Why not 15's??????
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 590
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
Originally Posted by HC0624
What offset is this? 35 or 41?
Originally Posted by simplygriff
Coop d'etat: Is that nut mod just becasue of the shape/size of those wheels? That looks really good by the way.
-G
-G
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
From: Outside NYC/Outside BOS
I ran 15inch 175/65/15 Contitourings on 7 holes for the winter on my last MCS. I am taking delivery of an 06 MCS on Friday and because I am taking it out of dealer stock they have given me the choice of performance or all season runflats for the s-lites coming with the car (sport package). My question to you guys....which would handle better:
7 hole with 205/55/15 BFG Sport or Kumho SPT
S-lite with 205/45/17 Pirelli Eufori or Dunlop std performance
Right now I am leaning towards taking the all seasons on the S-lites and using them Nov through April (which is when I put on the most miles, especially highway) which would be nice to have runflats and the ability to drive in snow. Then for the summer (now) I would pick up some 7 holes and throw either the BFG G force sports or Kumho ecsta SPTs on. Between the BFG and the Kumho which is the stiffest (makes up for the larger sidewall)? THANKS
7 hole with 205/55/15 BFG Sport or Kumho SPT
S-lite with 205/45/17 Pirelli Eufori or Dunlop std performance
Right now I am leaning towards taking the all seasons on the S-lites and using them Nov through April (which is when I put on the most miles, especially highway) which would be nice to have runflats and the ability to drive in snow. Then for the summer (now) I would pick up some 7 holes and throw either the BFG G force sports or Kumho ecsta SPTs on. Between the BFG and the Kumho which is the stiffest (makes up for the larger sidewall)? THANKS
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,235
Likes: 2
From: Ventura Co. Calif.
I like!!
Originally Posted by RallyMINI2005
Check out my big fat fifteens!
Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2's with
225/50/R15 BFGoodrich G-Force Sports
The ride is amazing, smooth, fast, responsive! Much more cornering grip than 205s... Very happy I switched out my S-Lites. I love the rally-look as well.
RM2k5
Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2's with
225/50/R15 BFGoodrich G-Force Sports
The ride is amazing, smooth, fast, responsive! Much more cornering grip than 205s... Very happy I switched out my S-Lites. I love the rally-look as well.
RM2k5
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 190
Likes: 1
From: Boston, MA
>What is the offset on those Pro Race 1.2's?
et30! It's actually too wide... You should order et40 to keep the geometry correct. These were sent to me by accident, and I didn't notice the offset was wrong till the tires were already mounted, balanced, and installed! It's not too bad, but they do rub the inside of the fender well. I trimmed this back with a razor-knife and now its fine.
>Is it lowered?
Nope. And without some adjustment to the camber in the rear, I doubt you could...
>Any rubbing with the 225 tires?
Only due to the wrong offset. If they were et40 everything would be kosher.
RM2k5
et30! It's actually too wide... You should order et40 to keep the geometry correct. These were sent to me by accident, and I didn't notice the offset was wrong till the tires were already mounted, balanced, and installed! It's not too bad, but they do rub the inside of the fender well. I trimmed this back with a razor-knife and now its fine.
>Is it lowered?
Nope. And without some adjustment to the camber in the rear, I doubt you could...
>Any rubbing with the 225 tires?
Only due to the wrong offset. If they were et40 everything would be kosher.
RM2k5
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,235
Likes: 2
From: Ventura Co. Calif.
If you had...
Originally Posted by RallyMINI2005
>What is the offset on those Pro Race 1.2's?
et30! It's actually too wide... You should order et40 to keep the geometry correct. These were sent to me by accident, and I didn't notice the offset was wrong till the tires were already mounted, balanced, and installed! It's not too bad, but they do rub the inside of the fender well. I trimmed this back with a razor-knife and now its fine.
>Is it lowered?
Nope. And without some adjustment to the camber in the rear, I doubt you could...
