Hi Everyone,

I would just like to ask the opinion of experts/seniors here regarding which biggest size (tire width) is possible with my stock R112 rims, offset 48 size 17. Im running a 2009 MINI JCW Cooper and planning to put 225 (non- RFT), i just dont know if it will touch fender wall or whether it will hit my suspension.

Insights and guidance will be highly appreciated.

Thank you.

 

Assuming you have JCW factory suspension and stock 17x7 rims then you are limited to 205 to 225mm wide tires unless you want the tire not to fit which doesn't make sense. You want a tire diameter of about 24.4" which is stock. if you go larger then there is more chance for rubbing, you can go a little smaller and it will fit but increase wheel gap a little and be a little off on the speedometer and odometer.

If you look at the Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Spec (Extreme summer tire)
You can mount-
215/40-17 fits rims 7-8.5" wide, 23.8" tire diameter
215/45-17 fits rims 7-8" wide, 24.6" tire diameter
225/45-17 fits rims 7-8.5" wide, 25" tire diameter
235/40-17 fits rims 8-9.5" wide, 24.4" tire diameter

Both the 225/45 and 235/40 are a little too big for the MINI. 225/45 is too tall but could be used, you get some speedo error and less clearance. 235/40 is a little wide for a 17x7 rim and most shops won't mount it but you can find a speciality shop that might. It will work and have clearance but the shape of the tire is oversized for the narrow rim so the stress on the tire and sidewall won't be ideal.

Really for 7" wide rims 215mm is ideal, 215/40 is a little small and has a lower profile sidewall which is stiffer and handles better but rides rougher, not good for potholes. 215/45 is a little tall but fine with stock suspension and allows for a little more comfort, it's probably your best bet for wider than stock.

235/40-17 is a workable size tire but really needs a 17x8" wide rim to fit well. Wide rims usually can mean more weight and more cost in some cases.

 

minihune- Thank you very much for the info. I will go for the 215/45 tires then. FYI, Im living in the middle east, Temp here goes to a peak of 51 degrees centigrade. Now, which tire do you suggest?

Dunlop direzza good enough for this extreme temp?

Thanks....

 

I just ordered a 2013 JCW with sport suspension. I'm not a fan of runflats, so when the vehicle arrives the RFT tires will be the 1st to go.

I'm looking at the Michelin Pilot Super Sport's 215/45/ZR17. Section width is 8.4, tread width 7.7 and overall diameter 24.7. I like the Michelin lineup. Will this be an exccellent choice when it comes to fitment and better handling for my JCW? I don't want to sacrafice handling or cause the tires to rub.

 

For driving in hotter climates you need to make sure your tire pressures are correct. Best to check them in the morning when it's cool not once the sun is up. Worst is underinflated tires.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete....jsp?techid=73


Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Spec (Extreme Summer tire)
$147 each, 200 treadwear
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....t+Z1+Star+Spec

These tires all should be fine for your hot weather provided you inflated them correctly. This is the most performance minded Dunlop tire. They do wear faster.

If you want an excellent tire that will wear longer then-


Michelin Pilot Super Sport (Max Summer tire)
215/45-17 $168 each 300 treadwear

Or for more value

Continental ExtremeContact DW (Max Summer tire)
215/45-17 $127 each 340 treadwear

 

Whew! Thanks for the info Sir minihune. Youre really a big help...I will get the dunlop direzza for my car.

BTW, do you happen to know a rim that looks exactly like Volks TE37 for cooper? Any of you guys familiar with DOTZ GTR size 18"? I saw this online, just not sure if it will fit our car just like the TE37. TE37 has big clearance for our brembo. If anyone here knows about this DOTZ GTR, kindly give me your insights.

Many thanks....

 

Just found this pretty neat conversion chart. Plug your tire size in and it gives you alternative tire choices.

http://www.tiresizecalculator.info/m/calculate.php

 

Volk TE37


Dots GTR not all 18" wheels will fit, 18x7.5 4x100 et 42 OK to fit Cooper, 18x8 is wrong bolt pattern for MINI
http://www.alloywheels.com/7.5x18_In...oy_Wheels_Only


Rota Grid (spokes not a tapered at ends), 17x7.5 et40
http://18racing.com/wheel_grid.html
There are other Rota wheels that are similar but some are 7 spoke design

 

Just a note, if you do choose 18" wheels you have a limited number of tire sizes to choose from.

