Will 215-40-17 tires fit OK?

[rmorin]

I would like to run 215-40-17 tires on 17 x 7 wheels. Will they fit without rubbing the fenders or suspension/brakes?

Could go to 205-40-17 but the diameter is a bit too small.

There are very few tires available in the stock 205-45-17 size.

Any first hand information would be appreciated. Thanks.

Awaiting my Cooper, build date 5/24.

[Garfield]

Email me in a week or so, I'll be playing with the 215/40R16 Hoosier for race and checking the fitment of the 215/45R16 Falken for the street.

Once they fit, I could even swing out your way to show you the S with them on, I'll need the mileage on the car anyway...

Brian

[Dom]

Quote:

Originally posted by Garfield
Email me in a week or so, I'll be playing with the 215/40R16 Hoosier for race and checking the fitment of the 215/45R16 Falken for the street.

I'm interested if any of these will fit too...

Dom

[Wentworth]

It would be very interesting if someone "in the know" could do a post listing various tire sizes that will work on the MINI. I've asked around some, but nobody has the quick, easy answers that I am looking for.

[AidenL]

I think theres a thread here somewhere detailing most of what will fit, Ive been searching for it, but cant find it!! Maybe some of the moderators might be able to point us in the right direction??

[Garfield]

Yes, 205's fit, that's obvious, but it's a new car. Don't expect the largest fitting sizes to be put on by everyone. You just have to wait.

Being that the Brits are leaving it to the US to figure it out, I may be one of the early ones on here to fit a 215 street tire. We already know one of my fellow autocrossers here has run a 215/40R16, but that's a MUCH lower diameter than stock. So is the 215/45R16, but it's a little closer.

Without changing the negative camber, by a new suspension for example, there's little chance of squeezing 225's in there, they'll probably bang the fender flares. But this is speculation of course.
I can tell you that from the first MINI I saw, I took measurements and detailed pictures of the wheel wells, so I've tried to be on top of it.

As soon as I try to fit the tires, I'll post on MINI2 how well they fit and the room left over, if any.

[KarmanS]

I am also very interested to find out. Keep us posted guys!

[rmorin]

How about some of the retailers like Mini-Madness?? I wonder if they are trying various tire sizes? Please post any successes.

[Garfield]

Not likely, most still have not had the chance to play around with different sizes. Tire Rack is your best bet, and they're usually very conservative, and still don't have much yet.
Mini Mania hasn't done much either. As of a couple of months ago, I was helping them figure out a couple of issues with tire and wheel fitment.

You're going to be quicker waiting on people like myself to try things. And then, you have to trust my judgement... But, I'm also racing on these tires, so they need to be safe.

I'm no expert, so what I say fits is not necessarily perfect for others (the usual disclaimer).

[G8BAD_COOPER]

I'll be fitting 215/35/18 hopefully at the weekend and Ive been told that they wont rub at all, i'll post piccys as soon as they're fitted.....

[Dom]

Quote:

Originally posted by Garfield

Being that the Brits are leaving it to the US to figure it out, I may be one of the early ones on here to fit a 215 street tire. We already know one of my fellow autocrossers here has run a 215/40R16, but that's a MUCH lower diameter than stock. So is the 215/45R16, but it's a little closer.

So, in an answer to what's been my holy grail for the last week - 215's fit on 16"s without scrubbing or modifications?

Dom

[fronesis]

Hi all,

I mistakenly started a thread on this same subject over in the MCS forum. I want to replace the heavy stock wheels with run-flats on my new S, and I, too, was trying to figure out if 215s would fit--specifically 215/40/17s.

Tire Rack INCLUDES 215/40s in their fitment guide, and the faq here shows that they're within the+/- 3% diameter tolerances. But I'm still a bit worried about rubbing.

If someone else doesn't post with real-world experience soon, then perhaps I will do so. Since Tire Rack approves then, I'm thinking of going ahead and placing my order. If they rub, I think Tire Rack will set things straight.

happy motoring...

[Garfield]

PLEASE! Do not go by what Tire Rack says. Although they can be conservative, they can also be VERY wrong.

On my '98 Passat, I told them my objective of putting a 225 on and not wanting it to stick out at all. I had several phone calls with them explaining this. The salesman was getting sick of me asking him if he was sure they wouldn't stick out. He consulted other sales people and then finally sent the wheels. THEY TIRES STUCK OUT at least 10mm outside the front wheel wells.
Send them back, with no compensation for my frustration.

Don't even get me started on the number of wheels they listed that fit the S4, when NONE of them cleared the brake calipers.

Anyway, just keep that in mind before you rely on ANY source, you're just going to have to try it yourself.

[Tom F.]

While I have been a customer of the Tirerack at times, for "early adopters" this is an example of why to build a relationship with a local tire retailer, particularly one with some motorsports experience.

They can order a couple of sizes, or if they are really good -like Radial Tire in Silver Spring MD- they will have them in stock, and then try them on then an there, and help you figure out what will fit.

Another related thought. I've been one of a group of about a dozen US owners of 4X4 VW Vanagons that are changing R+P and transmission gearings to give our vehicles lower gear ranges and at the same time converting from 14" to 16" wheels. We have found that manf specs for tire "height" are often off as much as an inch for application. The common manufacterer spec that does seem to be real is "revs per mile".

When figuring out what will and wont work, and how it might effect gearing and speeds, I always use "rev per mile", not tire height.

Hope this helps,

Tom F.

PS: If you are interested in the 4x4 Vanagon madness,
try http://www.syncro.org .

[Garfield]

Actually Tom, I deal with Paul at Radial all the time, any racer should. I've actually got the two sets of tires coming from him with a test fitment session first.

But you're absolutely correct. Although not the best retailer around, I created a relationship at Mr. Tire chains and they knew who I was so I used to get good alignments through them (for my Jeep and my Miata) as well as actually work "deals" on tires.

BTW, I put on an event every year called the Grand Slam for just Grand Cherokees off road (about 40 of them), so I've got a lot of tire experience in the 4x4 realm. You are correct about measurements, but it does apply more to off road/truck tires than performance car tires.

The long and short of it is: if you're not absolutely sure, try the tire mounted first before you commit.

(I'd be curious to see your Vanagons sometime, any major mods?)