>Any rubbing with the 225 tires?
Only due to the wrong offset. If they were et40 everything would be kosher.
RM2k5
et30! It's actually too wide... You should order et40 to keep the geometry correct. These were sent to me by accident, and I didn't notice the offset was wrong till the tires were already mounted, balanced, and installed! It's not too bad, but they do rub the inside of the fender well. I trimmed this back with a razor-knife and now its fine.
>Is it lowered?
Nope. And without some adjustment to the camber in the rear, I doubt you could...
>Any rubbing with the 225 tires?
Only due to the wrong offset. If they were et40 everything would be kosher.
RM2k5
Thanks,
Shawn
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 412
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, CA
I ordered the 15's (montegi tracklites with Pilot Sport Cups) after being realistic about when and how why I would get to a BBK. I need seat time, and a good set of rubber and thats about it to enjoy the MINI. The 205/50/15 has the most options when it comes to rubber, so there you have it. Ive been assured that I will have no fitment issues on my JCW brakes (much debate on motoringfile)...should have them in a few weeks (back ordered)
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
From: Irving, TX
excellent summary! 
Originally Posted by minihune
There is no physical reason any MC or MCS cannot use 15" wheels for street or for performance driving.
From a weight standpoint it is much easier to get rims that weigh less using a 15" diameter. Tires vary but in general are also lighter given the same model.
Selection of rims does vary some. Most rims are offered in the 16" to 18" size that look appealing. I've had trouble finding some designs in15" that look more modern. Classic designs are easier to find in 15".
When choosing a 15" rim there are some limits. They typically vary from 5.5" wide like the stock MINI rims to about 7" wide for aftermarket rims. 8 " wide rims cost more and are much harder to find. The sidewalls that will fit the MINI are typically 60,55, or 50 series tires. Going any smaller down to 45 series tires usually requires the wider 7" rim and 225/45-15 tire size which has a much smaller 23" outer tire diameter (has some speedo error) compared to stock.
If you like wider deep dish rims up to 8" then larger 17 or 18" rims are going to allow for a much larger selection of rims and tire sizes.
You'll get much better ride comfort with 50 to 60 series tires compared to 40 or 45 series tires but not as much performance. You'll find a better selection of all season tires in 50-60 series sidewalls which give longer treadwear with reasonable traction dry or wet.
Some of us have more than one set of wheels. I have two sets of 17x7, one set of 16x6.5, two sets of 15x5.5 and one set of 15x7 rims. All of them work ok for the street with some allowance for speedo error. The 17x7 wheels are the heaviest and the 15x7 wheels are my lightest (for track and autocross).
Tires make a huge difference. For 15" wheels 205/55-15 would be a great place to start, 195/60-15 is possible for more comfort and less rolling resistance. I like the selection of tires in 205/55. For stock 15x5.5 rims the widest tires that easily fit would be 205, either 205/50 or 205/55 sizes but the 205/50 is smaller than stock in tire diameter about 23". 225/50 fits rims from 6 to 8" wide so usually I'd suggest using a 15x7" rim for that size or with use for 225/45-15.
I often run 15x5.5 holeys and 205/50-15 tires on the road and they work just fine for me. My speedo with indicate a slightly faster speed than what I am actually doing which gives me the illusion of going faster.
From a weight standpoint it is much easier to get rims that weigh less using a 15" diameter. Tires vary but in general are also lighter given the same model.
Selection of rims does vary some. Most rims are offered in the 16" to 18" size that look appealing. I've had trouble finding some designs in15" that look more modern. Classic designs are easier to find in 15".
When choosing a 15" rim there are some limits. They typically vary from 5.5" wide like the stock MINI rims to about 7" wide for aftermarket rims. 8 " wide rims cost more and are much harder to find. The sidewalls that will fit the MINI are typically 60,55, or 50 series tires. Going any smaller down to 45 series tires usually requires the wider 7" rim and 225/45-15 tire size which has a much smaller 23" outer tire diameter (has some speedo error) compared to stock.
