I can't seem to decide on which wheels to have on a F56 Cooper.
I'd really love some comment from actual owner about grip and the drivability!

My thoughts are:
- standard 15 inch is very lightweight according to Mini (enough to be perceived?), but has the 175 profile tire enough grip? And the 65 sidewall seems a bit too tall. Good point they are free.
- the 16 inch seem a good compromise but might be a bit heavier than the 15 (how much?).
- the 17 inch love the styling, but scared about weight.

It would be really helpful if somebody could weigh their wheel (and tire) just to give the info to the community since Mini seems not too keen to give out technical info.

Thank you so much!

 

As the weight of the rim increases, the weight of the tire decreases.
Remember the total diameter of the wheel remains constant.
Tire and rim are considered as a wheel unit.

 

Not the best rule to follow, actually.

Example:
225/45R17 Continental DW. Weight: 20 lbs
225/40R18 Continental DW. Weight: 21 lbs

Just a small sample.

 

Michelin Pilot Sport
215x55x16 = 24 lbs
215x45x17 = 23 lbs

 

If you are getting a white roof, get the white wheels.

 

This is one of those "well, it depends" discussions... as a person who has done autocrossing and road-course racing, weight is a big deal... unsprung weight is a bigger deal... as you have said, the standard 15" rims are very light, and I have yet to exceed 100% grip with the Michelin tires (i've tried, trust me). The profile makes for a decent ride when not blasting through the mountains. Tuning suspension (tires being item #1) is an exercise in compromise...

I determined with my last vehicle that, although I don't want an ugly car, function > looks...

 

function > looks...
As above
Decide what is important
Then....
Compromise.
My wife needed the 17" wheels on her MCS. (Aesthetics)
NO Compromise.

 

Some 17" wheels / center caps here for the new F56 with pics.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ch-wheels.html

 

I don't really get this obsession with weight. I mean unless you're autocrossing the differences are all but irrelevant aren't they?

 

weight is the enemy! unsprung weight is the worst. The weight of your wheels and tires plays a big role in the performance of your car in every way, accelleration, deceleration, handling. It's all in the pursuit of getting the best performance out of an already pretty good car. This also applies to the weight of your brakes and suspension.

 

I had to get the bigger wheels for the black rims. Volcanic Orange with black roof and black strips had to have black rims.

 

I guess I just don't see it. I've had all manner of wheels (and weights) and at best it makes a very minor change in driving characteristics day to day. If I were at the track that would be one thing, but every day driving? Meh.

 

Agreed, if you are a diehard track junkie, weight can be an issue. Otherwise, no biggie.

 

Heaven forbid if one drives after consuming a big meal... Or worse yet, have a passenger!

Then again, folks complained about the 1.6 gallon smaller fuel tank, but that trimmed weight considerably.

I find it fascinating what people find important, or choose to complain about.

 

I figure everyone has their own thing. If someone wants to shed every possible ounce off of their car, cool. Whatever floats their boat. Others just need transportation and don't even care what color it is.

I'm always curious about how people tweak their cars but wouldn't do 90% of the mods. To each their own.

 

Me too. I mean, I'm not one to judge, I spend money on stuff a lot of people would probably classify me as insane for. If that's what you guys are into that's all well and good. I just can't for the life of me understand it.

It's probably the same way most people feel about me lowering a car to the point where I can't even go over a speedbump.

 

How light? Looking for track wheels.....


Gary

 

Enkie RPF1 or OZ isvtge best choice unless your going to get into the $500 plus earn price range. Both have 26-17" offerings 16-17lbs. These were 20lbs which is 4lbs lighter than the OEM not that I can feel that but then I am pushing +100bhp over a Cooper.

 

Thanks, but I'm looking for 15s......