After careful and semi-scientific calculation, I took the plunge and bought some 235/40R17 tires to go on 17x7.5 +45 Rota D2 wheels.

So far so good! No rubbing yet, although I haven't gone autocrossing or anything. They're VERY close to the suspension (strut in front, trailing arm in back), but they don't seem to touch. I still have to do some more "research"...maybe some high-load U-turns to see if the tires will touch the fender liners.

Here's what they look like:







I was definitely a little worried about going from a 195 width tire to one that's 40mm wider (!). But it seems to have worked out fine. And I know, I know, it definitely looks lifted now, if it didn't before. Lowering is in this car's future, oh yes.

--Dan
Mach V
FastMINI.net

 

personally, those wheels do look alittle small on the steroid mini. but they are pretty freaking hot on the car. especially with those fattys!

GREAT RIDE!

 

Definitely looks great. Height does not bother me...I like it. Course I am practicle about ground clearance! The look is really strong and authoritative.

 

that is one sick looking setup can't wait to see it lowered

 

I am not surehow I feel about them, but it looks like a SUV with rims.

 

Dan....as usual, the pics are great. I need a new camera!

What tire did you go with? Maybe get some of the center cap overlays too?

 

Hey, thanks!

They're Sumitomo HTR+. They're a budget all-season. I actually ordered HTR Z-II, which is the summer version, but they delivered the wrong thing and I didn't notice and now they're mounted, so they'll stay. Anyway, it's not like the car is short on tread now, so it doesn't bother me much.

I'll probably put some Mini logos on the centercaps at some point.

--Dan
Mach V
FastMINI.net

 

Otherwise, neat. Hopefully can jamb some monster-wides in there on the R56.

 

are the R56 arches wider than the R53? from the looks of it,
i would first lower that ride and possibly even use a larger
wheel size and keep 40 profile.

 

Looks cool, but the 17's on there look like 15's to me.

I noticed Randy Webb's r56 had 235's on in Vegas too. Way cool that you guys can fit em on the r56.

 

that is one of the reasons i like them lol

 

Looks great.

The rims are 17" but with the machined lip and contrasting center that is darker it gives the impression that the wheel is smaller than 17". If you want the big wheel look then keep the whole rim one color or finish.

235mm is way wider than you can easily fit on most MINI rims so if it doesn't rub that's great. Wheel offset is critical so as you get rims that are wider than 7.5" you need to get more clearance from inside the wheel well and go for offsets of +40mm or less or you might have to use a spacer in the rear due to the lower trailing arm.

If you drop your suspension you're likely to rub unless the drop is really limited. I would think that with 1 inch lowering the rear outer wheel well plastic will rub agains the outer edge of the tire. Depends on the rear camber and design of the tire (how square is the shoulder on the outer edge).

Nice pics.

 

Nice pics, I ordered a set of 17" too for my R56. Your wheels are similar to the ones I ordered so your pics really helped me out in getting an idea of how it will look.

Btw, I photoshopped your pics so your car looks lowered and it looks fantastic!

Gd choice!

 

i feel ya... but if I had a r56, I would need to have a set of 18's on there. I prefer the filled in wheel well look.

 

an 18" wheel doesn't have a taller tire than a 15" wheel, so overall, the 18" doesn't fill the well any more than a 15" does. Visually, the larger wheel can actually increase the gap. Lowering the car or running a taller tire is the only way to fill the wheel well.

 

Welcome to the 235 club!

Definetly lower that beast!

 

show us the photochop?

 

if it's ok with Mach V Dan, then I will post it up

 

Fine by me.

--Dan
Mach V
FastMINI.net

 

The black wheel arch trim is larger.

I think that's not going to be possible with this wide of a tire. A 235/40R18 would be 4% taller, and would almost certainly rub on the suspension, the fender liners, or both.

You could probably get away with a narrower section width...

--Dan
Mach V
FastMINI.net

 

Here you go.







I think this loooks really good!

 

i agree

 

Please lower it at least as much as the P-chops show. The darn R56-ers look like they are ready fro the next flood!

Wheels are cool design. Just don't think it works with the chassis so high in the air. Like I said, hopefully you can keep them and bring the car down to some reasonable height like a sport compact should be!

 

Arron at Outmotoring has told me that 15x7 Pro Race 1 wheels with a 45 offset will clear 2007 MCS brakes. Since 225/50/15's are a little narrower and shorter than 235/40/17s I would think that they would fit fine - at least on an unlowered suspension. Anyone have any experience with this size or an informed opinion?

Thanks,

Mark

 

That looks great Dan. Really flows well with the dark windows.

-Martin