I am looking for to get a wider tire for my car. I am currently sitting on 205/45/17's on Konig Feathers and H&R Springs. I don't want to go 215/40/17 because it will open up the fender gap by 1/2 inch, and the 215/45/17's really don't look that much wider to me. I found 225/40/17 in a Nitto 555. Has anyone ever seen this tire size on a lowered mini? Will it fit without rubbing? Is this size even a good idea?

 

Why do you need a wider tire?

For looks? Car Show? Drag racing?

215/45-17 would be the ideal size if you have 17x7" wheels.
The reason why 215/45-17 doesn't look wide if you have to match it with a wider wheel to get the full effect of the tire size plus it is only 10mm wider anyway.

225/40-17 is a non standard sized tire for street use. Search and you will find nearly nothing.

There are soft track tires that come in that size not for street use. But they fit 17x7 wheels and have a tire diameter of about 23.8" or about 1/2" smaller than stock.
You mentioned 215/40-17 was smaller than stock (also 23.8") and not something you wanted.

If you search for Nitto NT555 in 225/40-17 you will find only a few sources. There are internet forums reporting that size was hard to find since 2005. I think a few vendors may have older stock and that Nitto doesn't carry that size anymore for some time now. Nitto tire site does not list that size for the NT555.

From a practical point of view, you can mount various width tires on a 17x7" rim and some will "look" wider or not depending on the tire size and shoulder tread block pattern as well as tire construction/design (square vs rounded shoulders).

For best performance you want the tire that is the correct width for the wheel. For a 17x7" wheel that usually means a 205 or 215mm wide tire. This match allows for the tire to sit on the wheel and perform to it's designed limits without being too narrow or too wide and flexing the sidewalls in a way that might stress and heat up the tire unduly.

If you really want the wide look you can-
Get wide wheels and use wider than stock tires.
Use 235/40-17 tires knowing they are designed to fit wheels 8-9.5" wide. Tire diameter is OK at 24.4"
Use 225/45-17 tires knowing they are taller than stock at 25" and weigh about 3 lbs each more than 215/45-17 tires.

If you use stock suspension you can look at your car and check to see if there is about 0.5" space for a 225/45-17 tire with room for clearance, especially in the back.

While that is taller than stock some owners do report that it will fit but it may depend on the offset of your Konig wheels (assuming et40mm) and you alignment for negative camber.

If you choose 225/45-17 or 235/40-17 there are many tire choices.
Some tire shops will not want to mount a 235/40-17 tire on a narrow 17x7 wheel, don't assume they will. If you never drive hard and only drive on the street it is possible to use the 235/40-17 tire size. The tire tread will stick out wide and the sides of the tires will be pinched inward. 225/45-17 will look more natural but the overall tire is tall and may look oversized for the MINI.

 

215/40-17 has a tire diameter of 23.8" vs stock 24.3"

The 1/2" difference is only 1/4" more on the wheel gap as the other 1/4" goes to lowering ride height and road clearance.

215/40-17 would also be a usable size that is wider than stock but with a 40 series sidewall it will be stiff and at risk for damage to the wheels or suspension if your roads are not smooth and in good repair.

215/40-17 fits a 17x7 wheel fine and may look wider because the sidewall is so low. It is an aggressive tire size with good handling at the expense of comfort and will work well if you ever lowered your car. There are many good summer tires in this size.

 

Difference in diameter between 205/45 and 215/40 is 1/2" so wheel gap would only change 1/4".

225/40 should fit decent, but I expect it will rub under extreme conditions.

Edit: Oops minihune got there first

 

For 225/40-17 Nitto NT555 Extreme

http://www.rims4less.com/proddetail....rdatt=17&cat=7

Seems they do have it in stock.
On the net some owners do report the tire is OK
Note that Nitto classes this tire as Ultra High Performance Summer.
Extreme in the name suggests this could be an Extreme Summer tire but it is not.

If you wanted to go with this tire it would work for street use. I would expect using 17x7 wheels and stock suspension that rubbing would be minimal.

As for a street tire you might take a look at-
Nitto Motivo in 225/45-17, will fit your wheel and tire diameter is 24.9"
with good street handling,comfort and longer treadwear.
http://www.nittotire.com/Tire/motivo#size

You didn't mention if you have a budget for tires.

If I had to go with 225/45-17 I'd consider
Michelin Pilot Super Sport (Max Summer tire)
225/45-17 $183 each, 300 treadwear, 22 lbs
A way better tire than any UHP tire.

 

Thank you both very much for your information!!! I would like a wider look but will not compromise performance for that. I will more than likely stick with the 205's, or maybe 215/40/17 seeing as Creeve pointed out, it is only 1/4 more wheel gap. The problem is that I really like the wheel gap as it is not with my 205's and H&R springs. Thank you both again!