuni mentioned, you're best off with S03's or GS-D3's. I have both
and they grip probably 3x better than ES100's through a corner. Straightline
grip is good though..but imho, these ES100's are pretty noisy vs their
performance level. I would like to try some Falken ST115's next for
my commuter. :smile: