I am primarily interested in the performance aspects of the tires for street driving, while maintaining or increasing fuel milage. I'm interested in the real world effects/differences between 205's and 215's. Obviously the 215's would have better grip off the line, which I would definitely like - but I'm concerned about the drag and effect on milage - I certainly don't want to drop any more, I'm already in the low 20's the way and locations I drive.

 

Narrower with higher inflation pressure will prove lower rolling resistance, and lighter steering wheel input will be required.

Alex

 

I know, but I'm looking for real world impressions/numbers.

 

Since I switched to the 215 Yokos from the 205 Dunlop runflats my mileage has dropped about a mile a gallon. Probably because I've got the hammer down all the time

Mike

 

Since you're not planning on coming to Virginia any time soon, I can't really give you a ride, but I've been extremely satisfied with the 215 section width. I don't have nearly the slippage that I had with stock, but the higher resistance-to-rolling has made at least a -1mpg impact, if not more.

However, I would have to say that if you want grip, you also want resistance-to-roll. The two are kind of married.

And, with 215, you will get rubbing in the rear (unless you dial in -2.0 or more degrees of camber), but it's not much, and doesn't seem to do any damage to the tires.

 

I'm suprised there is that much impact. I know going to lighter weight wheels and tires will help MPG, and I'm actually shocked that is not only overridden but the difference to the 215's is an even greater effect. Or did you ONLY switch tires, not wheels as well?


Yes I want better grip, but I guess not quite that much. I guess I want to know how does the grip benefit of switching to regular stock size tires compare to going from regular stock to 215 size?

 

The honest answer is that more mpg is to be gained or lost in adjusting your driving habits and style than is affected by changing rims or tires within a given range common to the MINI. So for all tires/wheels that are light or heavy in widths from about 195mm to 215mm, they can deliver adequate mpg. In stock S-lyte runflats with 205/45-17 tires I have gotten 33 mpg but it took great will power to keep the speeds down and steady. The same exercise with 215/45-17 tires would yield nearly the same results or roughly within 1 mpg given the same conditions.

If you are getting about 20+ mpg then you may be in more urban or heavy traffic areas or you may be doing less steady cruising at about 55 mph. Your mpg will fall off alot in that case or even if you have lots of passengers.

If you want the very best mpg one extreme is to use 175/65-15 tires on stock 15x5.5" rims but performance is not usually up to the task. Using the same rims and mounting 205/50-15 tires would greatly help performance but reduce mpg. It's a bit hard to determine the exact mpg lost because the 205/50-15 tire is smaller diameter than stock so speed error leads to odometer error.

My preference is to buy tires/wheels for performance and CHOOSE to drive for high mpg when I want it and at times to drive "the other way". A good compromise is to have non runflat tires that are 205/45-17. If the selection of tires in that stock size isn't sufficient then 215/45-17 or 215/40-17 will work.

 

215 doesnt rub... it depends on the tire shape as well... i am running 215/45-17s on my lowered MCS with -1.5 negative camber in the rear.. and i've not experienced any severe rubbing aside from when going over very deep holes on the ground with 4 people in the car

 

I've yet to rub on my 215's, but I've only had them two weeks. I have driven them very hard on the twisties, but haven't slammed a pot hole yet.

Minihune, your mpg advice is on the ball, but I can't do it myself. I'll just skip lunch and live with my 20 mpg!

And exactly how do they get that 25/33 sticker estimate - running downhill on four mini-spares?

Mike

 

u know funny u bring dis up i actually was wondering d same thing a actually talked 2 someone about it,well (reply) about d same concern! im running 215 on 17x7.5 & ifeel more drag i wish i had gone w/205 myself d car seems slower only had them 2weeks now & maybe after d shoulders wear it will b better. still think about thoose 205's might even looked a little more aggressive on d rim wich is what im more into d grip factor comes w/tire make & model......

 

Rubbing can be a matter of degree and circumstance with 215/45-17 tires. Mine do rub with uneven road surfaces, a full load of rear passengers and with enough force when cornering- it's happened to me with Yokohama AVS ES-100s and with Bridgestone Potenza S-03 tires of this size and with both H-Sport springs and coil overs. In fact it's rubbed so much that the inner wheel fenders has worn down so the rubbing is now minimal and tolerable. The tires as well wear down so the rubbing is less. I have -1.6 degrees negative camber in the rear.

If you have a lowered MINI, use 215/45-17 tires and don't rub then count yourself lucky. Individual variation does exist.

For those that want to see how to trim the inner fender wells see-
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ead.php?t=6618

 

Thanks all, I think I'll be very happy with stock size ES100's.

 

In the long run, going with 15X6.5's will save you some jack. You can get a set pretty cheap and get the wheel wieght down to about 10 pounds. Once you've got the wheels the 15 inch tires is where you'll save the money.

Konig has a deal going on right now. NASA members can buy any 15" wheel they make for $55. and any 17" wheel for $75. Konig Helium's weight 10 pounds in 15x5.6 ($220 new)

lighter wheels+lighter tires+lighter right foot=more MPG

+ a good 205/50/15 looks good and will easily out perform the runflats. The ES100 in that size would be a good choice for a street tire. $75.