Okay, so I just bought Konig Feathers 17x7 off of Alta. They recommend 215/45-17 size. But I see 205/45-17 also work. After some looking into, I see that the 215/45 ones are a little larger profile tire, am I right? The 205/45 size is a few dollars cheaper and is a little lower profile. I live in a place with some fairly bad roads, so would the 215/45 ones be a better choice.

 

I'm a BIG believer in the 215/45R17 size. I've been running that size in various tires since I ditched the runflats 30,000 miles ago. No regrets. A *little* more sidewall height to absorb the shocks (though only a few millimeters) - but also a 1cm wider for more grip and a more aggressive looking stance. And the diameter is almost 1cm taller, so they fill the fender wells a bit better. No rubbing issues on stock height or slightly lowered cars.

 

I like the 215/40-17 option. The 215/45 has about 1/4" more sidewall than a 205/45. The 215/40 has about 1/4" less sidwall than a 205/45. I like the 215/40 because it reduces ride height. However, if you are looking for a little more protection from bumps go with the 215/45. Definitely go with 215.

 

I have 215/45-17 and it works well.
I had 215/40-17 and did like the look, but potholes killed two wheels. No such problem with the 45s.

 

If you are feeling adventurous there is always the option of 225/45 as well. That's what I run on my S-lights, so if the Konigs have a similar caster you could probably get away with it. Keep in mind though that it does make all of your gears a bit taller.

 

dont just look at the numbers. some tire brands are wider even though they have a lower number! go to tire rack.com and it gives the actual specs of the tires. I am running 225's but know of someone with a different brand running 215's and they are 1/2 inch wider then mine

 

225/45-17 fit rims 7-8.5" wide and are larger than stock tire diameter at 25".
This will fit on the rim but because it is much wider and taller than stock will look oversized on a MINI like tires that are too big. You get less clearance and less wheel gap along with speedo and odometer error. You also risk rubbing in the back with a full load of passengers or cargo or when doing hard turns.

225/45-17 is not generally a recommended size for the MINI and will not work for any lowered MINI.

Best is to use 205/45-17 and if you have stock suspension then 215/45-17 is an alternative. 205/50-17 is also tall at 25.1" and has the same problems as 225/45-17. Some owners have used it but rubbing is at risk.

If you have poor roads and potholes then drive slower and be careful and use tires with at least 45 series sidewalls. 215/40-17 is smaller tire diameter than stock which increases wheel gap on a MINI with stock suspension. It is a workable size for lowered MINIs. 40 Series sidewalls are stiff and not comfortable for use on bad roads. You risk more damage if you hit a pothole going fast- you can damage rim, tire, or suspension/shock towers.

If you choose 215/45-17 or 205/45-17 you can pick a tire that gives more comfort and that probably would be a good consideration. Summer and All Season tires come in these sizes. Summer tires might cost a little more, wear faster, give better handling and less tire treadwear life, they are used in warm weather down to 35 degrees and no snow.

 

225/45-17 is not generally a recommended size for the MINI and will not work for any lowered MINI.

mine is lowered 1.5 and run 225/45/r17's and driven aggressively has Never, Rubbed.
Again, it depends on the brand, not so much the actual "numbers"

 

Not generally would be the average MINI owner. You've found that the Falken tires you have work for your MINI.

There are a few tricks to get a 225/45-17 tire to fit.

Use coilovers that allow for full ride height adjustment- make the height just ri for the tire diameter.
Use more negative camber front or rear where you need it- up to about -2.4 degrees is possible with lower adjustable control arms and adjustable from camber plate.
Use a rim what is extra wide so the tire is stretched out some which lessens the squareness of the shoulder of the tread
Find a tire that is a little less than 25" in real tire diameter due to how it is made, a little variation exists with various tires and companies
Shave the tread a little to make it fit- you can shave 3/32"

I had 17x7 rims, H-sport springs with 1" drop front and rear and rubbed in the back on both sides with 215/45-17 on turns, any uneven roads, and with one person in the back. 215/45-17 is 24.7" tire diameter

Your results may vary. Some MINIs have a little more or less clearance in stock form.

 

Thanks for all input all!


This paragraph needs a little work.

 

All he means is 215/40-17 is workable for him given the tradeoffs. There are many good handling tires in that size but some will be more expensive. Comfort and harshness for street use is not usable for daily driving when you have rough roads and potholes.

Since you live in MN are you thinking about having separate winter tires and these would be for summer use or are you thinking about all season tires.

If all season tires, Ultra High Performance All Season tires are a good place to start. For an MC you can also consider High Perf All Season tires.

 

Yeah, I am going to put winter tires on my R93 Rockets.

 

OK, that's fine. Winter tires on 15" Stock Rockets.

Then go over to the other tread discussing 215/45-17 tires on a budget of about $130 or less.

Summer tires would work for you with good handling but some do wear out faster.

UHP All Season tires would last longer and offer good handling with a little more comfort.

