wheel off sets help(non csl)

[s.mac]

please don't shoot me down

I have no idea how to work this out...
I've even used the off set calc but it means nothing

If I had a wheel 17" x 7 IS48
and wanted a set of wheels, OZ Ultraleggera.

and was told
17" x 7 et37

then someone else says
17" x 7.5 et40

both with 215/45/17"

or

18"x7.5 et45 with 215/40/18
what would you go for?

Mini cooper s latest shape, is it R56...I dont know not up on minis....

[northernjim]

I have just read your question 3 times..... I still don't know what you want!

[s.mac]

what would you go for?
I would rather have 17's to keep the cost down

Sorry I forgot to say

OEM tyres are 205/45/17's

OZ come are 7" or 8" wide, so the 7.5 suggestion is bollocks

so I guess my question is, what off set and what tyres

[cantfind1]

Did you use this offset calculator??

http://www.1010tires.com/wheeloffsetcalculator.asp

What do you want to achieve??

[s.mac]

yes thats the one.

I just want to take the existing wheels off, the wheels are OK but thought I would put some black ones on.
They are the standard 17" 8 spoke cooper s wheels, they fit flush to the car and tyres are ok with 205/45/17's

I thought nice and easy, straight swap but then when you ask for advice Im getting told different off sets and different tyre sizes.

I dont want them sticking out, just to look flush like the ones on now.

[s.mac]

Just a straight swap

[northernjim]

park it so that the front wheel is on a kerb, the rest on the road, then get on your knees( sorry forgot you are bitesized) reach up and see how much of a gap tween tyre and inner arch..., do same for rear wheel ( step laddersmight help) this distance is the maximum you can lower your offset by.....


so say gap is 12mm

you could lower you offset from 40 to 30 and have 2mm left as tolerance.....

[s.mac]

Ahh, job for tomorrow. So they lower the off set to fill the wheel arch void.
The tyre should be the same size as standard then as its still 7" wide, I wonder why they've said 215.
If the oem off set is ok I may just take it down 5, I take it the look would be like putting 5mm spacers on

[northernjim]

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/t-wheel-spacers-encyclopedia.aspx

that is quite handy for idiots

[s.mac]

Perfect for me

I've done a bit more research and now know where I think it needs to be.
Will check measurements tomorrow, cheers