Greetings.
Let me just start of by saying that there can be no question that original wheels are of higher quality than the knock-off's. But, I saw this topic on another forum and was surprised how cheap the guys with the replica's were treated. I've seen none of that on this forum, but I want peoples opinions on original vs replica wheels? Would you put rep's on your MINI?
Let me come clean, I have a R53 MCS, and recently got a great deal on some brand new bridgestone pirelli tires with BBS Air 2 Replica's. My tires were at the end of their lives and my s-lite 17inch wheels were dented and scratched (from over 8 years of running around). So I took the deal. Car is running perfect and smooth and the wheels look good too . But at the end of the day, they're just replica's. Cheap, low quality replica's. I hate the bbs logo on them, I'm going to pop those out definately :( .
But I really couldn't be spending so much more on originals. I know its well spent in quality, finish, design etc. But I diddnt get these rims to look like a poser,or to go around saying "I have BBS wheels!" I just like the design. That exact design, and they arnt being made in a 4x100 pattern (original) so these are what I'm running any opinions?

 

I would not worry about someone thinking you are trying to pretend you have BBS wheels. Go for the look you want and at the price you can afford. Anyone who knows wheels would want original BBS , but most like me are not willing to pay the price, when it takes only one mistake and you curb up your wheels.

Its sorta like some people who like to say their mini is a BMW, reminds me of Chevrolet owners saying their cars are little Cadillacs. You buy the car for what it is and what you like about it.

IF you are worried about some people criticizing you for the BBS look alike, then I would recommend changing the centers, like you mentioned. Your wheels look great on your car. Most Mini owners don't even know what BBS is.

 

If they work, they work!!
You KNOW what you got, quality vs $$, and you are happy. That is what matters. They may not last forever, but they are better than the old ones you had..lookswise. just stayaway from potholes...it may be a good idea to buy a spare rim while they are instock imo.

 

I've got R112 replicas made by A-Spec. They are perfect for my wife's commute everyday and they are never going to see snow.
I'm happy with them, especially for what I paid!
You won't hear me making fun of you.

 

If i had an original classic mini i would make sure the wheels were correct because it matters.On a newer MINI it does not matter, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. If it fits,looks good and is in your budget, do it,just do it....

 

A little late to the party but I bought a set of R90 replica wheels (17x7) for Blizzak winter tires on wife's '09 MCS. Car came w/ R98's so these seemed to maintain similar appearance.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/17-17x7-Allo...30cb5d&vxp=mtr

Can't say whether they can stand up to a pot hole or not but the finish is nice & they didn't take a whole lot of weight to balance. I can say that the R98's are not immune to pot holes - had a bent wheel when we bought car, found two used & bought them (thankfully pretty cheap) & found one of them had a little hump in it too.

Anyone want a stylish hose hanger?

 

Proud to rep my Rota MC's or what other people call BBS LM replica's. At the end of the day, they look good to me! Regardless of brand!

 

They look good. Go with what you can spend and afford. Don't worry about vanity. Really, no one will know unless you tell them that they are replicas.