The Dunlop Direzza Star Spec and Continental DW tires don't have sizes good for 18" wheels on the MINI

But Michelin Pilot Super Sport will fit 18" wheels for the MINI-
205/40-18 $176 each ,fits 7-8" wide rims, 24.5" tire diameter is stock for JCW wheels
215/40-18 $283 each, fits 7-8.5" rims, 24.8" tire diameter should fit.

 

Sir minihune, does it mean that DOTZ GTR 18x7.5 4x100 et 42 would clear our brembo brakes? I inquired with some online dealers before, some says it wont, some says it will. Im confused. Bolt pattern is ok, Im just not sure regarding its clearance with JCW's big brembo calipers. Im planning to get these rims for my 2nd set of rims.

Any DOTZ GTR user here??? Insights will be appreciated.

 

Sir minuhune: again tnx for all the info. Im learning a lot from you.

May I ask what other rims you suggest for a 2009 JCW? Initially, i loved the design like Volks TE37 but its very expensive thats why im looking for a cheaper but durable rims like the DOTZ GTR. If the dotz rims will clear the brembos, then I guess it will be my 2nd set. Otherwise, can you give other suggestions....

 

We don't really have that wheel in the US but from the specs it should fit. It all depends on the inside of the spoke section and how it is shaped over the brake calipers. Some wheels have clearance but others less so. It may be close and if it is you can still use the wheels by adding 3mm wheel spacers between the MINI hub and the wheel. You reuse the same wheel bolts as 3mm is minimal. The rear should fit fine.

You should know that when using 17" wheels you can run 45 series sidewall tires while with 18" wheels you are going to be using 40 series sidewall which is stiffer. If you have any rough roads it can be bumpy but if roads are smooth you will be fine either way.

When dealing with a wheel vendor you can ask what if the wheel doesn't fit will they allow returns.

Also you should check if the wheel needs centering rings which allow a wheel with a large hub bore to be fitted onto the MINI's 56.1mm hub.

How the ring fits-
http://www.justforwheels.com/hub-centric-rings.jsp

Use this-
http://www.justforwheels.com/index.j...sub=searchsize
inner diameter is 56.1mm
Outer diameter is what the hub bore is on the wheel- ask the vendor.
Some wheel vendors sell the ring for their wheels and you give them the MINI hub bore.

 

Very informative sir minihune. I guess I will stick with my first set of rims initially. Set up now will be R112 size 17 + Dunlop direzza 215/45. What would the effect be if I will add 5mm spacers to all 4 rims? What are the pros and cons of doing it? I just wanted to get a firmer stance. You think there would be any rubbing? Where can I order good quality black lugs +5mm measurement also?

Thanks. thanks>>>

 

In general the reason to add spacers is to help with clearance to avoid rubbing the inner suspension or brake caliper. A thin 3 or 5mm spacer can be used with the stock lug bolts. If you use a spacer any thicker you will need longer wheel studs which can be added for each wheel.

Some owners choose to add spacers to widen the track- the distance between the two wheels or to push the wheel and tire outward to make it more aggressive looking or to make it flush with the outer wheel arch plastic. If so this is more for appearance. A 5mm spacer doesn't really add much to the track of a MINI to make a difference in handling.

For a MINI you will be fine not using 5mm spacers but it is your choice. There is a potential downside to using spacers on a daily basis, it is possible you can risk additional wear on the wheel bearings over time. It is not a great risk but might accelerate the relative risk of needing to change the bearings sooner due to wear.

For more reading-
http://www.ehow.com/list_5791338_whe...pros-cons.html

 

Thanks for the guidance Sir minihune.

Happy motoring to all.

 

Between the Michelin Pilot super sport and the Dunlop Star spec which would be a better tire for autocross?

 

Have 215 45 17's Star Spec's on 2009 JCW and like them. Ran many solo's this summer and they performed really well. Tire pressure is everything. Good street tire and also handle the rain well. Never been on the Michelin's. Also liked the price of the Star Specs.

 

I'd say the Z1 star spec would be my pick. The " * " designates a compound that is designed to heat up very quickly. With most autocross run duration, these are my pick.

The ZII is also do out this season, the long awaited replacement. We are taking pre-orders. More to come in a separate thread.

For a street tire, the Super Sport is my current "king of the hill".