Good news: I've just got my 18" rims
Bad news: I've just found out that Mini's changed the bolt size on some of their 06 Minis. So my 18" set is still on the floor.

What will be the best solution?
My mini's got 14mm bolt size.
My rim has 12mm bolt size.

Drill and expand the holes for 2 mm ?
Any shop in the area can do this?
Please advise.
Thank you.

 

You could have them drilled, drill them yourself, or get a stud kit that has the 14 on the end that threads into the rotor and 12 end on which the wheel sits. I think there is something on those studs in the vendor announcements section.

 

Any reliable issue if we drill the rims?
What will be the best shop to do the shop around DC metro area?

 

I'd start by calling Lucky Dog. Regardless of what they say, I'd also check with a couple local phone book wheel/tire shops to get a second opinion. After that, you'll be well informed to make your own decision.

Oh, and NAM also has a wheel/tire forum for these questions. Likely much better answers there since you're asking all of NAM, and not just 1 club.

 

I doubt you'd have any issues even if you drilled them yourself. The cone on the lug centers it, not the hole that the threaded portion of the lug passes thru. That being the case, unless you went nuts and tried to modify the tapered seat on the rim I can't imagine you causing any real problems.

 

I had the same problem and was told I would need a machine shop to do it, was going to cost quite a bit. Mine fit just would not seat right on the wheel.

 

I have this 18" Work VS-xx in silver and I don't want to mess it up myself.

 

That being the case, just about any machine shop could either drill them out or ream them out for you. I can't wait to see what those look like when you get them installed.

 

Since I can't put it on, I just laid them next to my Mini to see how they would look like.
With more spokes on the Work wheel, it looks a little bit busy compare to the stock S-Lites but definitle look great. I can't wait to have them on. Hopefully, it will not break my bank for the machine shop to drill the holes.
By the way, has anyone known and could recommend a good, reliable machine shop in the area?
I wish to have it done before Christmas.
Thanks in advance.

 

I think I would go with the stud conversion option. In addition to solving the problem, you'd have the convenience of studs rather than bolts.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=86777

 

Thanks for the infomation.
The is one great way to deal with the problem but we will have to wait for another month or so.
At the mean time, I will do more research about how reliable to rims will be after the drilling and will continue looking for a good shop in the area.

 

1. This deffently NOT a DYI job.

2. I like the stud conversion idea best but not sure that you can get studs one size to fit into the base and another size to go through the rim. Most stud kits are made to replace a stock wheelbolt. I fear the bolts find which fit the car will be to big around for the wheel holes.

3. There are good machine shops in the area, and this would not be a difficult job for a good machine shop. John at LD likely works with someone (rebuilding motors and doing head work) so I will second the idea of contacting him. I would also check other car shops to see where they get their engine work done.

4. Have you considered taking the wheel back (most likely you have, but I did not see anything posted so thought I would add the option)? If you purchased the wheels from a store, they likely would make good the error. The down side is if you got them from another owner you can forgit about this option. If you told the vendor they were to fit a 06 Cooper they should have known about the size change and asked you. (My 06 has the same size bolts, so we know your car was built after Dec 05). Likely as not they will make good on the wheel as long as there are no marks on it.

5. I can not stress enough not to do this your self. The cone shape is very important. If the angle is not correct you can damage the wheel or studd. That inturn could cause the wheel to come off the car when driven at speed.
Good luck
John

 

I have asked couple of shops around here about the drilling option, they all said the same thing, "not recommend".
I will wait for the conversion kit. What I heard, it should come out in a month.