why do ppl tend to increase to 215? im not realli expert in tire facts...can i know why? thanx

 

205/45-17 is stock sized for the MINI based on the 17x7" rim and the runflat tires for 17" wheels.

Tire selection for this size is very limited in non runflats.

Using the same 17x7 rim size you can mount 215/40-17 or 215/45-17 easily with the former size being a little smaller and later size being a little taller than stock tire diameter.

225/45-17 is a little too tall and wide to fit well for the MINI wheel well and under load with passengers you risk rubbing. Any lowering of the suspension would also risk some rubbing.

205/40-17 is also a possible size but load ratings can be a bit low for use with the MINI, use only those tires that have a load rating of about 84 or greater. This is also a smaller than stock tire diameter which gives some speedometer and odometer error.

So if you like runflats then keep the 205/45-17 size. If you like non runflats then you can use that size or 215/45-17.

If you have 15" wheels then there are no tires in 215mm sizes only 205 and 225mm widths.

If you have 16" wheels there are some 205, 215, and 225mm tires sizes that will work but most common would be 205/50-16.

18" wheels tend to be wider tires about 215 to 235mm and many rims are 7.5 or even 8" wide.

 

Wow thats a very good explaination minihune, I did just for the looks .

 

I went with the 215/40 17's for the wider tire and a lower profile. It is about a 1/4" shorter.

 

I went with 215 on my 16's so i could go from 55 to 50 aspect ratio and have the overall diameter be as close as possible. Pretty much for every 20mm wider you can lower the aspect ratio 5 and be the same diameter within 1mm or so. The stock 16 tires were 195.

 

thank you..will 215 wheels do just fine providing comfort ride? will it effect speedometer?

 

Comfortable ride has to do with-

Tire size and sidewall profile, the lower or shorter the sidewall the stiffer it is and the less comfortable it tends to be.

Suspension setup and alignment- stock suspension is fine but any lowered suspension is going to be likely better for handling and looks and less comfortable to some extent. Coilovers can be comfortable if they are adjustable (shock dampening and rebound) while lowering springs alone can be less comfortable- depends on which shocks you use.

Your road conditions- rough roads and potholes are very harsh and not a good match for lower sidewall tires and large diameter wheels. If you have very smooth roads then you can use nearly any tire and wheel combination but if you have poor roads then be careful and choose tires that are closer to 50 series or 55 series for more comfort if you can.

215/40-17 looks good and is more aggressive but can be more harsh- depends on which tire you select. Some tires are built for more comfort while others offer better handling with less comfort.

215/45-17 will work OK but is larger than stock and has some speedo and odometer error, it isn't that bad and the tire will wear down and get very close to stock size. With stock suspension it is OK but with lowering you might risk a little rubbing in the rear wheel arches on the inner plastic- you can trim with a dremmel tool if needed. It's not severe.

 

thanx... should i get 205/45 17 Good year F1 All Season OR 215/45 17 Good Year DS-GS

 

Both are fine and workable but they are different tires.

Goodyear Eagle F1 All Season is an Ultra High Performance All Season tire with reasonably good handling, a comfortable ride, and longer lasting. Good for wet or dry and some light snow. You trade off some performance for more comfort and longer treadwear. A good street tire.

Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 is a Max Performance summer tire meant for very good handling in wet or dry, will wear faster and cannot be used in the snow. If you plan to do track driving or high performance driving school then this tire would be fine.

 

I would check the thread I posted below. It's an old thread but it has a lot of useful information about running 215/40/17's & 215/45/17's. MSFITOY has run up to a 225 without rubbing. Hope this helps!


https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=91811

 

thanx a lot moderator...ONE LAST Question...sorrry...ur so helpful...
now i narrowed my choice to A/S Eagle F1..... but can't decide between 215 or 205 from the Eagles....can you help me??? i appreciate it...

 

Both sizes are OK and will fit 17x7" wheels. Both will work for street use. For any performance driving the 215/45-17 is a little better.

If you have stock wheels and want the stock tire look then 205/45-17 is OK.

Some advantages of 205/45-17
It costs less at $122 per tire vs $130
It will give you decent enough handling for street use.
It weighs less at 22 lbs each.
It looks stock.

Choose 215/45-17 if you don't mind-
It's a little taller and closes the wheel gap a little by 0.3"
It's a little heavier at 2 lbs more per tire
It's taller so a little speedo and odometer error but it's only slight
It's taller so a little slower acceleration but not much.
Aesthetically it will look a little wider and a little more aggressive.
If you lower your suspension later there is less clearance.

 

I run the 215 x 35ZR X 18 in the summer and they work great, especially if you like to feel the road. In the winter I run 205 X 45VR X 17 and they also work great. More road comfort, but they are also run-flats, which are harder, in general.

 

I have the 18 inch JCW wheels, with stock 205/40 rubber. When it comes time to put new shoes on next year I am going with a 215/35 size. Tire rack has about 3 choices in the stock size, and 5x that in the 215. And cheaper (not necessarily worse) options.

 

75mm profile...that is thin.

 

As far as the tire choice, I have the Nitto Gen 215 X 35ZR X 18 that would fit your JWC wheel. I think the Tire Rack sells them and they are not as expensive as some other brands, but still very high quality. I just rotate them straight front to back to get the most out of them, because obviously the fronts will wear faster than the rears.

 

Great thread.

I have a question though.

I have 195/55/16 and I'm having trouble finding a replacement. Tirerack is out of that size run-flat for All-Seasons, which is what I need.

What would be an alternate size for my wheels?

Could I go to 205/55/16 - Tire In Question

I know its not run-flat but I think I'll survive without 'em. Always call Roadside

Thanks in advance.

 

If you must have runflats then 195/55-16 is the size you want.

If you don't want runflats then first look at 205/50-16. (24.1" tire diam)
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...ireSearch=true
See
Pirelli PZero Nero M&S $118 each 400 treadwear
Kumho Ecsta ASX $75 each 420 treadwear ($70 closeout in 205/55-16)


205/55-16 is taller (24.9") than stock tire diameter. It can still be used with stock suspension but expect a fairly tall tire, some speedo and odometer error and less wheel well clearance (less wheel gap).

 

I have read all the postings for replacing tires and now would like to get recommendations on 21545-17 tires to replace my OEM Eagle runflats. Looking at the tire rack web site there are three that I'm trying to choose from right now those being:

ContiExtremeContact
Yokohama Avid W4s
Kumho Ecsta ASX (KU21)

My intension is to get a good tire that will have better tread wear then the poor treadwear I've been reading about and have experienced. I'm willing to go to a HP all season vs UHP if I can get a good tire.

Any other recommendations?

Thanks,

Scott

 

What about non run-flat 215/50/16's, they calculate out at 24.6" vs 24.5" for the stock 195/55/16's? Will these look too "bulgy" on a stock 6.5" rim, or are there any other negative aspects to this combo, such as sidewall flex etc.?

cheers

greg v.

 

215/50-16 will fit a stock 16x6.5" rim.

205/50-16 is about 1/2" more narrow on tread width than 215/50-16 and about 2 pounds lighter per tire. For the stock rim and offset this is OK but for any lowered MINI with less offset there is risk for rubbing in the rear.

A basic search for tires in 215/50-16 shows about 6 tires to choose from-
3 UHP summer, 1 UHP All Season, 2 HP All Season. You may get a better tire selection with an alternate size.

You also search for Falken, Toyo and Hankook tires in 215/50-16.
I see only Falken Ze 912 (UHP All Season)

 

215/45-17
UHP All Season tires- also check
Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS $155 each 400 treadwear
Yokohama Advan S.4. $172 each 400 treadwear
Goodyear Eagle F1 All Season $131 each 420 treadwear

HP All Season tires-
Bridgestone G009 $134 each 460 treadwear (less handling, longer treadwear)
Yokohama Avid H4S $96 each 500 treadwear

 

Minihune

thanks for your response, the Falken Ziex 912's are actually what I am interested in, and they are available locally to me on special order for approx. $140 each Can$.

In your opinion, what is the better overall choice, using a stock 16" x 6.5" rim and given that the tire will be used for year round west coast driving on mixed condition roads: 215/50/16 or 205/50/16? I am happy with the ride as it is with the 195/55/16 Dunlop run-flats on my stock '03 MCS, but I don't want to go any stiffer, nor do I want to sacrifice any handling abilities. I am leaning towards the 215's due to the similar o.d. to stock and the slightly higher sidewall height, but I'd rather not have to look at tires that look like doughnuts nor deal with any other issues due to the increased tire width.

Your input is very much appreciated.

cheers

greg v.

 

I've just bought a set of Nittos in 205/45/16 since my thought was the slightly smaller radius and slightly lighter tire could do nothing but help the acceleration of my MC.
Was I thinking correctly on this or not? As ggv above, the stock 16" rims were my starting point and TireRack did indicate that the 205/45/16 were an acceptable size for the MINI.

 

i have the goodyear f1 as 215 45 17 and can't complain...did away with torque steer and are pretty good in snow