I want to fit 215/45/17 tires on my R56S but have no idea how they will look like. Can anyone that has fitted such tires please post pics here so i can make sure of what im gonna be doing. Thanx in advance
I am running 215/45/17s on my R56 CooperS on the MINI two piece Web Spoke rims. They look great! They look like they were meant to be there from the factory. They perform well, too. No unusual wear at all. I'm on my second set of 215s. The first set wore very evenly. CD
Not to be a killjoy, but assuming you are asking about 215/45-17 tires because you are replacing 205/45-17 tires, the difference is negligible. The 215 tires are 10mm wider -- that's just 4/10s of an inch. I think a person is unlikely to be able to spot a difference of less than half an inch of tire width with the naked eye. I run 215/45-17 on my MINI simply because there are more tire choices available in that size as opposed to the 205/45-17 size. Pure and simple.
Probably be a shorter thread if you asked "who hasn't run 215/45-17 on their Mini?" That being said, I am very happy with my Goodyears in that size.
I personally think there is a very subtle difference in looks, but without looking too wide for the rims. To me, the 215s are a no-brainer. But, I totally agree that one tire size shift can make a big difference in the number of tire choices available. I used to own an Audi A6 allroad, and going one size wider, at the least, quadrupled my selection of tires. CD
Isn't it true that 215/45/17 tires can and will touch the wheel arches when in pressure? Guys the ones that have fitted 215/45/17 havent you noticed this?
Yes, it isn't true. They should be fine. 24.6-24.7" diameter and only 10mm wider - still close enough to stock. Maybe some of the more square-shouldered tires in that size on a markedly lowered MINI with a full load on board could rub a little, but in general, no.
I have had no issues with the 205/45/17s on my MCS other than a hard, feel-every-bump ride. The wheels are from my wife's S and I switched out my 16" set with her 17s this Spring so she could get a softer ride.
Yep. 16" is the best overall street wheel size for MINIs, IMO. But of course people will continue to buy 17" and 18"... Disclosure statement: I currently own 15", 16", 17" and 18" wheels for my MINI.