I am looking at a set of rims in 2 different sizes. I am wondering if I'll have issues running them. And after if they can work I'll need tire suggestions. I don't really want to go with run flats either once I get to that point.

I have a 2013 MCS R56

Rim comes in:

17x7 4x100 offset +40

OR

18x7.5 4x100 offset +42

Thanks for any help!

 

Besides the choice of wheels what are you thinking of doing for tires?

When replacing wheels you can also think of tires that will match and suit your needs. Sometimes what you want in tires is not available in sizes that fit certain rim sizes.

Do you drive on bumpy roads with lots of potholes? If so, then 18" rims aren't going to be the best choice for tire sizes that you can live with on a daily basis. If it is for car shows and weekend use only then that's different.

Do you need the tires to work in cold weather or some snow or is this for warm weather use only and you have another set of winter wheels/tires?

Are you planning to lower the suspension? A lowered car will have much less clearance for wider than OEM rims and taller than OEM tire diameters.

Is performance and handling important to you vs looks? 18" wide wheels are going to be heavy vs the same wheel in OEM 17" sizes.

Looking at your two wheel sizes-

Compared to OEM 17x7" et48

The 17x7 et 40 is nearly stock, it pokes out 8mm more which is fine. You can use 205/45-17 or 215/45-17 tires which give a good tire selection. If you care more for handling and you daily drive your MINI then this is likely the best solution.

The 18x7.5 et 42, the inner edge of the rim is nearly the same as OEM, the rim will poke out by 12.4mm which is more or less flush with the wheel arch. Tire sizes vary as does tire selection so research this before deciding on wheels.

Some tire sizes-
205/40-18 (OEM size, runflats avail) fits rims 7-8" wide, 24.5" tire dam.
215.35-18 fits rims 7-8" wide, 23.9" tire diameter, fits lowered suspension
215/40-18 fits rims 7-8.5" wide, 24.8" tire diameter.
225/35-18 fits rims 7.5-9" wide, 24.2" tire diameter, fits lowered suspension
225/40-18 first rims 7.5-9" wide, 25.1" tire diameter. tall sidewall.

Contact Alex@tirerack.com if you need more info about tire choices/sizes.

 

Thank you! Great Advice.

I Do NOT plan to lower this MINI anytime soon, if ever. And I don't have a ton of pot holes around, some but not a ton.

Super performance handing is not a huge goal of mine. It is a daily driver but I don't autocross or track. I just drive to work and long road drives on weekends to my folks place.

I totally understand the benefits to the 17" size. I'm only questioning the 18" because it is a stock size so it can't be terrible.

As for tire, I'll need a non run flat all season tire that leans a bit more to summer temps. I live in AZ so it gets over 120 some days in summer. And I plan to put winter tires on my Stock Rims.

Thanks again!

 

OK, thanks for the additional info.

You have two options that both work.

17x7 wheel and Ultra HP All Season tire like-
Continental ExtremeContact DWS 540 treadwear
215/45-17 should work for street use, be comfortable and longer wearing than summer tires, $122 each, 20 lbs.
Or- take your pick:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...wws=N&showcm=N

18x7.5 wheel and Ultra HP All Season tire like=
Continental ExtremeContact DWS 540 treadwear
215/40-18 for street use and comfort blend, sidewall should be OK for mostly smooth roads. $156 each, 20 lbs.
Or in same tire size-
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S3, $169 each, 500 treadwear, 22 lbs, slightly better handling, slightly less comfort for daily driving.

If you did not need an All Season tire then the street tire of choice is the Michelin Pilot Super Sport in 215/45-17 or 215/40-18 but it does wear faster and costs more, than an All Season tire. It's got great handling and performance with a comfortable ride for daily use.

 

Man you kick ***! Thank you.

Mmm I am not turned off to 18" with the $169 Michelin's. I have a less than 5 mile drive to work everyday down a straight road, and on weekends I try to get to the freeways as fast as possible.

But the 17"s are a cheap safe bet haha oh the decisions.

In this case the Goodyear Eagle F1 at $137 sounds promising.

What does the 40 and 45 denote in the tire specs? I have looked it up before but I seem to forgot that info.

 

215/45-17 means the tire is 215mm wide and has a sidewall height profile of 45% of the 215 or 96.75mm.

Compare this to 215/40-18 and the sidewall height is 40% of 215 or a smaller 86mm.

So the shorter height in sidewall usually translates to a stiff ride and potentially more noise over bumps but also more responsive and crisp handling.

When comparing tires from one brand and model to another there can be a great amount of variability so think of how it will do for you as a blend of the exact tire and it's tire size along with your given suspension and the roads you travel on.

It doesn't really sound like you need an All Season tire, in which case the Michelin Pilot Super Sport is the tire of choice for those whose budget allows it.

I think you will be fine with any of the discussed choices. Then it can boil down to looks and budget.