Hi, new to this site and enjoying all the information provided. I'm an old timer V8 guy but loving our 2016 Countryman S. I recently installed 18x8 Enkei wheels with 235/50/18 tires and am happy with the look even though the front has a bit bigger gap than back end. My main issue is when we load the car with bikes and gear for bike racing events the back end rubs frequently which makes me cringe with those new tires. A body shop owner friend suggested 30mm rear strut spacers but he said to get ideas from others incase there's something else I can try without breaking the bank. Thanks in advance for any recommendations.

 

2016 Countryman S

OEM tires
205/55-17 tire diam. 25.9"
225/45-18 fits wheels 7-8.5" wide, perfect for 7.5" wide rims, tire diam. 25.9"

OEM rims
17x7
18.7.5

235/50-18 fits wheels 6.5-8.5" wide, perfect for 7.5" wide rims, tire diam. 27.3"

When using OEM suspension to get the correct fitment you should use tires that have OEM tire diameter which is 25.9". The tire size you used are wider and much taller than OEM so there is no clearance for the suspension.

See
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rear-strut-...UAAOSwtbdc5odD

Using a lift kit will give you more clearance and raise center of gravity.

Your tire diameter will give you inaccurate odometer and speedometer readings.

 

Thanks @minihune for the information. I purposely wanted a taller and wider tire and all the forums I read seemed to suggest it should clear, maybe I missed something. In a perfect world I'd keep it the same in back and lower the front 30mm or so but I don't want to deal with the rubbing especially when the cars loaded up. Guess a little up it is.

 

A little taller on tire size is possible such as 1/2" but 1.4" taller than OEM would be asking for trouble with rubbing which is what you have discovered.

I am not certain what would happen if you raised the strut height 30mm only in the rear vs doing something for the front strut as well, how much relative to the rear i don't know. Visually the front does look rather high, not sure why this is since it is OEM parts. Basic result is you rub in the rear but not in the front as far as you know. However it might be prudent to mark the front tire will chalk and drive around in a parking lot to see if the chalk rubs off and under what conditions. Maybe the front has some rubbing that isn't as obvious, the reason for rubbing is suspension travel and the tall tire size.

 

So quick measuring to same spot on all tires reveals both front wheel gaps at 70mm, rear driver 50mm and rear passenger 40mm. Rear passenger tire is the one that has rubbed the most and looking very closely there is nor front rub evidence. We bought the car new and it has always sat lower in the back.

 

OK,

Might be good to see what are the OEM wheel gaps with OEM tires to appreciate the difference of front vs rear gaps. It would be possible that the Countryman is designed with more travel for the front but the shock and spring ratings are often different front to back with even with different options on the car that may add weight. Adding some strut height to your rear up to 30mm may work in your case (for more clearance) but handling may be affected.

 

The factory ride height for the R60 Countryman is only 8mm lower in the rear. Since you are 20mm lower in the rear, something isn’t right. Either your measurements are off, or the rear of your car has drooped over the years.

I might consider refreshing the suspension before resorting to installing a lift kit... New shock and mounts, and maybe new stock springs.

 

Did you own the Countryman from new or did you buy it used?
Was it used for carrying heavy loads in the rear that could have worn or sagged the rear suspension over time?
Check the rear suspension for any leaks in the shocks or any bent parts.
Another note is that the rear is not equal in height from right to left- a sign of possible wear.

 

I double checked my measurements and the back is defiantly lower by 20mm +/- and the back r/h side is a few mm's lower than l/h side. Bought the car new in 2016. It gets loaded up for races but approx. 150 lbs max. I looked underneath and couldn't find any leaks or any bent arms. Might just be time for a rear suspension freshening up. Might go with a bit better shock but nothing crazy.