I have a 2015 Cooper S 4dr and I'm looking to drop it to eliminate fender gap with either springs or coil overs. I know coil overs are best route, but don't want to kill the bank if unnecessary. I don't plan on track racing, so performance isn't a big deal...but if springs rapidly destroy stock shocks, I may decided coil overs. Regardless I will likely get adjustable rear control arms.


Additionally, I would like to get a nice looking set of wheels (polished or black) probably in 17x7.5 to put 214/45/17 tires on. I really like the bbs old school look, but cant seem to find any replicas in 17x7.5 5x112 and remotely close to stock offset. Again, looking to do this economically (without spending 5K+ in lowering and wheels).


Finally I believe I will need to add spacers to get a closer stance to the fender, and with a stock 45 offset I will need to factor what most of you are satisfied with given the difference in aftermarket wheels offset.


I know its a lot of info, but I would be highly grateful for your input and advice so I can do this the right way the first time.

 

Was hoping for a reply or two by now. Reading back over my post and noticed a mistake on my future tire size - 215 not 214.

Anyway, MODS please move this post to the wheel category if you think it would help.

 

I didn't do any suspension mods, but did get a set of wheels to reduce unsprung weight. Enkei RPF1 through Tire rack. Makes a difference in WHP when you eliminate some rotational resistance as well as unsprung weight.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ls-on-whp.html

Make sure you don't add wheels weight trying to get a certain look. Heavy wheels can take great handling car and turn it into a bus.

Drop Vetsvette (Whitey) a PM as he is doing a rework of his suspension. Lowering and improving handling. He also added wheels to his car too. He has done a lot of research and pricing and will be able to give you plenty of advice.

Best of luck with your project

 

I have springs and haven't experienced any issues performance/damage wise. These aren't Honda civics with cut springs lol. Lmk if you have questions.

 

When you say BBS old school look, you mean like an RS look specifically or just mesh wheels in general? There are some single piece BBS wheels that are still mesh designed that may work, but 17x7.5 is a pretty specific size to be looking for.

As far as replica wheels, there are tons of them out there but Rota or XXR may have something similar to what you're looking for.

 

Thanks for the advice, I will definitely keep weight in mind. The Enkei RPF1 look good, but I'm leaning toward more of a mesh look.

 

Good to know. What brand springs did you buy and whats the drop and fender gap you now have? Also did you buy adjustable control arms, and any uneven tire wear? I'll check you profile for pics.

 

I would say more of the mesh look. Also wheels with some depth/lip to them unlike the stock +offset. Only reason I'm looking at 17x7.5 specifically is because that's the most common recommended size I've found to run 215/45/17 tires. However, I'm open to different sizes and suggestions.

I'll check out Rota and XXR right now. Thanks.

 

Nm springs, no control arms, no uneven tire ware. Gender gap is about an inch and looks great. The drop was 33mm? It was like an inch and a half and the real measurements are on their website. I don't have pics on here, pm me an email if you'd like to see some.

 

NM Springs installed last weekend w/ 25mm sway bar.

 

That looks good Jason, thanks for the pics. I'm thinking a tad lower...maybe a 1/2 more would be perfect. I wonder if they will settle a little more. You in Florida? Area looks familiar.

Honderpilot, how long have you been riding the tires with the drop? I'll PM you for pics.

 

Lol I've had them for over a year and do frequent highway driving. I got the pm I'll respond tonight.

 

I'm running Koenig 17X8 et45 wheels, but there's a good chance they'll be changed to NM RSe05 17X7.5 so they'll clear the JCW brakes I'm planning to install.
I have on hand a set of NM springs, 22mm RSB with NM end links, and a set of NM adjustable control arms. It'll be after MOTD before I have the time to get the suspension upgrades done.

 

Just checked out the NM RSe05 wheels and they are 4 lug...unless I'm missing something. Looks pretty good though.

Still searching for some classic mesh 5 lug wheels with a lip that will fit. I'm thinking its just not out there.

 

They make them in 5X112 also.

http://www.nm-eng.com/338/0/0/3249/n...ght-wheel.html

 

Nice, now we are getting somewhere. They resemble rockstars with out the annoying star. Would be nice to see what they look like on a black cooper...I have black stock wheels now and I'm starting to lean away from the black on black look. I think a polished wheel contrast might look better.

 

Pedro (MCT) has them on his '16 MCS with JCW Tuning Kit. They look great and work very well with the JCW brakes.

 

I doubt you'll find a BBS style mesh wheel that fits the JCW without spacers. I have not seen anything but the NM style wheels for the JCW. I love the BBS LM wheels with the polished lip but they won't fit the JCW....maybe in time! I'm on the fence about the 2 NM style wheels that fit the JCW....just gets down to personal preference & the available options are still very slim! I'm staying with my stock 18" cup spokes for awhile.

 

Pedro actually has the VW specific wheels (17X8 et45) Jerry CNCed the bores to match up with the Mini hub. That was the only way to get the red wheels unless you want to have a set of the Mini specific wheels powder coated yourself. The 17X7.5 RSe05 Mini wheels only come in gunmetal grey and black. I'll probably go with GM grey and maybe consider powder coating down the road when I finish everything else.

 

Just to clarify I'm not looking to fit a JCW or JCW brakes, and I'm totally open to using spacers.

 

Then, these will look great imo.....


http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel...dClar=Cooper+S

 

$$$$ though.

 

Have you guys looked at Team Dynamics? What is your total budget for lowering and wheels?

 

Yes, I know. Pedro is a good friend of mine and a bunch of us have been involved with Clark's progress since he was ordered. I do know that he got the modified VW spec wheels when MINI spec wheels were not yet available.

 

Would love to see a picture of your 4-door. Here are some options for height adjustment with varying stages of coilovers:

http://new.minimania.com/part/G3NMS3...amper-Gen3-F55