Just to let anybody know who wants some reassurance (I did a week or so ago) that I have just put

215/40 17 Eagle F1s with MY01 alloys on my MY99 with no problems at all.

4 people in it yesterday and no noises at all. Car looks much sharper and handles so much better - tyres are superb and turn in seems much crisper. OK bumps are a bit more bumpy but well worth it given the improvement in the feel of the car.
Tyres cost me just under £75 a corner fitted - well pleased.