The 50 series is almost an inch bigger in dia than what you're running an over an inch from stock. But the more important number is 1/2 inch from stock for the section width. That's 1/4 on both inside and outside. The offset of the wheel will also have an effect on rubbing. From what I've read before the rubbing will be on the strut before the fender. But that would be dependent on the offset.
You may want to consider 205-50 17 25.1 overall dia, 8.5 section width, tread width 6.7. Just about the same as what you're running now.
I have a driveway that is on a hill, so I have a scraping problem. Can you not go up at an angel one wheel at a time. I also have to back out at a slight angel. Thats how I do it for my Mini. My sons first Mustang was even lower it was very hard to get in the drive way. But it had a long overhand and an air dam. For his car I use to leave a 2x4 in the gutter just to get it up the driveway.
My Mini originally had Bridgestone Potenza RE960 AS 205/45 RF17s (yes, run flats) when I bought it last February. I got new tires a month after I bought it b/c wanted to get away from the runflat driving experience. I replaced them with Kumho Ecsta AST 215/45 R17s (non-runflats) as I couldn't afford much at the time after just spending all my cash buying the Mini. I really enjoyed the Kumhos and love having the extra width to grip the road more. But recently hit a pothole that dented my rim and threw off my alignment. I was already considering buying new wheels and tires prior to the pothole, but it has sped the purchase up since the Kumhos are now wearing unevenly. I know it's not comparing apples to apples since I had the runflats on before but most likely will stick with the 215/45 R17s. This time will get a better performing tire as I liked the handling much better. The 215/45s did improve with the driveway and I can live with the scraping, but wanted to consider other options. The 2x4 is a great idea!
So to avoid another pinched rim (used R98 Web Spoke square set I found on craigslist for $300), was considering notching up a size to either 215/50 R17 or maybe even a 225/45 R17. Yes, the 215/50 would increase the tire diameter to another .9in (1.2in over stock) or a 225/45 tire would increase the diameter to another .4in (.7in over stock). I don't care I'm parting from stock knowing it will throw off my speedometer and gas mileage. Neither do most other modders out there or I would've stuck with the crappy runflats Mini recommends. My question is will it fit or has anyone read about anyone else fitting those tire sizes? Would love to go even wider with choosing 225/45 but not sure a R112 Challenge wheel could take that wide of a tire. What do you think?
I would consider this but already bought 2 of the 4 R112 wheels someone was getting rid of for $200/ea new and they are not replicas either. Would like to stick to 17"s anyway as plan to add a BBK mod in the near future and would like room for more options.
I am running 205-45-17s on my S and just do not like the harsh ride. I'm considering going with 205-50-17 tires. I have a set of 205-50-16" [r84] wheels and tires and they ride a lot more smoothly than my other set of 205-45-16s [r84] that are on my wife's S.
I can't lower my Mini because of my driveway - looking to increase height a tad for both more cushion and to keep front end from scraping every time I leave home. Hence why I want to fit 215/50/R17. It would be an increase of .45 of an inch to the radius of the tire from a 215/45/R17 which I'm currently running. I would even consider putting in a spacer if needed. Any thoughts?
Nothing other than I'm guessing it'll work. Sorry I can't be of more help. Hopefully someone else will be able to give you a first hand opinion on the 50s.
I also run 15" snow tires on 15" 8-spokes and I have a summer set of 205-50-15"tires on holeys for when I go to Mid Ohio. When colder weather comes, it pains me to go to even a 16" wheel because I lose the smooth ride of the 15s.
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