I've got R105 wheels on my MCCS with 205/40/r18 Pirelli runflats. I bought car used so I'm not sure who installed them but I assume it was a MINI dealership. After 32k miles it's time for new tires. No I'm not getting more runflats. My question is... Can I install 215/40/r18's instead of the 205's? The selection seems to be much better in that size. Will this be a problem for function and/or mileage? Any advice you can provide would be appreciated. Thanks much, Bjorn

 

The original 205/40-18 tire size is better for your car than the 215/40-18 which fits better on wider wheels about 7.5-8" wide vs the stock 18x7" wheels.

While 215/40-18 will fit on your wheels and barely fit on your MINI using stock suspension, it is a little tall at about 24.9" vs stock 24.4". This gives less clearance so increases chances for rubbing especially in the rear.

You can still use it with the 215/40-18 tires but be careful going over speedbumps and over rough uneven roads. Don't overload the rear seat or boot with heavy things. If driving with four people be careful.

In 205/40-18 there is-

Michelin Pilot Super Sport
205/40-18 $182 each 300 treadwear Max Summer tire
215/40-18 $283 each also available. Both are 20 lbs each

The Pilot super sport is a great choice if you want excellent handling and you want more performance especially with a Cooper S. It does wear faster and is not for any cold weather or snow. It isn't a budget tire but is a great value for a performance tire in 205/40-18.

What tire were you considering in 215/40-18?

If you are needing a tire for cold weather and some light snow then-
Continental ExtremeContact DWS
215/40-18 $143 each 540 treadwear 24.8" tire diameter, 20 lbs

This tire will last longer, have good value, handles well and can be driving in cold weather and some snow. In heavy snow you need snow tires.

 

Thanks for the info minihune. The Conti DWS looks perfect as I do need an all season tire. But in the 205 size, I don't see any good all season tires. I'd rather not swap to a winter tire since I'd have it on for 8 months of the year. Any thoughts on a quality all season 205?

 

In 205/40-18 there is not much to choose from for All Season tires.

People that use 18x7 wheels are not using them much for all season driving so demand is small.

Tirerack doesn't sell any and only a few other choices are possible-

One that would work is -
Nitto Neo Gen in 205/40-18 which is an Ultra High Performance All Season tire, 280 treadwear, 24.5" tire diameter
http://www.nittotire.com/Tire/neogen
http://www.tunerzine.com/view_news/p...o-neo-gen-tire

Here are some options for the Neo Gen's
http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-NEW-Nitto-...ht_2734wt_1141
http://www.dnjwheels.com/performance...463&parent=983

The Neo Gen is more on handling and performance and less on long treadlife or good snow use. It's probably ok in the wet or cold and only light snow.

Nitto also makes the Nitto Motivo which is more like the ExtremeContact DWS with more treadwear rating and seeks more of a balance of street handling with long treadlife in all weather. The motivo does not come in any sizes good for the MINI in 18".

Your other option is use the Continental ExtremeContact DWS in the larger than stock size but it does cost more (has more treadwear rating likely will last longer to offset the initial cost). This tire will fit with stock suspension.
Since tire is taller than stock it will close the wheel gap and reduce clearance but also increase ride height so it may look like the MINI is higher off the ground by a little. This is actually a good thing in the snow.

Either way both options are good if you have very light snow. If sometimes more snow then the ExtremeContact DWS would be more secure for those times plus the longer treadlife.

 

Thanks!