Hi,
I'm trying to buy or exchange my 17' R112 Challenge rims for a nice sportier 15' wheels.
Today running Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport 215/45 since years ago and still tire are as new

Why the change?:

1) Less MPG
2) Very poor acceleration
3) Poor braking
4) Front inner fender destroyed on hard cornering (should be replaced)
4) My streets are bumpy so I'm going to repair my rims every 6 months

But, I love my JCW 17' rim look

Today I was testing some 15 wheels (good style) on the seller house.
Rear 195/55 and front 195/50.
I have no intention on lowering the car but that front rear is really ridiculous.
More than the OEM 15' fitted after the 17' JCW were installed.

What tire could be look as good as possible without lowering the car?
Any recommendation on 15' for R56s?

15 on 195/55 (rear)




15 on 195/50 (front)




Current JCW 17'

 

This is a close example what I want but I belive the rim should have a width of 8'+ to have a narrowed sidewall (with a 205 tire). Always without lowering the car.

I don't like the rounded sidewall on MINIs (like this picture).
With narrowed sidewalls would be perfect for me:

 

195/60-15 (24.21") is closest to 205/45-17 (24.26") in overall diameter.

 

Thank you for your response MINIAC!
I have no problem with the overall diameter. I know it will be shorter and it is good for my inner fender.

What I'm thinking now is how to get a flat sidewall.
Many people say that it depends of the tire brand. I don't think that (may be a little but there is not the cause).

I believe that the tire width should be equal o less than the rim width to get a flat sidewall.
The second factor is the rim style. Deep and/or concave rim can hide the "rounded look" if present (it is hidden).

Desired flat sidewall:




NOT desired rounded sidewall:




The 195/60-15 BUT on a concave 8.25 rim:
(It is stretched, I think a 205-215 is OK for me )

 

This is a very nice 15' wheels config: