I've already posted this on MINI2.com (and had a couple of responses) and solicited the advice of Alex at Tire Rack, but I would like to open this up to a wider audience.....just in case I'm missing something and make an expensive mistake .

OK, we have an '05 MCS with the 17" S-Lites and the all-season runflats. We're going to use this set up for the coming winter months (then eventually replace the all-seasons with dedicated snow tires). For the summer I'm thinking of purchasing a set of lightweight (non-OEM) 16x7" rims running on 205/50-16 non-runflats (possibly SO3s or F1-GSD3s). The 16" rims are available with either an ET42 or ET48 offset, the latter obviously falling smack-bang in the middle of the OEM offsets for 15" to 18" MINI rims.

So, which offset would be the best choice ? I'm leaning more towards the ET48, simply because it's close to the standard OEM offset (all OEM wheels fall in the offset range ET45 to ET52). However, would ET42 offer any major advantages (or possible disadvantages)? Obviously the ET42 would provide a slightly wider track and MAY accomodate a big brake kit (looks like the forthcoming JCW "BBK" will work with 16" rims), but it's doubtful I will opt for a BBK.

FYI, I may lower the car slightly (if I do it will be the new JCW kit with a 10 mm drop, so either offset should be OK and cause no rubbing with 205/50-16s), but it's bone stock at the moment. The car is primarily used for the street driving/commuting (auto-x or track useage unlikely).

What would be the best offset for me ?

 

To my knowledge, no brake kit fits under stock wheels [ET48] without spacers. The Wilwood factory kit fits under everything but stock wheels, including 15" Team Dynamics Pro Race 1 [ET45]. I highly recommend this kit, plus a small spacer to fit most aftermarket wheels and stock S-Heavies.

If you use Brembos, AP or Stoptech you are much more likely to have wheel fitment issues. Start with a brake kit (preferably, for me, the Wilwood Race kit), then test wheel/required-spacer fitment.

I recommend ET 40-45 [I have ET42 17" wheels] to both avoid rear-tire rubbing issues with a lowered car and to more easily clear aftermarket brakes. Most MINI owners and tuners will tell you something similar regarding offset.

There's a WORLD of cool stuff for your car! Have fun!

 

P.S. Check Webb Motorsports for info and pricing.

 

Im on +42mm offset with my 16x7.5's running GSD3's in 205/50/16.

Very close to rubbing, but no rubbing on the rear. Just perfect.
I was worried about tramlining so went with the softer sidewall GSD3's...
my original choice was S03's since I had so much sucess in the past.

The GSD3's are very capable tires and like them a lot.

 

Kenchan,
You're lowered, right? I think we've swopped messages a few times recently about rims etc. I think I should be OK with either offset on 205/50-16s but unfortunately my nearest Volk dealer is 150 miles away. I'm probably going to make the purchase elsewhere on-line (cheaper) so I need to ensure I get the best fitment based on the advice of fellow MINI enthusiasts.....if it were a $500 set of rims I wouldn't be so paranoid and would simply take a chance; maybe I'm simply over-analyzing the situation

 

>I need to ensure I get the best fitment based on the advice of fellow MINI enthusiasts.


You got one. :smile: And yes, Im lowered on H-Sports.