Ok, I'm finally getting wheels and I'll be getting 18s. I've narrowed my choices down to either the ASA AR1 in 18x7.5, ET+38 or the SSR GT7-H in 18x7.5, ET+42. The recommended tire size on Tire Rack is 215/35/18 but I don't want such a thin sidewall. I was thinking about 215/40/18, 225/40/18, or 225/35/18. I will be lowering the car on H-Sports or m7 springs. Would any of these tire sizes cause rubbing? Also, what tires do you all recommend that perform decent but aren't too harsh on the wallet. Thanks in advance.

 

215/40/18 is looking for trouble with that offset and h-sports i promise you, i ran 215/35/18s and had occasional rubbing in the back with the h-sports, keep it stock with 215/40/18s, it will fill the fender gap anyways

 

Damn really, I was hoping the 215/40/18 wouldn't rub. Is the ride rough with 215/35/18 and H-Sports? I want to lower the car as I don't want it looking like a 4x4 go kart lolol... I might get Pirelli PZero's, good price at Tire Rack...

Alex@TireRack can you give me a discount pleeeeaaaassseeeee....

 

FWIW, MINI specs 205/40s on the 18x7 JCW wheels.

 

1.Do not sweat discounts from Tirerack
2.Yes, the ride was harsh, but i liked it
3.getting up to 18s and keeping the comfort is an art and a lot of cash, trust me been there done that.

Here is my ultimate recipe for 18s:

Suspension

if you want lower coilovers, JCW susp, or Koni FSDs with the stock springs, and 215/40/18s. You will have comfy ride and it will look killer, if you wanna go both lower and 18s sacrificing comfort is inevitable. My $0.02

PS: I LOVE 18s BTW

 

I 'am running 215/35/18 with 18x7.5 with H-sports springs i don't have any rubbing issues.

 

Talk to Alex@tirerack.com about sizing and what will fit your wheels and suspension. Stock MCS tires are about 24.3" outer tire diameter.

215/35-18 fits rims 7-8.5" wide and has outer tire diameter of 24" (Good)

215/40-18 fits rims 7-8.5" wide and has outer tire diameter of 24.9" (too large)

225/40-18 fits rims 7-8.5" wide and has outer tire diameter of 25.1" (too large)

225/35-18 fits rims 7.5-9" wide and has outer tire diameter of 24.3"

215/35-18 makes the most sense- it costs less, weighs less, fits better given you need clearance for the H-sport springs and you still have a good selection of tires in that size from tirerack.com.

The 35 series side wall is needed to make that rim size fit the wheel opening but can still be OK for street use if you use a tire that offers a bit of comfort.
See
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Compar...10&RunFlat=All
Avon Tech M500 $128 Ultra HP Summer tire
Kumho Ecsta MX $118 Extreme Performance summer tire
BF Goodrich G-Force sport $116 Ultra HP Summer tire
BF Goodrich G-Force T/A KDW2 $159 Ultra HP Summer tire
Bridgestone Potenza RE750 $165 Ultra HP Summer tire
Yokohama Parada Spec-2 $145 Ultra HP summer tire
Pirelli PZero Nero M&S $139 Ultra HP All season tire
Kumho Ecsta ASX $95 Ultra HP All season tire

If I had to pick one for street use in your case I'd be looking at the Pirelli PZero Nero M&S (ask Alex more about it).
400 tread wear A traction 20 pounds each
Good wet and dry traction, comfortable for everyday use.
Not for moderate to heavy snow.

 

I'm running H-sport springs with a 215/35/18 Pirelli P zero nero and have no rubbing issues at all. The Pirelli's stuck like glue in the twisty's and in every day driving are very smooth and quiet. The ride is really no different then with the S lites run flat combo but the look and performance is out standing. I have heard that different shocks can smooth the ride out a bit.

 

Thanks for all the comments. Where is it that people trim the rear when rubbing occurs? I'm thinking of trimming the rear wheel liner a bit so that I don't run the risk of rubbing under load.

 

More than likely if you go anything bigger that a 215/35/18 coupled with a 38 off set you will I'm pretty sure you will need to trim. My wheels are a 42 off set with a small amount of room in the back but enough, but the fronts are lined up right with the inner edge of the front bumber. Different makes of tires will also make a difference. There is a very helpful thred here on NAM showing the way to trim the rears. You really should check that out. I think your really going to like 18's. My 2 cents.

 

ah just go 19"s and it'll be a lot of funn... I am running 215/35/19s... no rubbing at all, but then again, I am on stock susp. right now... ask me in a few weeks when I put my koni adjs and whatever springs I have (not sure).

 

JCW R105's w/ 205 35 18 Pirelli PZero Nero's H-Sports.....No rubbing what so ever!