My new 2009 MCS comes with the standard 16inch S-Winders wheel. It doesn't seem like anyone has this design.

Is it a matter of choice (therefore one looks better than the other) or are the wheels (or is it called rim) NOT as strong as the 16 inch Bridge spoke wheels (standard) ?

And are the 17 inch wheel STRONGER than the 16 inch ones?

Thanks in advance

 

The S-winders are lighter than the bridgespokes by something around 5 lbs, so I assume not as strong. I think the 16" bridgespokes would be stronger if only because there is more rubber, but then again, I don't know what materials and methods they're all made of.

 

i think its really just a looks thing

 

I got the Bridgespokes because they were simpler, and thus easier to keep clean. (Important with white wheels.)

 

I've got the s-winders and chose to keep that option when I ordered. I love how they look, plus every other MINI I see out there has the bridge spokes.

 

i hate hubcaps that cover lug bolts

 

Does MINI supply any wheels with hubcaps which do that?

 

Um...S-Winders do.



They ARE light, but most people don't like the looks very much. 17" wheels are popular because they look much larger than 16", don't hurt performance or ride much, and are relatively cheap. (Compared with 18"...)

--Dan
Mach V

 

Obviously, I've never looked that closely at the S-Winders.