I just picked up my 05 MCS with the 17" web spoke option. I want to sell the performance runflats and get a non-runflat performance tire for obvious reasons.

I figured that i should stick with the original size since mini did their homework already and they will be the best fit.

I do mostly spirited back-road driving so road noise and comfort arent huge concerns. Performance in Dry condiitons is more important to me than wet.

Any ideas?

 

I ws looking at the Kumho Ecsta 712's or the Yoko ES100's...

But which size?!?!?!?

 

oh, i understand what the numbers mean, 215 width, 45 height, 17 diameter...

But i dont know how well they will work with my wheel.

 

Your mostly right. The 2nd number is aspect ratio, not height. Basically the same thing but it's the sidewall ratio to the width. A 45 aspect ratio on a 215 tire will be taller than one on a 205. They should all fit on the stock wheels and suspension. If you plan on getting new wheels (with a lower offset) or lowering springs, the 215/45 might start rubbing.

-The 215/45 will provide a little more cushion over bumps.
-Most 215/40's are 1 load rating too low for the MINI.
-Both will give you an extra 10 mm of tread width.

Yoko ES100 for affordable high performance street driving.

 

Here's a good tool to compare tire sizes: http://www.1010tires.com/tiresizecal...?action=submit

Compare the 215/45's to the 215/40's, there's a big difference there.

 

the 215/45 seems like a perfect option compared to the stock 205/45.



Great link!! Thanks so much!

 

I like the following link for comparing tire sizes ...

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

 

If using 215 -45-17 instead of 205-45-17 you will be running 1 mile per hour faster than the speedo reads.

 

liaudio,
Your wheels are 17x7" and will fit all three tire sizes and not result in rubbing of the tires to the wheel wells.

While the stock size 205/45-17 are OK they don't offer as good a selection of tires as the 215/45-17 size. The 215/40-17 size is more performance oriented, has a stiff hard riding lower side profile, costs more and is suited to track and autocross more than for daily street use.

I don't know if I would call the stock size the "best fit". Everything is a compromise. MINI has to look at the cost of each OEM tire, the performance and riding qualities it offers, and the wear. Picking a more expensive tire option might lead to higher MSRP. Or maybe tire companies bid a lower price to supply a line of cars.

If you want good street performance with moderate comfort then either the stock size or 215/45-17 will work fine. See if you can find a good tire in your price range that will suit your needs (summer vs all season tire).

If you often have four people in the MINI then don't choose the 215/40-17 since the load rating is lower than that of the other tire sizes and is best suited for one person in the car.

If you plan to lower your car the tallest of the tires will have more risk of rubbing after you upgrade the suspension.

 

here is my .2 worth i have an 04 cooper s with s=lites i just put goodyear f1 gs-d3 in tire size 215/45/17 i have now gotten some break in miles on them and i am happy to report no rubbing at all my car has h-sport springs and rear bar and soon front bar still very happy with the outcome....unless someone is running a real radical offset or lowering spring they should have no problems

 

I have 215/44/17's and I have the H&R springs (the lowest on the market) and I've had no rubbing problems. The only problems I've had is the huge potholes in LA recently My poor rims

 

^
1
1
1
---------------- 215/35/18 No rubbing. Stock height. Of course.

 

In the last week or so I was checking with some local tire dealers about who had the right machine to take off my runflats without damaging the wheels.
At that time I was also checking the prices. When I gave them the 215/45/17 size, I was informed that there was a new state law here in Maine which prevented them from selling me a size that was not listed on the door jam! It isn't and they also told me that they would not mount them even if I ordered them elsewhere. The claim is that the larger size messes up the antilock brakes. I don't understand that. The fine is $500! That I do understand !

Looks like I will be going to the 205/45/17 original size, but not runflats.

BTW: What are you selling your runflats for?

 

MEmini,

You could always go to NH

No sales tax, plus they prob don't have that silly law

 

I'm running 215/45/17's on 17x7.5's with an offset of 42, stock springs etc. There's no rubbing and the ride is greatly improved over the runflats. As for the speedo difference, BMW/MINI errs on the side of displaying faster than actual, so there s/b minimal worry there. And, you can always calculate your actual speed and make the mental adjustment as necessary.

RChistiano: It's very encouraging to hear that you're having no rubbing even with the H&R's. What is the offset on your wheels?