I am looking to run some more summer oriented rubber but I dont want to change the look or stance of my ride all that much from what it currently sits like.

With that being said.

Current picture of the car:



Currently on 205/40-17 Kumho ASX with a little life left in them still...

I am wanting to run either 215/40-17 or if I can get it to fit, 215/45-17. I know the Kumho XS and Dunlop Star Spec come in the 215/45-17 and are relatively inexpensive for what they are when this size is executed. However, If I run 15mm spacers all the way around, will that size tire clear without rubbing? Currently sitting on TSW springs as well.

Thanks in advance!

 

If you don't want to change the stance of your car, why are you wanting to run taller tires? Even ignoring that, why are you wanting taller tires...and why shorter than stock tires now? You can get the star spec tires in a 215/40R17 and won't have to worry about diameter issues.

--Matt

 

I think 215/40-17 is a good size. I used that size tire on my 2003 MCS with 17x7" wheels with 38mm offset with H&R springs (lowered about 1"). I had slight rubbing on the rear wheel arch that required a little plastic trimming.

So whether or not you will have rubbing with 15mm spacers depends on the width and offset of your current wheels. If your wheels are 7" wide with around 52mm offset you should be able to use 15mm spacers with the TSW springs.

 

I originally ran shorter tire becasue that was what the local tire shop had available when my tires bit the dust :/ The size has been fine and I love the look, but the parking garage I know have to park my car in has such hard clearances on the ramps that my front end scrapes everywhere I go! I figure if I raise the car a bit through putting a slightly taller tire on there than what I currently run, I will be doing just fine!

I have run 215/40-17 before and it seemed to worked just fine without the spacers. I would imagine that it will work just fine with them as well. We will see once it is all mounted up and whatnot.

Falken, Dunlop, and Yokohama all make tires in the size that fit what I am looking for. I guess it will all depend on how much money I want to spend!

 

For some reason, TireRack has the 215-45-17 Star Specs on special for $147, but the 215-40-17 size is $177 each.

I see the Bridgestone Pole Position S-04 is also on closeout in the 215-45-17 size at $148 right now, which is a pretty good all around tire.

215-40 is about 0.5" under OEM diameter, and 215-45 is about 0.3" over.
So the 215-45 is actually closer to original diameter, but it's close.

 

I noticed the price difference and it was primarily the reason I was looking at the 215/45-17 vs. 215/40-17. I think I have decided after reading everyone's reviews and some opinions from not only Mini owners but some of my friends who have run these tire on their cars, that the Star Specs will get my vote for sure! Now, just got to figure out the size.

 

Those are pretty high on my list. I am really trying to decide if I get some aftermarket 17x7's and go with the 215-45-17 or stick with my S-winder OEM MCS 16x6.5 and go with 205-50-16. Interestingly those tires are same price in both those sizes, so the cost difference comes down to the wheels. I'm looking at the Motegei racing which are 17.6lbs - same as my OEM 16's. A bit over $500 for the set.

 

OK, you have a base cooper with TSW springs for 1" drop in front and 3/4" drop in the rears. Assuming 17x7 wheels what is your offset if aftermarket?

205/40-17 is smaller tire diameter of 23.4" or about 1" smaller than stock.
205/45-17 would be a good choice or 215/40-17 would work too.

215/45-17 is taller than stock so chance of rubbing in the rear is possible and ride height would be much higher than what you are running now- ground clearance is more than stock.

Using spacers moves the wheels more outward so less clearance on a lowered car, the only way to get more clearance is to increase negative camber- which is possible but has it's limits.

Note your Kumho ASX tires are Ultra High performance All Season tires with 420 treadwear. If you are considering Extreme Summer tires like the Kumho XS and Dunlop Direzza Star Spec you should know their treadwear is about 180 and you trade strong grip for much faster wear.

Is longer treadlife of any importance to you?
Cheaper tires that wear fast would be one option but moderately priced tires with good handling and good wear would be another.


Kumho Ecsta 4X (ultra high performance All season tire), 420 treadwear
205/40-17 $85 each, tire diameter 23.5"
205/45-17 $101 each, tire diameter 24.3" should work with spacers and not rub
tirerack test results-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=151
It's a good value for a good handling and longer wearing tire.

