Hey there guys, I plan to run 16 X 8 or maybe 17 X 8 wheels on my R53. I also plan to have adjustable Rear arms and KW v3 suspension is what I’m after.


With this application who all has experience with and can inform me on what offset works best for this setup as far as clearing suspension, but also clearing wheel arch/fender well rub. So I guess I’m asking for what offset is in the “sweet spot” I’m assuming around 20-30 et?

 

This is the best site for checking wheel fitment:
https://www.wheel-size.com/calc/

Enter your current wheel-tire specs, add clearance measurements, then compare to what you’d like to install.

 

What is your intended goal of having wider wheels and what are you using your MINI for?

The reason is you are best off planning the tires that suit your priorities with respect to available sizes that come in fitments for either 16x8 or 17x8 wheels. Tire selection may be an issue to both fit the MINI and not rub and fit the wider than OEM wheel. Your modded suspension will allow some range of flexibility so that may help but not if you plan to lower the ride height aggressively.

So if you need street tires and don't have cold weather then you have a choice of Max Summer tires like Michelin Pilot Sport 4S which is excellent for street use and daily driving but costs more and wears a little faster than All Season Ultra High Performance Tires. In the Case of Pilot Sport 4S they do not come in any 16" sizes, for 17x8" wheels it would be 215/45-17 which is a little narrow or 245/40-17 which fits the wheel but adds $30 and 3 lbs weight per tire. Sure it looks good to have wide tires and rim but functionally it may be only a bit better with more rolling resistance and lower mpg. Both tire sizes have a slightly taller than OEM tire diameter of 24.7" but that is OK by adjusting ride height with your suspension. Running a little more negative camber also helps a little which is easy with rear adjustable control arms but in front will need adjustable camber plates.

In the case of All Season Ultra High Performance tires for 17x8" and 16x8"
BFG G-Force Comp-2 A/S Plus treadwear 400
225/50-16 fits 6-8" wide rims, perfect for 7" wide rim, tire diameter 24.9"
215/45-17 fits 7-8" wide rims, perfect for 7" wide rim, tire diameter 24.7"
225/45-17 fits 7-8.5" wide rims, perfect for 7.5" wide rim, tire diameter 25" (taller than OEM)
245/40-17 fits 8-9.5" wide rims, perfect for 8.5" wide rim, tire diameter 24.7"

Other tire brands do make tires for 16". Tire selection may vary.

All too common is to choose a wheel and find that tire selection to fit the width is very limited for the intended use of the MINI. Then you compromise to find a tire that sorta fits but doesn't have the handling and performance qualities you want for your intended use. Therefore when I plan for wheels and tires I always look at tires first and see the sizes available to fit my priorities then choose wheel size to fit the tire and the suspension requirements, especially with non OEM specs.

As for offsets

16x8"
Using an offset of 38, compared to OEM
The wheel will be 9mm closer to inner suspension and poke out 29mm more

17x8"
Using an offset of 40, compared to OEM
The wheel will be 5mm closer to inner suspension and poke out 21mm more

 

Minihune^^

thank you so very much for all the help in info.


my main goal with the car.. I’ll be honest.

aggresive street racing, and some track events

 

OK, assuming your weather does not go under 40 degrees and you don't do much daily driving (mileage per year) then you can consider streetable Race tires like Toyo Proxes R888R treadwear 100. They will wear faster, be firm riding, aren't as good in wet, and be noisy.

However they do come in sizes for fit 8" wide rims for both 16 and 17" wheels

245/45-16 $169 each, fits rims 7.5-9" wide, perfect for 8" wide rim, tire diam. 24.6", standard load rated
235/40-17 $216 each, fits rims 8-9.5" wide, perfect for 8.5" wide rim, tire diam. 24.4", XL load rated for stiffer sidewall and less flex, Standard load model also available in closeout at $201 each but very low supply. XL is better for racing.

If your budget is larger and driving on the track is important then you can also consider-
Toyo Proxes RA1 treadwear 100 Durable track race tire
245/45/16 $249 each, fits rims 7.5-9" wide, perfect for 8" wide rim, tire diam. 24.7",Standard load rated

Comparison Review of Toyo R888R
https://www.turnology.com/tech-stori...petition-tire/

Race tires may benefit from heat Cycling before you drive on the street or track. This means bringing the tire up in temperature evenly to allow the (soft) Rubber compound to change and increase the durability of the tire with use. Tirerack offers heat cycling each tire before shipping for an extra fee and is worth the cost.