I did a quick search and didn't see anything within the past 10 or so years so figured I'd be safe starting a new thread . I also didn't want to steal someone else's...

Anywho, I just finished up the suspension on my 2004 R53 MC40. I still have the stock 17" Anthracite R90's (I think that's what they are) but upgraded to Koni Yellow's with TSW springs.

I currently have some garbage tires on there and am looking to upgrayyyydddd! I live in Texas so summer tires will work 99% of the time, and I'm hoping to make it out to my first Mini's on the Dragon this coming year and would like something that will perform. I don't want to say something crazy like price isn't a concern, but I'm willing to invest in higher quality tires if the difference is price is worth it. I also currently have 205's on there and saw in some threads people had put up to 225's on their R53 but it had the chance to throw the speedometer off. Is that accurate, and how wide can I go before I have to worry about that or rub?

Thanks as always ya'll!

 

Your OEM wheels are 17x7", with your current suspension how much clearance do you have with the 205/45-17 tires you have now? Any wheel spacers?

Assuming you are keeping your current ride height you can use 205/45-17 or 215/45-17 (it is taller on tire diameter at 24.9" or about 0.5" more than OEM).

225 wide tires are hard to find in sizes that will fit the MINI's 24.3" tire diameter and will work for street driving. Also you want wider wheels for that tire width.

Choosing a good tire is key to performance with any MINI, Extreme Summer tires like Bridgestone RE71R is going to give you more grip but also slightly more noise and a firm ride for daily use. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (Max summer tire) is the best blend of street comfort and good grip for dry or wet and is fine for daily driving but it does cost more (worth it for anyone that wants better handling and performance).

Between the two tire sizes mentioned there isn't that much difference, just a little. Depending on which tire you choose not all sizes are available.

 

My 06 R53 came with P-Zero 225/35/17 on stock S-Lites. I'm running stock springs and new B4s. I don't have any issues with rubbing.

They are a good fit. No sidewall bulging that one would normally see on a too-narrow wheel.

I always encourage folks to look at actual dims rather than just tire size, as they can vary dramatically from one brand to another in the same nominal size.

These are my first set of runflats, and only tires I've had on a MINI, so I can't compare. I don't have any complaints, but will probably go to Michelins or Contis when I have to replace them.

 

A search for 225/35-17 tires comes up with no matches at tire rack.

Pirelli P Zero comes in 225/45-17 for non runflat
P Zero runflat does not come in 225 width, normally 205/45-17 OEM for MINI

 

My mistake on the aspect ratio, I was going off memory... They are 225/45​​​​​45/17.

You are correct-Tire Rack doesn't list it. That doesn't mean they don't exist.

If you zoom in, you can see the run flat designation on the side wall

 

I run 215/45-17s on my MC40 with stock springs/struts. They are Federal 595 SS that available just about anywhere for a good price. I don't track it so I'm not too concerned with high adhesion and they are just fine for street driving.