This is the best tire thread I have found. I have been searching and reading for a few hours and have visited many other forums. Here is a question I can not seem to find any answers for. I have a totally stock 2006 MCS with 17" Rims I am replacing a set of 205/45-17's I am considering a set of 205/40-17's and understand my Speedometer will suffer. I am considering these because of the Low price (99.00 each), the Low Profile and the Lower gear ratios this size will provide. So, will it look odd and out of place on the Stock Mini? Will it offer any rim protection? Will it corner better (although it should not be enhancing the ride any) Would I be better off just ordering the BF Goodrich G-force Sport's in the 215/40-17 Size and pay the extra 12.00 per tire? I feel the 205's would be faster off of the line and would allow me to be able to shift into 6th gear 5mph sooner.. I like the advantages, but since everyone one else seems to have decided to ignore their existence, perhaps I am missing the obvious. What is wrong with the 205/40-17's Are they just simply the wrong size? To me, the fact that this size would, in essence, be the same as changing the gear ratio. This lower gear ratio would allow the MCS to zip through the gears faster, giving the Mini an advantage on the street, running faster from one light to the next without breaking the law.