I've got a 2011 R55 Clubman that came with 16" wheels and tires. I recently purchased and am going to have re-finished a set of the 2-piece Ronal 17" wheels from an R53 since I'd like to upgrade the wheels.

My Saab has finally bit the dust, spun a rod bearing yesterday. It's got a recently new set of 225/45-17 tires on it, like maybe 4-5 months old. I'd like to keep those around and put them on the Ronal's after I get them refinished. The Mini calls for 205/45-17 so these will be a little bit bigger.

Any people who have fit slightly larger rubber to their cars? Will I get away with this?

Thanks!

 

The diameter should be OK, but the width might be the kicker. I'd be willing to bet you'll get some rubbing at least on the front strut. There may be a little bit more room in the back, but the front is tight for clearance.

For comparison, I run 205/55-16 snow tires, and the diameter is almost the same as the 225/45-17s. But the 225s are almost a full inch wider in spec. Depending on the tire manufacturer, tread width can be drastically different even through the spec is the same.

I understand your desire to save some money by using what you already have, but it might be lost endeavor. Maybe you can find a tire shop that will give you credits for trade-ins?

 

I'm sure I can sell them, maybe on those kind of beat up BBS RK 2-piece wheels (almost all of the clearcoat on the barrels is gone)

I knew that they were 20mm wider and will be a bit taller as well but was hoping that I could pull it off. But I don't want to invest in mounting/balancing and then removal again if it's not going to work!



thanks

 

You "could" have one tire mounted for test fitting. Then, you would only be down the cost of one mount and balance. If it fits, and you like the look, you could then get the rest fitted.

 

good idea. So you think the front is going to be the biggest issue? I wonder if I put a 10mm spacer under the wheels if that would do the trick? (although I do generally hate spacers)

 

a spacer that big and you need to replace the lug bolts as well, food for thought.