help needed with my new winter wheels

[Alexios]

I recently got a new set of winter wheels. The rims are ace c-056 7x16. The offset is 38.
The tires fitted are bridgestone blizzak ws-50 195/55
When I hit big bumps on the highway I hear a rubbing sound of the tire hitting the plastic wheel arch. I can see a faint mark on them. Also it seems the wheels are sticking a bit more out than the summer wheels which are original mini 17". The car gets very dirty on the side when it is wet. It snows and rains a lot here in norway and I am worried that I am going to have rust problems at the door sill. The car is washed weekly.

My question is am I causing any damage on my precious mini?

[Alexios]

Please help. Is there somebody else experience rubbing of the tyres.

[ScottyBoy]

Hello, ive got aftermarket wheels on mine but im not experiencing any rubbing...

on the mini you get a 6 year rust and corrsion warrenty on your paintwork so if you do get any rust or anything within 6 yr then its coverd so dnt worry about it!

[frylock]

It sounds like you need a larger offset for that particular size of wheel. Or, maybe a shock has gone out or something.

[Alexios]

The sound started when I put on the winter wheels so I doubt it is the shock. I can see where the wheel is rubbing. It is at the plastic of the wheel arch. I have read that people in this forum use wheels with similar offset with no problems. Do you think I should switch out the wheels?

[frylock]

If the shocks/suspension is ok, it's most likely a problem with tire size/offset. People on the forum could be using a similar offset but with smaller tires. A larger offset would tuck the tires further inside the wheel well.

You'd probably be ok sticking with the tires/wheels you have. It kind of depends on how hard the tire is hitting and how frequently. In any case, it's more likely to cause damage to the tires than to the car itself.