Looking for suggestions: New Continental ExtremeContact DWS Rubbing

[trees_house]

Before embarking on a roadtrip with my wife and dogs around California, my MS3 received it's 30k service and I also replaced the tires. Since the Conti's just don't seem to be available in the stock size, the salesman suggested the 225's saying that it shouldn't make a difference in drive-ability. Some time into the trip, I noticed a rubbing sound when we were driving over dips or bumps in the road. Occasionally I heard a pop over some rougher road. Didn't notice it at first because we had the tunes cranking. Just got back home today and took the MS3 into the shop. They removed the rear tires and there's definitely been some rubbing on the plastic at the bottom of the wheel well. Granted the car was loaded down with the equivalent of 4 adults, but I've never heard that sound before when the car was loaded with that kind of weight (and probably more).
Could the 10 or so millimeters in the difference of width really make that much of a difference? Should I be worried about the "cosmetic" damage to the plastic in the wheel well? I never paid attention before, but the bumper seems to have some play... more than I would expect, but nothing major. I won't be able to take the car to the mechanic until Friday, and the tire dealer is willing to try and obtain the OEM sizing. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

 

[Stamperman]

My 225's rubbed the liner on the drivers side rear bumper when I first put them on. Eventually it clearanced itself (tire is harder than the plastic) and the rubbing went away, never to re-appear.

 

[CnoTataymo]

The tire probably rubbed where the rear bumper meets the fender. You can get your rear fenders rolled and have that tab where the bumper meets the fender shaved off.

 

[BigDaddyMS3]

Tires

The tire probably rubbed where the rear bumper meets the fender. You can get your rear fenders rolled and have that tab where the bumper meets the fender shaved off.

+1 on fender rolling. Look for how to's on the forums. You can rent a roller and heat gun easily.

Assuming that you went with the 225/45/18s. Fully loaded you had rubbing issues. I went with the Hankook Ventus Evos in the original OEM size. Check tirerack.com for tires and reviews and have the tire company find you a compatible tire or roll them fenders.