So Im torn... I like both options and may have made an impromptu purchase this morning while hanging out w/ the dog, the fire place and the VISA card.

Which one would you have chosen? I've been going back and forth so may times on these that I figured that I'd ask those who have more mini miles under the belt then I. And while I know its "subjective" as to which one you'd have picked - what say you?


Thunder Grey Wheel Decisions decisions!

 

The second. It might look a little better since it is slammed and is it Photoshopped? Looks like a larger wheel
What I really would have done is bought the lightest aftermarket wheel I could find so that you could enjoy the extra feeling and accelleration

 

@iwashmycar ( Great Name BTW )

I've read quite a bit about the wheel weights, buying lighter wheels for performance, rolling mass, stopping distances, etc... but have always wondered if the "average motorist" can really tell a difference in daily driving experiences? I like to motor around a bit, we have many roads here that lend to spirited driving, but for the standard motorist - can they really tell?

 

I think a lot of mods talked about on NAM fall into the category of "average motorist" during the course of normal everyday driving not being able to discern a difference.

Your photo's show the car at different angles which makes it hard to give a fair opinion. I like them both, #2 might be a tad busy but either one works IMO.

 

I went the black route, good bye chrome with brake dust.

 

I recently put on new wheels and snow tires. Yes, the biggest most amazing difference it the world was ditching the runflats, but the runflats were heavier as well. I would say the heftiness of the OEM weighty wheels and heavier tires is a hinderance and is now substantially better feeling.

If you are talking just lightening rims...but still keeping heavy rock-hard runflats, then probably wont notice much.

 

A light tire & wheel package really pays dividends. You will feel a difference.

 

I like the first picture. I think the thin spoke looks kind of odd on the bigger mini. They are probably heavier though. A light wheel and tire combo will definitely noticeable though. Even with the oem wheels, switching to a non run flat tire will, you will notice a big change.

 

I think I agree - I continue to look at those and think they'd looks pretty dang good. Might be onto something w/ the removal of the runflats. Heavier wheels, lighter tire = net zero?

 

Even if it isn't net zero, the non-runflat tires will feel way better while driving and you will enjoy that more. Plus they will protect your new wheels. Get a pothole with a runflat...you are bending a wheel. I've had it happen to two Minis so far.

 

Personally I have black wheels on my Thunder Gray F56, and really like the look. Will likely upgrade to these:

http://www.nm-eng.com/338/24/0/3249/...ght-wheel.html

 

As far as wheel weight goes, it depends on the delta. I can definitely feel the difference between my "S-heavies" and Xlites, not in handling, but accel/decel. But that's 7+ lbs per corner. (25 vs 18, wheels only)

 

I like the OEM Style 506 MINI wheel on the right, but I also like the NM wheels. Which are lighter then those OEM wheels. Going to non runflats is a huge win.

 

Well - decided to keep 'em and here's what we ended up with:




Swapped out the ones that were on my Thunder Grey, pulled the black wheels from her pepper white, and new wheels and tires for everybody!