Title is wrong, cant edit. Meant 225/45/17. You folks are smart, you'll figure it out.

I've already done the searching and I get a lot of speculation on both sides with very little first hand experience.

Has anyone actually tried to get 225/45/17 to fit on a JCW or a regular R53/2? I think the JCW has 10mm difference in height.

I bought some R90's on craigslist for $400, which come with Blizzaks with 60% tread. I didn't realize they came off an R56, not R53, so I didn't even bother with checking the tire size.

I dont have my R52 JCW yet, picking it up in a couple weeks so I cant check. I guess worst case scenario I can just sell the tires, its a somewhat common size.

My R52 with stock R98 web spoke wheels wears 205/45/17. According to the 2006 Motoring Accessories workbook, that is the tire all 10 of the 17 inch factory wheels are spec'd at. The 16" wheels call for 195/55/16 and the 15" 175/65/15. Hope this helps.
Also hope you enjoy your new to you drop head. After all, topless motoring is motoring at it's best.

They will likely rub your inner fender lining at full lock turns. Doubt it would run the outers. Just try them on, you already have them.

I'm running 225/40/18's on factory R95 wheels. I bought it this way. I did notice the other day that there was a small rub spot on my inner fender wheel well. I've been driving the car for a month but have not heard it rub.

Good looking Cooper. I just bought the same Chili Red JCW with the same R95 wheels, except mines an R52.

Looks like I'll have an extra 1/2" of sidewall than you, but the same height/width overall. If you're having minor rubbing I can live with that. Thanks so much!

Anyone running the 225/45-17 on a GP2? Currently have the stock Kumo 215/40-17'. No winter driving. Cheers

@bernard: what suspension are you running?

thanks

Burley, I have the stock JCW suspension.

Perfect, that's what I'll have.

I have those exact tires on S-lites on a 2006 R53 with Tein springs and it doesn't rub anywhere.

Finally purchased my JCW.. after I took a closer look I realized it doesn't have the JCW BBK, but Brembo brakes. Any idea if these are close in size? Now I'm just hoping any 17" wheels will fit over these oversized brakes. They sure do look cool though with the drilled rotors.

Im still waiting on the right moment to pick up the wheels/tires in question.