Suspension Brakes 1st Gen Most liked posts in thread: Opinion on suspension

If you want that kind of wheel gap your going to have to get a set of coilovers. Lowering springs won't get you there. When shopping for coilovers remember you get what you pay for.

Coilovers - Way Motor Works

 

If you buy that set of Coilovers, I will buy your JCW suspension! Please keep me in mind.

 

I went the lowering spring route, works but for overall suspension performance I'd go with the coilovers if I was to do it again

 

You can also help the wheel gap a bit by going to a slightly taller tire. I am switching to 215/45 next summer. Gives me about an additional 1/8" to fill the gap.

 

215 /45/ 17 works great - it actually improves the accuracy of the speedometer as well - based on GPS comparison.

 

215/45/17 here, and like!

 

Another supporter for 215/45/17 to reduce wheel gap. Not sure if others had the same experience, but switching to sticky 215 width tires dropped my MPG by a couple points. Other than that, super happy with them.

 

235's? Not even sure that will fit without rubbing? Also remember that the 7.5 will stretch a tire out more than a 7 inch.

 

I'm about to put on a set of 225's and kinda nervous about it

You have spacers in mind or perhaps your ET on the wheel you have allows for that?

 

Yikes. Stock 205/45 is nominally 8.07" wide with a 3.63" sidewall height. 235/40 is nominally 9.25" wide with a 3.70" sidewall. You're really gonna have to nail the spacers on that one so you don't rub on the struts. Good luck.

 

It's not that hard to fit. My 225/40/17 Hoosiers were wider than most 235 tires. 17 x 8 et40. 5 mm spacer in front to clear the spring.

 

If you're going for a look...

find someone that has the look you want, and see how they did it. Talk to them about the issues (if any) that they've run into. Talk to them about the compramises they made in performance to get the look, and see if that's what you want to do. If you do you're homework, all should be good.

Matt

 

I did the Yoko AvidEnvigor's (215 45R 17) and love 'em. The gap's still there so I'm headed for some springs...

 

This car is an R56 and they have more room that your R53. Good Luck with the fitment. That is an awesome looking tire size for a MINI, but on your car.......I bet $$ they will rub.

 

The theory that the R56's have more room for wider tires is a bit of a myth. There are slight dimensional differences, but it's not much.

With the right offsets you won't rub as long as you don't lower it too much.