I'm looking at a set of S-Lites for my JCW for snow tires. My dealer said approved wheels are R97,R104,R108,R110 AND R112. I'd thought that crown-spokes were the same as S-Lites, but now I'm thinking they may not be. Can anyone clarify, please?

Thanks.

 

The two wheels look very similar, except the S-lite has exposed lug holes and the Crown Spoke has a lug cover.

 

Do we know if that's the only difference? I need to know if they'll fit on the JCW, which has super tight clearance.

 

As far as the factory wheels, I would stick to the wheels from the approved list...
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...5&postcount=69
...the S-lite may have the correct diameter and offset, but the inner spoke design may not clear the caliper unless used with a spacer.

Maybe try to borrow one from a fellow MINI owner for a test fit.

 

Ugh, yeah, my parts manager says the S-Lites are not approved by MINI. :(

EDIT: Does a spacer just push the wheels away from the hub slightly? Is there any reason I shouldn't use one?

 

http://www.mini2.com/forum/faq.php?faq=faq_wheels_tyres#faq_faq_factory_wheel s

 

Handy, thanks.