Probably on here before but I want to get the exact answer/opinion.

So. Just recently bought a 2007 MCS. Its currently stock but I am gathering parts over the winer.
I bought a set of 17x8 ET30 Rotiform BLQ's. Wish i could have of got 18's but they were not available.
Now. I have had H&R coils on the Mini after I bought it but experienced the Vibration from the drive shaft. Therefore I am only going to put H&R springs or a set of ST Coils set to a height that wont disturb the driveshaft.

I want to use 205/40-17's but I am not sure if its good for the car because of the 3% difference. I know some people on here already run them too.

 

205/40 better for clearance
205/45 better for comfort

The height difference of the tires will have no affect on the car itself other then the speedo reading. I ran 205/40s for two seasons with no problem, speedo read fast, but it reads fast on OEM size tires too, just a different amount.

Doesn't sound like you will need the 205/40 for clearance. Were it my choice I would probably go with the 205/45. Might also fill up the wheel arches better given you won't be very low. How significant the visual difference will be is debatable, but its worth consideration.

 

Thanks for the opinion. I want to get 205/40/17s but I always thought it was hard on the cars gear ratio and so on. I heard that sometimes the car becomes slower as well. Not sure if thats true though.
I would like to go nice and low but the driveshaft wont let me haha.
I really like this guys set up. I know he is running 205/40/17s. He is on KW springs as well. The wheel gap in the front isnt the best but i would manage lol.
http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=31900

 

I always recommend 205/45-17 over 205/40-17.

205/40-17 has a small tire diameter of 23.5" vs OEM 24.3". The 40 series sidewall could be rougher riding on the street depending on which tire you pick.

From a tire selection point of view you have better choices in 205/45-17 or even 215/45-17.

Considering you are lowered and are running 17x8" wheels you can also consider 235/40-17 which also has better tire options than 205/40-17 and tire diameter is stock height. It is a wider tire better suited to the wider rim but you do need to use some negative camber to get no rubbing if your suspension is lowered a lot.

What tires were you considering in 205/40-17? Seems like the bulk of the options are Ultra High Perf Summer or UHP All Season tires. This could be adequate for street driving but not as good handling as Max Summer tires.

A good example of a great tire for street use is the Michelin Pilot Super Sport which comes in 205/45-17 and 215/45-17 (too tall for a lowered MINI unless you have coilovers to adjust ride height to avoid rubbing).

 

So in the end... After much thought. I will buy a set of ST Coilovers. See how low I can go without having too much vibrating. Then i will decide upon 205/40/17's, 205/45/17's or even a set of 215/40/17s. (What do you think it will look like on a 8" wide Rotiform BLQ?)

Or just say **** it and Bag it..... lol