You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, at no cost, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!
I am looking to put some new wheels and non run flat tires on my car. I have 17" wheels now and they decent, but I would like to fill the wheel gap without using lowering springs. I have a sport suspension package and budget for only wheels right now.
Are there any big cons to putting 18" wheels on the car?
I am looking at the Konig Runaway and Zero wheels. Any comments on them?
Appreciate the input Miniacs!
__________________ "Gossamer," the '05S with all the right trimmin's!
1. Weight- The weight of 18 inch is almost Always more than that of 17 inchers. If you care about weight, I would suggest keeping with the 17s or even going smaller, possibly 16s.
2. Tire cost- The tires for a 18 inch wheel are usually more than 17 inch tires. Again, this is just my experience and is purely based on buying a decent performance tire (Azenis RT-615, Ventus RS-2, Potanza RE-01(disc.)) but again, def a con.
Honestly, invest in a set of lowering springs from Texas Speedwerks. The TSW springs, close up wheel gap, improve performance, enhance appearance, and do not require you to purchase aftermarket control arms in order to correct the camber that is gained through the lowering process. They are also a linear rate spring, meaning that they will be much more precise and predicatblew than other springs on the market like Tein, H&R, and many others.
Just my .02. Stick with 17s and close the gap a bit with springs, all while saving money and improving your car!
Everyone's got different tollerances with ride comfort and don't get me wrong this isn't an exact science but over 40 years old stay with 17's
__________________
2006 MCS JCW #20/64 Competiton Edition (Canada's version of the GP but only 64), JCW Suspension, JCW Brakes, JCW Body kit, JCW Engine & exhaust with JCW header, ITG Filter, Brisk Plugs, RMW Tuned @ 196WHP, JCW CF dash, shifter and ebrake handle. English Panther Leather, full load, JCW R112 Challenge wheels summer and R98 webspokes winter {sig pic by COOPERation}
[quote=#20Works4me;2826239]Everyone's got different tollerances with ride comfort and don't get me wrong this isn't an exact science but over 40 years old stay with 17's [/quote
I have received a few opinions and think 17" will be the way to go. Now figuring the style and tire!! Oh and not quite 4-0 yet, but creeping up faster than I drive sometimes!
__________________ "Gossamer," the '05S with all the right trimmin's!
On my 2003 MCS, I had 17" wheels and thought about going to 18" wheels when I replaced the stock 17" wheels with lighter wheels. I decided to stay with 17" wheels with 215/40x17 tires. I also had H&R springs to lower the car about 1".
On my 2006 MCS I have 18" wheels (stock) with the JCW springs (lowered about 5/8") with 215/40x18" tires.
My stock 18" wheels are much lighter than the stock 17" wheels, so wheel weight can vary greatly depending on what you buy. Also the run flats are very heavy.
If I had the choice on my 2006 MCS, I would have 17" wheels instead of 18" but you do need lowering springs such as the TSW springs to reduce the gap.
__________________
2006 MCS JCW GP #1405: Adj Front Camber Plates, 19mm Rear Sway Bar, MM Front Lower Brace, Milltek Cat-Back, TCE 13" Front/11.75" Rear BBK, 15mm Spacers, Wheel Studs, JCM Modified Intake, MM Filter, Gauges
I have 18's on my 2003 MCS. I will say a couple things, as far as ride comfort goes, the 18s fall behind the pack but as far as road grip and road feel, the 18s are all over it so it depends on what you want in your ride. The look, the grip of my 18s with the reinforced sidewalls was what I was looking for. I have 17s for winter driving and they are nice too. They provide a nice comfortable ride but I still go for my 18s
Personally I really enjoy my 18's.. I had the 17" s lights on my car before and they where okay. I feel that with my new wheels I can go into the cornor faster and pull out better aswell. Heres a pic of my car with the 18's
__________________
03 Mini Cooper "Pure Silver" Nor-Cal 916
Very sharp looking car! Thanks for the opinions everyone - I have weighed them all and decided on the 17" Konig Bumps. I'm going to put a 215/50 on there and some lowering springs eventually. Couldn't beat the deal I got on them (I felt) and they definitely have the look I am going for with blackout and red trim. Thanks again everyone and happy motoring!
__________________ "Gossamer," the '05S with all the right trimmin's!
"Gossamer," the '05S with all the right trimmin's!
