If anyone has a set of R94s for sale...I'd be interested. Those are the 16x6.5 7-spoke silver wheel that comes on the checkmate edition.

Per

 

I'm in exactly the same boat. Dealers can't get them yet, currently only available via "with the car" factory order. Incidentally they are also called "bridge spokes".

I'm also guessing you want them for the same reason I do - one of only two OEM 16" wheels that will fit over the JCW brakes... ?

(The other being the R87 "double spokes", but they are only 5.5" wide)

 

How much do they weigh?

 

According to the MINI2 FAQ, 20.9lb for R94s, 16.5lb for R87s... good luck finding the appropriate 175/60R16 tires for the R87s though.

Since the R94s are REALLY hard to come by now, I am likely to have to buy another set of 17s for winter use. I don't want to use my R98 web-spokes (two-piece) in the winter, since the thought of salt getting into the joins & bolts is very unpleasant!

So I'm then torn between two extremes... should I buy a set of R85 S-lites, which are super-heavy at 25.1lbs, the idea being they are more durable for winter roads and potholes... or do I go for a set of R91 5-spoke bullets, which are the lightest OEM 17s at 20.6lbs?

Tough decision!

 

Hmm, they are 6.5" too. 21 Pounds is still heavy.

I dont understand why MINI doesnt sell lightweight wheels. You would think there would be a market for them

 

The 17s? No, all of the OEM 17s are 7" wide. All of the OEM 16s are 6.5" wide, except the R87, which is 5.5" wide (BTW the 2006 MINI USA accessories catalog has a misprint, lists the R87 as 6.5" wide).

I do. Durability. MINI doesn't want to have to replace everyone's wheels when they get bent up easier on potholes. Customers are a finicky bunch, especially with OEM manufacturers/warranties/etc. ... would you like to be the one to field complaints?

 

ahh, they're that heavy? well, maybe nevermind!

Per

 

Look at the MINI2 FAQ I listed above. NONE of the OEM MINI wheels are all that light... but they are durable. I guess it depends on your needs. Winter wheels are probably worth being heavier, due to worse road condition.

 

I was hoping they were in the 17lb range like the R84 X-lites, which would be acceptable for street/autocross rains. Looks like another set of Rotas for me.

Per