I know it goes against everything the MINI is about....

I have a nice set of 15x7's with 205/50-15 that are great for handling. However, on long trips or everyday driving, it's a little droning and uncomfortable (especially for the 6 year old in the back).

So, I'm thinking about buying a nice set of tires for my 7 hole 15's.

Stock is 175/65-15
I know from this post: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=40458
That 185/65-15's fit, too.

Is there anything taller that would fit? Maybe a 195/65-15?

I'm thinking comfort and ground clearance (I do live in Texas and there are quite a few dirt roads around).

-Rob

 

195/65-15's would only be 3%-4% taller than stock, or about 3/4" on the diameter. With your oem wheels I shouldn't think that would be a problem, but can't say I've tried it. I've been considering 205/55-16's, tho', which are basically equivalent in diameter.

This site suggests limiting changes in tire diameter to +/- 3% from stock.

http://www.mini2.com/forum/faq.php?f...factory_wheels

Alan

 

195/65-15 will fit the stock 15x5.5" rims OK but the outer tire diameter will be a robust (larger than stock) 25". This will work if you have a stock suspension. Ride quality should be OK.

For that size consider-
Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS $73 each (Ultra High Performance All Season tires) 400 treadwear AA traction H speed rated 21 pounds

Its also available in 185/65-15 for $70 each
20 pounds, 24.4" outer tire diameter which IS stock sized and will work for most MINIs. This size is a perfect fit for the 15x5.5" rims, weighs less and costs less. Since they are H rated you won't be doing any high speed cornering and the RE960s are good for daily driving in wet or dry.

For those on a budget-
In 195/65-15
Kumho Ecsta ASX $48 each (Ultra High Performanc All Season tire)
420 treadwear A traction V speed rated 20 pounds each 25" tire diameter
Also in these sizes that fit 15x5.5" rims-
195/55-15 $64 18 pounds 23.4" Outer tire diameter
195/60-15 $45 19 pounds 24.2" Outer tire diameter
205/55-15 $64 20 pounds 23.9" Outer tire diameter
205/60-15 $48 backorder 21 pounds 24.7" Outer tire diameter

If I had to buy tires for comfort for my Holey rims I'd pick
RE960AS in 185/65-15. Talk to or email Alex@tirerack.com for more info and options.

 

I have some all-season 195/60-15 Kumhos on stock rims I use for winter and long trips. They work fine. With a stock suspension, I think 195/65's would fit.

 

I'm not worried about how it will affect my speedometer or anything. Afterall, I've had the 205/50's for a while and this would probably balance the miles I've "lost" with them.

The H rating is fine with me too. These would honestly be for those 400 mile trips we seem to make quite a bit and maybe for the stop and go drives to the office. There was a guy a few years ago that actually raised his MINI and put off road tires on it. I don't want to go that drastic, but wouldn't mind a little more ground clearance. And yes, the suspension is stock.

Looks like I'll be contacting you about the 195/65-15 Kumho Ecsta ASX's.

Thanks!!!

-Rob