I have driven streets with Extreme, Max, UHP, and Grand Touring tires in Summer and All Season types. The Extreme Summers are really sticky and fun but will wear quickly, if you don't mind buying tires yearly or worse then fine provided you have no colder weather or any snow. If you have some rain the all season tires are a little better in any bad weather and for any cold temperatures or any snow, they can also be more comfortable for daily use.

If you are tracking your car or doing regular autocross or track sessions then the Extreme Summer tires are a good choice. If you doing only street driving then a good compromise would be really good UHP all season tires like the Kumho 4X.

The other good UHP All season tire for the MINI is-

Continental ExtremeContact DWS
205/45-17 $119 each, 540 treadwear
Tirerack test results
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=147
Decent value for this tire, good wearing.

 

I find it really hard to agree with this. I've driven on a lot of UHP all season tires, and they're not even in the same ballpark as UHP summers...even on the street. If you're looking at extreme perf summer tires, they're another leap further. I'm assuming, since the star spec was listed in the OP, that treadlife isn't a huge concern. If you're going with anything beyond UHP though, expect to need a couple/few sets a year (or more depending on mileage).

Moving from one UHP all season tire to another UHP all season tire really isn't going to make a huge difference like moving to a UHP or Extreme Perf summer tire. I agree with the sizing recommendations though Moving back to a stock diameter tire in 215/40-17 or 205/45-17 is generally a good idea (accurate speedometer/odometer).

--Matt

 

personally I always prefer UHP or max perf summers on a good handling car - even for wet weather driving, at least in my climate where it is rarely below 45deg when raining. I don't find all seasons to be all that great at anything, other than maybe wear. As far as Conti's go, I would prefer to use the DW. Wet performance on that tire is very good.

 

I have been looking at the Kumho LE Sport. The reviews have been solid and price right now seems too good to be true! I can either run them in the 205/45-17 or the 215/40-17. I know the 205/45-17 is the stock size and would provide me bit more clearance. Not to mention, a full set of them is very inexpensive!

 

Yes, for value the Kumho LE Sport (Max Summer tire) is good. 280 treadwear. $84 each for the stock 205/45-17.

A word on tire classes.

In general the Extreme Summer tire class is going to give you the softest rubber great for handling and cornering, braking and acceleration. You trade off those qualities for tire wear and sometimes noise and ride comfort.

In Max Summer you get a little more treadwear and not quite as much grip but it's very good and fine for street use.

In Ultra High performance tires whether Summer or all Season there is a great variety of tires that are compromising one thing or another whether it's wet vs dry vs snow vs tire wear vs handling vs comfort, etc. So while it is possible to find a great handling UHP tire it may have to cost more or trade off other qualities. It's hard to find a UHP tire that will do everything you want at a decent price.

Tires are all about compromise, make your choice and learn from it.

If you drive aggressively on the street then a UHP tire may not have enough grip, the MINI is a capable car.

And treadwear numbers are only relative, not absolute, it can vary between tire companies and depends on how you drive.

 

I am pretty set on the LE sport now after all of the reviews and whatnot. Now, i just have to decide on the size. I dont think i will have clearance issues with either aforementioned size and 15mmI spacers all around. I am thinking a 205;45-17 OEM fitment should more rhan agressive enough, but any further input is welcomed and appreciated! The wider stance look is going to be great and i cant wait to see it with some summer rubber mounted

 

205/45-17 ftw

 

I decided to do this logically and wait to order tires until I can get my 15mm spacers mounted in the rear and re-measure the clearance, just to see how much room I have with the current tire size and what the relative room will be with each diameter increase from the new tires. Then, I will know what to order

 

Well, the spacers went on and I love the new stance! Glad I didn't resort to new wheels.

I think that I will be running 215/40-17 just to be safe with clearance. The 205/45 may fit, but I would rather not take the chance. Plus the 215/40-17 will give me a little more contact patch, which the added grip eill be a welcome addition when the new brakes arrive.