If my understanding is correct the primary usage of spacers is to adjust for the offset differences in aftermarket wheels and to prevent rubbing when making adjustments to suspension parts/geometry. Neither of these is my concern. My thought for getting spacers would be to widen the track to make the wheels appear less hidden under the arches and to reduce understeer.

I have a 2006 MCS with JCW Suspension, JCW R105 18x7 wheels (52mm offset) with OEM sized 205/40/18 wheels and MINI steering stop limiters. For my next set of tires I will probably go for 215/40/18s. My original plan was to get 5mm H&R TRAK+ wheel spacers for all four corners, however most people say that understeer is reduced when using front spacers but not rears. In order to fulfill my goal of both aesthetics and reducing understeer I assume I'd have to get 15mm front and 5mm rears, thus increasing both track widths for aesthetics but the front in greater proportion to reduce understeer. Is my assumption correct? With 15mm spacers on the front, would I expect rubbing? How about with 215/40/18s? I'd rather stay with 5mm spacers or less all around to minimize rubbing, minimize tire and bearing wear, and stay with OEM lugs, but am not sure I'd reach my goal(s).

Anybody have pics of their OEM wheels with spacers, preferably front 3/4s or a tighter view. I'm mostly curious how noticeable of a difference 5mm and 15mm spacers would make both visually as well as in regards to understeer (and yes I have an adjustable rear sway bar, so perhaps this is less of an issue.)

 

Also curious on the spacers.

 

I have 18x7 ET52 wheels with 215/40x18 tires. I have 15mm spacers at all four corners. I have the JCW suspension, so about 2/3" lowered. I have no rubbing in the front and slight rubbing in the rear under heavy loading.
Attached are pictures.
1. Front view with 15mm spacers
2. Front slight angle view without spacers.
3. Front slight angle view with 15mm spacers.
You can even go with 20mm spacers in the front with no rubbing issues.
It is hard to tell from the pictures but I think it looks much better with the spacers.

 

quikmni, thanks for the spot-on info and pics! Upon first glance of the pics it was hard to notice the difference with spacers, but it became clear when I compared the center-line of your tires to my tires to see/envision the track increase.

No adverse effects I'm assuming. Of course being in Cali, your roads are significantly better than ours. Besides aesthetics, did the 15mm all-round change the handling at all? Looking at the pics have you noticed more dings/debris on the doors and lower side sills? Any decrease in fuel economy?

 

I also have H&R 5mm spacers all around on 18x7 ET52 wheels with 225/35x18 tires. Yes, reduced understeer, but also reduced oversteer, not sure if its due to tire size or spacers though? I also have H-Sport 25.5mm Comp bar, maybe I'll increase psi on rear tires. I will take pics sunday.

Quick can you please take photos of rears too?
Thanks

 

Attached is a picture of the rear with 15mm spacers 18x7 ET 52 wheels and 215/40-18 tires.

No ill affects with the 15mm spacers other than slight rub in the rear when loaded. The GP has black plastic at the bottom of the side skirts so no issue with chips. On my 2003 MCS with 38 offset wheels (about the same as 52 offset with 15mm spacers) I did notice a few chips from debris thrown up by the tires.

The spacers do make it a little more of a pain when mounting wheels/tires because you need to keep the holes lined up to install the lug bolts. However, it is not a big deal.

I now have studs on my car (for other reasons) so it is easy to deal with the spacer alignment.

With the spacers you also need longer lug bolts which can be a pain to obtain in black especially if you need the newer 14mm bolts. If silver bolts are OK, then no problem.

 

Pics of GP wheels on 225/35-18 w/ 5mm H&R Spacers:

 

More Pics of GP wheels on 225/35-18 w/ 5mm H&R Spacers:

 

If you decide to go with 15mm spacers, I am selling my 15mm longer lug bolts. They are the 14mm x 1.25 pitch x 43mm long bolts. Late 2006 (such as my GP) Mini switched to the 14mm lug bolt instead of the 12mm bolt. Depending on the year/build date of your car you my have 14mm bolts.

 

????
My pics are missing?