Hi all,

Looking to buy my first MINI (MCS) and I really love the web spoke wheels (example pic below if you don't know which ones I'm talkin' about)



but, I see from the online configurator that all-season tires are not available for these wheels, only with the Crown-spoke ones, which I only sorta like.

Is there any reason for this? Doesn't seem logical to me...I'd rather not settle for the Crown spoke ones because of my desire to not have to deal with snow tires

Any insight would be great.

Thanks!

 

Welcome to the MINI configurator! I wanted my 15" rims with all seasons and could only get them with performance tires. I think they just have certain combos made up and those are the choices. I asked my MA when he ordered and the computer would not allow a change. Thought I'd try.

 

The OEM wheels are expensive, and rather heavy. The Crown Spoke and Web Spoke wheels are around 22.5 lbs. each. A heavier wheel has more inertia, so it takes more power to get it moving, more braking to stop it, and it is less damped by the suspension when hitting a bump. In short, a lighter wheel will give you more performance and a smoother ride. The differences may not be dramatic, but it argues against paying a lot of $$ for heavy wheels.

There are a lot of after-market wheels available for the MINI that are lighter than OEM wheels and offer a variety of styles.

One strategy is to order your MINI with the least expensive wheels in 16" (or even 15" for an MC) and use them for snow tires. Then buy a nice set of after-market wheels for summer tires.

Another strategy is to get 17 Crown Spoke wheels with the Sports Package (if that is something you want) and sell them after buying a set of after-market wheels. That is what I ended up doing. I bought a set of CenterLine RPM 17x7 (about 15 lbs) for about $750, and a set of Rota RB 16x7 (about 14 lbs.) for $550. The 17" are for fun and the 16" are for comfort.

Because of the noise, harsh ride, and expense of runflat tires, I switched to non-runflat tires. I carry a electric pump with Slime tire repair, and a plug repair kit in case of a flat.

 

And in case you're interested here are the specs for OEM wheels.

 

web spokes are only available with high perfomance RFs.

I have them--very nice wheels. I took off the high perf RFs and mounted
non RF all season ultra high perf tires and am very pleased.

However, I did destory one wheel on a pot hole I did not see late at night. $450, to replace wheel plus new tire and alignment---

 

I love the web-spokes myself. I am curious though, are these a true two piece wheel?

 

I had the webspokes and they are very heavy and are just sitting in my garage with runflats. Robin Casady is right. Lighter wheels improve performance dramatically and can mitigate the torque steer. I wouldn't waste my money on the webspokes.

 

FWIW, another vote for Bridgespokes & snow tires; buy wheels and put on performance rubber yourself.