I'm looking at the following wheel/tire combo:
Flik Bullet (gloss Titanium),Size: 17x7, PCD: 4x100, ET: 42, Weight: 17lbs. with Falken Ziex Ze 512 205/45R17

I am running M7 springs and am considering coilovers in the not so distant future. Will these wheels give me any rubbing issues? I am currently running S-lites (why they call these things light I will never know) and the factory run flats. I'm looking to improve the looks and cut down on some weight. Thanks!

 

Anyone???

 

....

 

One more time to the top...I am mostly concerned with the different wheel offset- the smaller number will push it out more towards the fender lip right??? Is it enough to make a difference as far as rubbing?

 

I'm running the same wheels in a different finish with, I believe, the same offset and the same size tires. I'm running BFGs and there's no rubbing problem. There's some variance from one tire manufacturer to another with absolute measurement of the width of the tire, but I'd be very surprised if there's enough difference for you to have a rubbing problem.

 

Thanks!

 

jbsf3,
The rim and tire combo you suggest are OK.
The key in your case is, by using the stock 205/45-17 tire you are able to use it with the low M7 springs and still be fine (no rubbing is expected).

Had you tried to use 215/45-17 tires you would expect a little rubbing but not anything major.

If you add coil overs that allow for ride height adjustment you will be fine in any case.

So with M7 springs (lowers your MINI about 1.3") you will be OK (no expected rubbing) with your 17x7" rim, +42mm offset and stock sized tires.

See
http://edgeracing.com/tires/2054517/
Choosing between the Falken 512 at $90 each and the Toyo Proxes 4 at $104 each, the Proxes 4 offers better performance while the 512 offers lighter tire weight (18.7 vs 20.5 pounds) and longer treadwear. I've heard a few 512 owners not be that happy while Proxes 4 owners are quite satisfied.

The 1.8 pound difference in each tire is not as significant as you might think. Bridgestone potenza S-03s are heavy but perform well compared to many lighter weight tires. See the tirerack.com tests on various tires (doesn't include Falken and Toyo brands).

 

I don't know if this helps but look at my set up....my car is lowered over an inch and I have no issues

 

Thanks all, I just heard back from Alex- he said there shouldn't be any rubbing issues at all. Thanks!