Hi. Just wondering how much of a difference this might actually make:
I moved from a 2015 Mini F56 with 16" non-runflat wheels to a 2019 JCW F56 with 17" runflats. The ride difference between the two is significant — the 2015 feltmuch smoother. Some of that might also be due to my old car having standard seats, while the new one has very stiff-feeling JCW sport seats.

I plan on installing non-runflats to help the ride and am considering a little extra aspect ratio for some added cushion between me and road. I have new 17" JCW, OEM rims so no changes in that department.

The stock size is 205/45R17. I was thinking going up just a bit, to 205/50R17.
Am I being ridiculous? Will this make much difference at all? Maybe I should just get the stock size and sit on a pillow when I drive?

Thanks for any guidance.

 

I would consider a 215/45-17 non-run flat as an alternative. This size will give you slightly more contact patch, and a slightly bigger side wall, without gaining too much in diameter.

Just make sure you check clearance to your front strut. Some tires in the 215/45-17 size run a bit wider than others. If you stick with a high performance all-season tire, you shouldn't have to worry about clearance.

 

Thanks for the reply Nik. I considered that size after reading another post here on the site. My only reluctance with going any wider is that these are JCW wheels and the rims already bulge in order to clear the brake calipers. I know the difference between the 205:215 is less than .5 inch... Just concerned about having very "pokey-out" looking wheels overall. Pretty sure that's a tire industry term.

I know, I know, I am overthinking the hell out of this.

 

Thinking about it and looking at a tire calculator, I think you're correct that the 215/45-17 is a great option. FWIW, I'm looking at the ContinentalExtremeContact DWS 06.

 

If you’re looking for a more supple ride, those will be a good choice

 

They've been ordered.... Monday installation. Thank you for the recommendation!

 

Congrats on upgrading the tires...let us know how you're liking them, from a ride and a handling perspective.