I've been looking around, and all the discussion in here about 15" wheels seems to involve auto-x and the track. Why doesn't anybody run these as street wheels. I was thinking about getting some 15 x 7 or 7.5's and running 215/50/15's, but I can't find much info on fitment/offset etc.
Is this a bad idea? If so, how come?
Joey

 

what tires are available in 215/50/15?

I run 15's on the street on my Cooper. Heck, I think it's probably preferable to run 15's on the street, as the extra sidewall may help smooth out the ride a bit.

 

Hardly any ... 205/55-15 is a better choice

 

I've kept my OEM 15s...love 'em. I think its a good idea actually.

 

But 205-55s are so unattractive! I'm considering the 215-50s myself, although they are a little shorter than I'd like.

 

Most people don't do it because they think the larger wheels look better.

I would only do it if I were going to run 205/50/15's. That's where all the good tires are - plus I would want the lower gearing.

Most people around here seem scared to have their speedo thrown off so they won't consider the smaller size tire. The only thing the 205/55 has going for it is matching a factory size. The 215/50 is available in so few tires that it's prettymuch a non-issue.

 

It only takes one good tire in that size, are there really none worth having that don't come in that size. How about the [size=4]ECSTA 711's?[/size]I don't know a whole lot about tires.

That being said - if I go with a 15x7.5 what offset would I need to avoid fender rubbing?
The car has been dropped with H-Sports, about an inch according to what I've read.
Thanks
Joey

 

Good luck finding a 15x7.5 wheel...

It wouldn't be worth the trouble, especially if you're going to run cheap tires like the 711's on them.

 

never mind

this is clearly going nowhere

I'll PM alex

 

most 15x7.5 fitments in 4-100 would be for a Miata - wich has sub 35 MM offsets- very agressive for mini.

For instance Wedsport Tc005 15x7.5 et 41 (Miata fitment) would stick out 3 mm MORE than the uber-agressive OZ superlegera pictures below.

Alex

 

There are quiet a few 205/50/15's out there.

The new Hankooks
Falken Azenis 615
Yoko ES100's
Dunlop Direzza 101
Bridgestone S-03
Goodyear GS D3
Khumo MX

just to name a few.

I ordered our Mini with 15"'s because of the amount of good tires there are and that they are inexpensive too!

 

Joey,
15" wheels are discussed for track and autocross because they are lighter in weight for both rims and tires, cheaper than larger rims and tires, permit lower gearing if outer tire diameter is smaller than stock tires and will fit the MINI.

Coopers that have no runflats come with stock 15" wheels and that is no accident. However the 175/65-15 tires are too narrow for performance driving. Stock 15" rims can be easily used with 205/50-15 (large selection of good tires and relatively good performance) or 205/55-15 tires if you want a more stock tire height and more accurate speedo/odo (tire selection is relatively good for street tires).

215/50-15 tires are rather limited by comparison. There are some options but not that good. If you want wide competition tires then even 225/45-15 will fit 15x7" rims. 225/50-15 is also possible for 15x7" rims.

Most times you'll find 15" rims up to 7" wide for the MINI. It's due to fitment problems. The Miata has similar rims in 15x7.5" that alex mentioned even with SSR comps but with less wheel offset than would be optimal for the MINI. So for most of us, we tend to look at 15x7" with an offset about +40 to +45mm.

On the road the 205/50-15 feels fine. I've done it many times. 205/55-15 is quite smooth and a good street tire size for the MINI. I happen to think it looks fine.

 

I now have 15x7 wheels with Kumho SPTs in 205/50....i love them on the street....its a smooth ride, and i have a stiffer swaybar,springs, and koni struts... And I think the look is the best possible...i had 17s and thought they looked too big. 205/50's will lower you car too, which is nice

 

Waitin' on those pictures, Rally!

 

Here are some pics of 17" et35 (front) wheels on a slammed mini. Owner d6-mcs had rubbing issues in the rear with et30. If I recall, no probs in front. I think et35 will work all around with the right tire choice. Some clever searching with give you an idea of what tire overall-diameters rub.

 

This is the sort of thing I was looking for - thanks everybody. Was essentially looking for the widest wheel that would fit a good tire without me having to modify the body work. I suppose the only real way to do this is find sombody running the exact wheel tire combo I want or test fit them all.
Those 17 et 35 wheels look cool, but I too think they look too big. 15 x 7 et 40 sounds like the killer app here - anybody know a good gallery with sombody runnign these?
Thanks for your help.
Joey