I can't comment on the necessity of them...but i used longer bolts

 

what size of 15" steel rims are used for winter? i bought a 15x6 (offset is around 40mm) steel rim from a 2002 honda civic at a salvage yard. it fits well with no scraping and has no clearance issues so i ordered 4 new ones at a lower price than if i bought 3 more used ones. i also ordered some 205/50/15 tires. for some reason i like the look of steel rims.

 

50 is too low for a 15 inch rim. you must go either 55 or 60 for 205. it will work but the engine will be moving faster than it needs to for the speed you want to keep. the ride height is good to keep the same. your spedometer will be off by a few miles per hour. Ideal would be like 57.3 or something like that if it existed.

also, 205 tires are wide for snow tires. snow likes 185 about while still giving ok performance on non snow. narrow tires cut the snow easier.

 

Huh? I have had 50's on my 15s for a year and a half....no problems there. To declare that someone must is kinda silly....

 

I think he was talking about what makes most sense for winter tires. 205/50 is an odd size for a winter tire, it's wide and short which won't serve anyone well in snow/slush.

I have 205/50/15 on my track rims, they work great there, but I don't like running them on the street since I do so much highway driving.

mb

 

i was going to make the 205/50/15 on the 15x6 steel rims my everyday all-season set up. it's just that the last time someone refered to steel rims was in regards to winter set ups.

 

well i guess not must. you could put 10 inch wheels and 145/55's on it. still works. just I dont think the guy was properly advised as to what is the size he should get. Smaller than stock radius by 1 1/2 sizes and 205 which is dry weather performance.

 

15" all the way for this MC owner. As already said, I drive in the real world. What's more they look better on a Mini than the low profile tires.

Low profile tires look "kinda" cool on a Chrysler 300 that's fitted-out for the hood, but on a Mini the low profile tires make the car look unstable (which in actuality is a true statement in the absence of near perfect road conditions). The early 19th century Conastoga wagon had super low profile wheels too, I'm waiting to see a Mini enthusiast put a set of those babies on their car. Wouldn't look any less goofy than some of the low profile tires now in use on Mini Coopers.

 

Yeah, word, drivin my F***IN conastoga wagon, wit my 22's, bling-blingin, girls rump-thumpin (etc)

 

hysterical....l love it.

 

just looks for me

 

I had a hard enough time getting good enough brakes on 17's . It would be a real bear to get a track capable set of brakes on a 15" wheel. They would be fine for street or autox tho but nothing really aggressive in the stoping area.

 

That's the only big issue is brake sizes. That might be a problem for me one day when I want to get some higher performing brakes.

on a track though, doesnt matter what you use really as you have perfect roadway. the smaller wheel size is great for acceleration, but you can change ratio's without messing with that if you truly want to race.

 

not many enjoy my comments! you have twice!

 

This thread needs to live!!!

 

Wilwood's 11.75 kit work well under 15's.

 

Here are my 15s for the track - 15/7 slipstreams with 205/50 Azenis (and me stumbling out of the car after a great day of driving).




I'll post pics of my car with holies in a few weeks.

mb

 

I just wanted to share some pics... thinking of happier, warmer, faster days...

My 2005 MCS on Wwwwiiiidddddeee wheels.





RM2k5

 

Pic of holies as promised:



mb

 

Are those 8"? Pro Race 1 or 1.2? Tire size? Lowered or stock hight? Rubbing or no rubbing? Shaved or natural? Oopps wrong forum! Inquiring minds want to know!

 

I love my 15s - had holeys for 1st year, but when I went to 195/60/15 Toyos, the narrow, 5.5 inch rim width just wasn't cutting it - bought these BBS RGFs from Patogonian GT here on Marketplace - imo they are perfect for the Cooper - 15X7 and only 10.6 lbs. (forged). Here are a couple of pretty lousy pix from my cell camera - '06 Cooper, Mymini exhaust, 19mm rear Hsport bar - JCW springs & FSDs next.

 

Because I hate to keep inquiring minds waiting...

-Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2's, 15X7, ET30 (very wide stance)
--Very light wheel from Outmotoring.com

-BFGoodrich G-Force Sport, 225/50/R15 (and they are a WIDE 225)
--I have been VERY pleased with these tires, very sticky, quiet, and durable.

-Stock Height Springs on Koni FSD's
--Boston roads are too horrible for lowering

I had to trim the rear fenders, and rear fender liners to fit such a wide wheel/tire combo, but the payoff is awesome. Great grip, and a much improved ride.

~RM2k5

 

Wait...they are only 15x7 et30? For some reason i thought you were running way wider


For inquiring minds, i run 15x7 et 30 (only 5mm thinner than his) and my car is slammed so that the front flap touches the ground. So no problems going that wide.

 

will a 35 offset help with 225/50/15? I am looking at the new 15" Rota RB's in that size. (15 x 7, et 35). Stock suspention, won't be lowering...

thanks!

 

I dont like the way 15" rims fit, but I guess its about performance not style. I guess if you want style go for an 18" other wise if you wanna go in between go with a OZ 17" they are light and still have style.