I'm new to being a car enthusiast and I just read a great "rule of thumb" summary regarding wheels by minihune here and I had a question about 17" wheels.

According to minihune's post, he says the 17" can be a rougher ride because of the 40 - 45 width sidewalls. Can a 50 sidewall be used and if so would that make the ride smoother?

My R55 S is my daily driver/commuter and I'm not planning on doing any rally rides, but I would like to update my current wheels (in silver) at some point in the future. I like the go cart feel and I'm quite happy with my set of Nitto NeoGen 205 /50 R16 91V XL BSW that I bought last year. When those wear out, my plan is to upgrade my wheel set then and convert my 16" R94's to winter wheels.

In looking at other wheels, I really like the look of the R99 OEM wheels, but don't know that I want to move up to a 17" wheel. Nitto makes the NeoGen in a 17" in both 225/50 and 235/50 as well. Don't know if either of these could be used with this wheel, but figured I'd ask and get some more informed opinions.

 

The R99 are very nice, if you do go to a 17" get a good smooth non run flat tire, that helps with the harshness. I used the v12 hankooks 45 series and they have been good.

 

You want to keep the diameter of the tire within ±3% of stock.

Tire Size Comparison Calculator

The two sizes you listed are way too tall. Some people fit 205/50-17 but even these are a little too tall.

 

If you are only doing street driving and want tires that give a good quality smooth riding and quiet ride then I think the most important thing to consider is the exact model tire rather than focusing on the sidewall such as 45 series vs taller sidewalls.

Case in point, for street use, Michelin Pilot Super Sport (although more costly) is an excellent daily driver tire yet very good for handling in either dry or wet.

If you want an all Season tire with more treadlife and are willing to trade a little handling for three season capability and longer wear then a Grand Touring All Season tire like Michelin Premier A/S is a good choice.

In between there are Ultra High Performance All Season tires like Michelin Pilot A/S 3 that come in MINI friendly sizes.

Using OEM 17" MINI wheels you are better off with 215/45-17 using stock suspension and you get better tire selection to meet your budget. OEM 205/45-17 Michelin Pilot Super Sports will be more comfortable than other Max Summer tires.

In your case if you really like the Nitto Neo gen then look at 215/45-17, the other sizes you mentioned are too tall and will rub (as mentioned by MINIAC).

The Michelin tire models mentioned are just examples of tires within a given class, they are often the "benchmarks" for these classes and usually worth the added cost unless you are on a strict budget.

Consider that tires are the one most important purchase for your MINI to get the most out of the car, not a place to choose a generic product.

 

Thanks for all the feedback guys! Super helpful and informative and gives me lots to think about. Thank you.

 

 

Yes, OEM 17" wheels fit 215/45-17 tires and OEM suspension

 

Many racers, Solo 1, Auto X guys use the 16" wheel not only because of "overall" weight loss, but because of "rotating mass" weight loss. The overall weight loss isn't usually too much, but the rotating mass loss is quite real.
The lighter wheel/tires require less engine torque to both, "get" moving, and to "continue" the acceleration. In case you didn't get that...that allows more available torque to get the car moving quicker, faster.
Also, require less braking force to slow/stop.

I'm moving to 16" from 17" wheels on my r53.

And just like wheel weight, tire weight varying amounts. Some tire shops advertise their tire weights on-line.
Many of todays 16" tires will react at 99% of what a 17" tire will. Add a pound or two of air, the tire will react faster.
At street pressures the 16" wheel/tires will provide a slightly smoother ride, and dare I say, without any (real world) loss in control-ability.

Something to think about.

Mike