first off, first post so sorry if this isn't in the right area

so a few weeks ago I sold my Subaru and picked up a 2005 Mini S.

the tires are pretty dead so I've been shopping around for some different wheels and tires..

stock now is 205/55R16 and the wheels im looking at are

16x7 35 offset.

while looking for some tires I wanted to make sure that the offset wouldn't poke past the fenders and that the tire size I end up going with doesn't throw the speedo to far off.

the tires I've been looking at are 205/45R16

besides that.. here are a few photos of the go kart =]

 

For your MINI using OEM 16x6.5" et48 wheels, OEM tire size is 195/55-16 which is not the same as the 205/55-16 you have now.

205/45-16 will fit a 16x7" rim but tire diameter is only 23.2" which is over 1" smaller than OEM so that's not accurate for your speedo or odometer. It's 4.8% smaller than OEM, 57 mph vs 60 OEM. Increases wheel gap with stock suspension and decreases road clearance.

What are you going to use your MINI for?

Street use only? Any driving school, autocross, track driving?
Do you have any cold weather or snow?
Do you have bad roads with lots of potholes?
Do you care how fast the tires wear out?
What is your tire budget?
Are you planning to drop your suspension?

In order to pick a good tire for you, those are the things to think about. Once you know what type of needs you have then you can select a tire class that suits your priorities and look at tires that come in 16" sizes like-
195/55-16
205/50-16, 1.3% smaller than OEM, speedo reads 59.2mph vs 60 with OEM.
and maybe
205/55-16 if you keep the stock suspension. 1.9% taller than OEM, speedo reads 2% faster.

For 16x7" et35 wheels they will stick out about 18mm or 0.7" more than OEM which is fine, not bad.

 

Street use only? Any driving school, autocross, track driving?
Street and just some spirited driving from time to time

Do you have any cold weather or snow?
Live in Florida.. It showed once.. In like 1972

Do you have bad roads with lots of potholes?
Most the roads are alright but I would hate to bend or crack a rim from a tiny side wall

Do you care how fast the tires wear out?
If I had to pick sticky or better wear I would go with better ware so don't want a tire that I have to replace every few months

What is your tire budget?
Ill pay what it cost, no real limit as long as its not some crazy amount

Are you planning to drop your suspension?
Going with rear control arms and h&r springs, rear sway bar.. I enjoy a car that handles well


Thank you greatly for the questions

 

I think the biggest factor for you is your planned suspension drop-

This would limit tire sizes to-
205/50-16 and 195/55-16

In 205/50-16
Continental ExtremeContact DW (Max Summer tire)
$84 each closeout, 340 treadwear

205/55-16 gives better tire selection including-
Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Max Summer tire
$105 each 280 treadwear

 

If u got extra cash you Might think about upgrading to 17" before you buy brand new tires. They really look better i think. Beautiful car man! Congrats!

Welcome to MINI!

 

When considering wheels-


16" BBS RS wheels (lowered suspension)

16" gives you a compromise between looks and function-
Selection of wheel designs is good, weight tends to be moderately light without being expensive- there is a good selection of tires that fit the MINI and sidewalls can be 50 or 55 series for ride comfort. Performance and comfort on most roads for daily driving is very good.

17" wheels may look better, but to get a moderately light wheel may cost more, tire selection is good and comes in 40 to 45 series sidewalls which are as stiff as OEM runflats although you can buy tires with a softer sidewall construction. If roads are good with no potholes then you will be OK otherwise if roads are poor, you will spend your time dodging holes or risk damage to your tires,rims, or suspension. Tires in 40 series can be jarring especially when combined with a lowered suspension.


BBS Super RS 17" wheels

 

your reply is grand, I can honestly state that those 17's look great but honestly those 17's you have pictured are the only ones i'd risk the peace of mind for.. good roads or not I would be looking insanely for them at all times..

im going to stick with 16's as they are the nice middle ground but the car you have in the photo.. how dropped is that? I've used H&R springs on everything I've owned and have enjoyed the ride but that looks way too low

was thinking of doing the 205/50R16..

I already have a set of the 55's I can try on the wheels first and if those feel odd i'll order a set of the 50's..

but thanks for the insight, I think im going to like it around here =]