I will soon be replacing my runflats with Azenis RT-615's.
The question is, which size?

215/45R17 or 215/40R17

The 45's are .3 in taller than stock.
The 40's are .5 in shorter than stock.

Other differences are weight (the 45's are almost 2lbs heavier) and the 40's have a reinforced sidewall (which may create a harsh ride).

Any thoughts? My car is not lowered, so I am a little worried the the 40's will leave too much of a wheel gap.

 

I am running BFG KDW2 215/40/17s and my MINI was lowered 1.25". I didn't have any problems and I liked the look. I just put the stock springs back on for winter ( don't want to be a MINI snow plow) and after looking at it can't wait for spring to get here.

 

I just switched from stock 205/40 runflats to conventionl 215/45s. Torque loss is imperceptible, but ride is much smoother. Unless you are obsessed with lowering your gear ratios, I would probably go with the 45s.

 

I have had three sets of 215 x 40's. I really like my new 45 series Kumho MX tires. They stick amazing and the ride is so much smother then the 40 series.

Here is a pic!



Longboard

 

I like the shorter sidewall of the 40 series tire so I went with 215/40 Falken Ziex 512's.. I love the look, now I'm just trying to get some m7's for the drop. BTW, I don't find the ride harsh at all. I'm coming from 205/40 Yokohoma Parada Spec 2's though.

 

rotational weight can cause big exceleration penaltys!
i went with the toyo proxis T1-S and 12.7lb wheels. what a difference in butt dyno!

 

We're running Kumho SPT 215/40-17 on O.Z. Ultraleggeras on my wife's MCC and have been very happy with them. The ride is much better than the Dunlop 9000 Sport RFs on S-lites they replaced. I also believe the 215/40 will be closer to stock diameter (of the 205/45-17) so your speedo stays close to stock.

 

235's! ::

 

I am running 205/45-17 and am not pleased. stick to 215/40 if u plan to drive comfortably

 

Actually, 215/45 is closer to stock, fwiw.

 

Well - we are both off - for Kumhos anyways. The 215/40 diameter is 23.8", and the 215/45 is 24.6" where the stock 205/45/17 Dunlop Sport 9000 are 24.2 - right in the middle So one will make the speedo read a bit fast and the other a bit slow.

 

Hello
The Stock diameter is 24.4".

Also I want to change the Run Flat and one of my greaters doubts is the measure of the tires (205/45 or 215/45), if want, see here (https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...t=84431«) and give yours opinion.

Best Regards

 

I am on Falken Azenis ST115s 215/40/17... love them

 

I'm on my 2nd set of 215/45-17s. The 1st were Dunlop FM901s and currently General UHPs. According to my GPS, my speedo still runs 1-2 mph FAST.

 

I agree with the thought if you are looking at normal or spirited driving then the 45s are the best bet. I switched to 215/45 R 17 Pirelli PZero Nero on S-Lites, and I love them. Much smoother ride with the slight added height. I have never had any problems with rubbing.

Now that said, I don't think I would do a lot of auto-crossing with these tyres. And if I ever did lower my MINI, I think I would be rubbing.

 

Thanks for all of the reply's.

Has anyone had direct experience specifically with the Falken Azenis RT-615's in both sizes? (215/45R17 vs. 215/40R17)

 

That looks awesome! I imagine the 45's would right at home on stock height MINI too.

 

Tell me more. Are aftermarket wheels necessary for 235's?
Did you have to roll the fendors to prevent rubbing?
Do you have any pictures?

My previous car (E36 M3) had 235's on 17x7.5 wheels.
How wide are the MINI's wheels?

 

I went with cooper Zeon tires and also change to lighter wheels. I went with 205/40 R17 and the ride is much better, took a couple weeks to get use to the steering feel.. I love it!! better than driving the stock anchors(runflats)

 

Probably.

Only if you lower more than an inch. Or you can dial in a touch of camber in the rear.

Pics: http://picasaweb.google.com/jymontoya/My_mini

Mini's are usually 17x7.

 

Nice pics, they always help when evaluating mods.
Thanks!

 

Will the car rub if lowered with a 7.5" wheel and running the 45 series tire???

 

depends on how much lower the car is and perhaps more importantly the offset of the wheels...