If you like wider deep dish rims up to 8" then larger 17 or 18" rims are going to allow for a much larger selection of rims and tire sizes.
You'll get much better ride comfort with 50 to 60 series tires compared to 40 or 45 series tires but not as much performance. You'll find a better selection of all season tires in 50-60 series sidewalls which give longer treadwear with reasonable traction dry or wet.
Some of us have more than one set of wheels. I have two sets of 17x7, one set of 16x6.5, two sets of 15x5.5 and one set of 15x7 rims. All of them work ok for the street with some allowance for speedo error. The 17x7 wheels are the heaviest and the 15x7 wheels are my lightest (for track and autocross).
Tires make a huge difference. For 15" wheels 205/55-15 would be a great place to start, 195/60-15 is possible for more comfort and less rolling resistance. I like the selection of tires in 205/55. For stock 15x5.5 rims the widest tires that easily fit would be 205, either 205/50 or 205/55 sizes but the 205/50 is smaller than stock in tire diameter about 23". 225/50 fits rims from 6 to 8" wide so usually I'd suggest using a 15x7" rim for that size or with use for 225/45-15.
I often run 15x5.5 holeys and 205/50-15 tires on the road and they work just fine for me. My speedo with indicate a slightly faster speed than what I am actually doing which gives me the illusion of going faster.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,285
Likes: 19
From: Merrick, NY
It's a cool thread. I think I am the only one who purchased 205/60/15's instead of 55 besides one person on this forum. there are a lot of hot wheel pics in this thread 
would be complete with the way expensive BBS rf' spokey guys from tire rack.
without this tire forum in general, I would be buying pirellie pzero nero m+s and putting them on the 16 stocks. Great setup for performance, but wouldnt have given me the ride I wanted and the retro look of the Rewind that I was thinking about.
would be complete with the way expensive BBS rf' spokey guys from tire rack.without this tire forum in general, I would be buying pirellie pzero nero m+s and putting them on the 16 stocks. Great setup for performance, but wouldnt have given me the ride I wanted and the retro look of the Rewind that I was thinking about.
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
Black Mini with 15's/springs
Your car looks great set up with those 15's and the springs. Rolling proof that you don't need wheels the size of a Conestoga Wagon's to look good and drive better!
Tom
Tom
OVERDRIVE - Racing Champion
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,262
Likes: 72
From: Mililani, Hawaii
RallyMINI,
The combo of your lowering and 15" wheels looks perfect.
At the autocross with Kosei K1 TS 15x7" and Kumho V710 in 205/50-15
and Bilstein PSS9 Coil overs.
I often drive the same sized tire on the street with 15" holeys.
Works fine.
The combo of your lowering and 15" wheels looks perfect.
At the autocross with Kosei K1 TS 15x7" and Kumho V710 in 205/50-15
and Bilstein PSS9 Coil overs.
I often drive the same sized tire on the street with 15" holeys.
Works fine.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 8,337
Likes: 8
From: oh10
i'm not fully sure what you mean....i lowered the offset so that the wheels would stick out past the arches. Stance is everything when it comes to making your car look good. The lower offset looks WAY better than the 40mm offset.
Why not 35?
Here you can see that i achieved a little poke on the front tires. The rears will poke once i get rid of the crazy camber.
Why not 35?
Here you can see that i achieved a little poke on the front tires. The rears will poke once i get rid of the crazy camber.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,285
Likes: 19
From: Merrick, NY
hm. I think it is actually possible to see the camber in your rear tires! that's a lot!.
You like the tires being out of the arches, that means you used.... 35 means more stick out that 40? i thought it was other way around.
You like the tires being out of the arches, that means you used.... 35 means more stick out that 40? i thought it was other way around.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 8,337
Likes: 8
From: oh10
here is a pic to help you out:
