MX5 2006-2012: Wheels and Tires

When shopping for new MX5 Miata wheels and tires there are a couple critical issues to consider:

1. Weight. The Mazda MX5 Miata is very sensitive to what is called unsprung weight (which can best be understood as what hangs off the Miata suspension rather than what sits on it). We therefore strongly recommend that you use only light weight wheels for your MX5 Miata like those we sell here. Unlike other vendors who rely on overly optimistic wheel weights as listed by the wheel manufacturers, we weigh each wheel that we sell to verify the weight that we list! For that reason, some of our listed weights here are slightly higher than the marketing weight listed on the wheel manufacturers' websites.
2. Offset and Size. Offset causes a lot of confusion. Here is a simple explanation. If the rim is 6 inches wide, and the mounting surface of that rim (backside of the bolt holes), is 3 inches from either outside edge, that rim has a 0 offset. To the extent that a rim's mounting plane is offset from that zero position, that offset is measured in millimeters for Japanese cars. For the 2006-2007 Mazda MX5 Miata the factory offset is 55mm for the 17 inch size. Street users considering a wider stance but staying with stock width tires may consider offsets down to 42mm. For Miata owners looking to go wider than the factory 205/45/17 MX Miata tire size, we suggest our many 48mm offset choices in widths of 7.5 and 8 inches for street use, or autocross or track work. Our 45mm 18x9.5 Enkei RP-F1 is intended as a race application only. Please consult with us by email if you have any questions on appropriate MX5 Miata wheels and tires for your intended use.