Greetings tire gurus,

I've got a new set of white s-lites that will soon have a new set of Toyo Proxes 4 on them (I'm close to settled on this tire). My question is should I stick with the original size 205-45-17, or go to 215-40/45-17? I'm thinking a little wider tire might be nice, but since I'm in DC and the streets are pock-marked like a teenager's face, the 45 sidewall could alleviate a little harshness. But would a 215-45-17 work with s-lites without rubbing or fitment issues? Will I lose the benefits of the wider tire if I go up a level in sidewall height? Since all tires vary slightly even at the same "size" I just want to ask the right questions.

I'm coming from s-lites with the less-than-euphoric Euphori@s at 205-45-17.

Any opinions?

TIA!!

 

i'd go with a 215/45 if you want wider.. I have 215/40 and sidewall is too short for me.

 

This is what I learned from NAM folks such as Minihune and I agree with VoiD about the 45 profile: Have you looked up the diameter of the Toyo Proxes 4 at 215/45-17? A half inch difference from the stock MINI size shouldn't matter much. I just ordered 215/50-16 Kumhos and they will be nearly a half inch larger in diameter. The bigger diameter will retard acceleration, but the streets of my town, similar to yours, warrant a lot of rubber and compressed air. The Toyo Proxes is a top rated performance tire. So you should have a good time. You might consider the Continental tire kit from Tire Rack in case of an incident.

 

miniwiley,
You can do OK with any of these tire sizes and they will all fit with no rubbing issues for a MINI with stock suspension parts and alignment.

215/40-17 has a much stiffer sidewall that is ill suited for poor road conditions and has a lower load rating (87)compared to the other two choices. Outer tire diameter 23.9", 20.3 pounds, $88 each. If you hit a pothole at speed with this tire you might damage your rims or suspension (and blow the tire as well).

205/45-17 (stock size) offers a good balance of weight (20.5 pounds), width (section width 8.3"), outer tire diameter (24.4"), Speed rating (W), and load rating (88). http://edgeracing.com/tire/895/ $104 each

215/45-17 $88 each 21.6 pounds, section width 8.4", outer tire diameter 24.8", load rating 91 http://edgeracing.com/tire/897/

Depending on your source for the tires the 215/45-17 Proxes 4 look tempting at $88 each. You can't really tell the difference in ride quality for this size vs stock. It's pretty close and both are more comfortable than 40 series tires.
0.4" is close to stock diameter and the tire wears down soon enough so speedo error and weight are not much of a factor.