 

Why isn't 215/40 17 more popular than 214/45/17 when OEM is 205/45 17? 215/40 17 is closer to OEm than 215/45 17.

 

I need a little help also. As of 2/28, I will be driving on stock 195/55/16 on my new Clubman-S. I've never cared too much about tire size options in the past, but it seems to play an important role with MINIACS.

What are my size options?
195, 205, 215, etc.
55, 50, 45, etc.
My driving is average (no racing or extreme performance needed); I like a smooth ride but I want it to look good also . I've always driven much heavier cars (Cadillac CTS, Acura TL).

Thanks gang.

 

OEM 205/45-17 is best as far as MINI is concerned. And the tire itself lies between 215/40-17 and 215/45-17 in tire diameter.

If all roads across the country were in good repair and smooth and all MINIs were lowered then 215/40-17 would indeed be a very very popular replacement for the stock tire size.

However the reality of it is 215/40-17:
-Usually costs more than other 205 or 215 tire sizes in the same tire
-Has a lower sidewall profile which is stiffer for usually better handling on corners but delivers a harsher sometimes noisy ride for daily use.
-Is less than stock tire diameter so the wheel gap on a stock suspension would be larger and the tire would look undersized.
-Has a lower load rating than 215/45-17 which is a factor if you often carry four people and their gear.
-Comes in tires that are oriented more for performance and handling that for treadlife and comfort. 215/45-17 gives you better tire selection from -Summer to All Season tires.


MINIs come with runflats stock.

First you need to decide if you want to stay with runflats or not-
Runflats offer more safety for getting a flat in heavy traffic or in bad weather or an unfamiliar place where you don't want to stop. But they come in limited sizes and brands. They offer a moderately responsive ride in terms of handling but can be very heavy, stiff sidewalled, firmer riding and moderate in treadwear.

Non runflats are available in many more sizes and tire classes and can offer better handling, better comfort, and longer wear. But only some MINIs have spare tires- Cooper S variants don't.

Next you need to decide whether to keep your stock suspension, add only shocks like Koni FSD for a smoother ride with better handling or lower your suspension. Anything that changes ride height lower will decrease room for your tires so tire size becomes critical. With a stock suspension you can run tires up to about 24.8" before rubbing becomes common.

Using your stock 16x6.5" wheels-
Stock tire size of 195/55-16 usually favors runflats and only a few non runflats are possible.
205/50-16 is common but a little smaller tire diameter than stock.
205/55-16 is possible and been used successfully but is slightly taller than stock with a taller sidewall for more comfort. Slightly less stiff sidewall so a little less crisp and responsive handling. Tire selection is good.
Those two are the most common sizes for street use.

Then some owners have tried other sizes for various reasons. Sometimes choosing a lower sidewall for better handling, racing, smaller tire diameter for more clearance with a lowered suspension, aggressive appearance, etc.

Examples-
195/55-16 24.4" tire diameter

205/40-16 fits rims from 7-8" wide, stock rim too narrow to fit well.
Has lower load rating, not for daily use. Race tire size. 22.3" tire diameter very small. Lighter weight and much stiffer ride.

205/45-16 smaller tire diameter of 23.2" increases wheel gap. very firm
Fits a 7" wide rim best but can fit on rims from 6.5-7.5" wide.

205/50-16 has slightly smaller than stock tire diameter of 24.1"
Fits 6.5" stock rim perfectly, fits rims 5.5-7.5" wide

205/55-16 has taller than stock tire diameter of 24.9"
Fits 6.5" stock rim perfectly, fits rims 5.5-7.5" wide

205/60-16 is too tall for the MINI. 25.5" tire diameter

215/45-16 smaller tire diameter of 23.6" increases wheel gap. very firm
Fits a 7" wide rim best but can fit on rims from 7-8" wide.
Largely a racing tire size. Limited selection.

225/50-16 has taller than stock tire diameter of 24.9"
Fits 7" stock rim perfectly, fits rims 6-8" wide, heavier tire by 1-2 lbs

225/55-16 is too tall for the MINI. 25.7" tire diameter

 

Exellent info! Thanks.

This is the first I've seen any info about Tire Diameter. How do you calculate it?

 

There are other sites like this too.
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalcold.html

 

Very cool.

Thanks!

 

Yes, tire diameter can be calculated from tire size.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...e.jsp?techid=7
http://www.pepboys.com/car_care_corn...tire_diameter/

Try to use tires that are very near (3%) of stock tire diameter to keep speedometer and odometer readings as close to accurate as possible.

Smaller tire diameter gives more clearance and better gearing for performance driving but lower top speed for a given gear.

 

I'm looking into buying the Konig Feathers as well. I have decided to also go with a 215/45/17 tire size as the roads in Calgary are not the greatest. Now it is just trying to decide on the actual tires.

 

Yeah thats where I am at too. I will probably go with Yokohama S Drives. They are affordable, and rate well with tire rack.