Okay so I have boring 15 inch stock oem rims on my 2010 Clubman. I hate them. I want to change to something a bit more fun BUT I don't care about size really, just looks. I also want to keep using all seasons and avoid the run flats. I also like having the spare tire to use. All that said, it seems that anything worth buying is 16 or 17 inches in size (rims).

Questions...

1. If I buy a 16 inch rim and get some 16 inch wheels does that mean I have to buy another 5th 16 inch spare tire and is this even possible to have under the car? Does 16/17 inch rims mean no spare? If so then what do ya do when ya have a flat? Can a 16 inch spare be mounted under the car?

2. Can I use my own current tpms?

3. Is there a dif in the feel of a 16 vs 15 inch wheel in ride quality? NYC streets are HELL. I like the way my 15's feel I just don't like the look of the boring rim.

4. Are there any fun 15 inch rim options out there for MINI COopers? I don't see too many...

5. Anything else to consider when moving from 15's to 16's?

THANKS

 

1---If you keep the Same diameter tire.....you SHOULD be able to fit the spare under the car....heck in a pinch...the old 15' spare should fit fine (for temporary use only of course, like a temp spare).
2--Yup....as long as the rims are compatible....it might be smart to install new batteries...ask you installer.
3-- ride quality is worse....handling is better...and you are FAR more likely to blow out a tire/bend/destroy a rim on a pothole. 16's still have pretty nice sidewalls....so you should be fine....they get pretty bad with 17' and 18's on city streets, and winter roads/potholes.
4--I run some pretty cool 15' winter rims on my R53 S... (then stock 16's in the summer)..., your choice of rims are all personal taste/preference...there are hundreds, if not thousands of choices....there are fewer options for 15's....but they are still around!!
5--When you buy ANY aftermarket rims, remember, the MINI is HUB-CENTRIC...you will need hubcenteric rings to prevent vibration. (unless the rings just happen to be the same sizes as the MINI needs...uncommon unless they are OEM)... A good rim/tire shop will know the correct info. Also be sure the Offset is correct for you car.....(it is how deep the mounting point is on the rim basically).
Also some rims use Tuner Lugs (smaller heads on the lug bolts)...if you choose a set that need these you will need to convert to studs, and use tuner nuts, or order tuner bolts for your car....these usually must be ordered, plan accordingly.

 

You shouldn't need to change the spare, don't you already have a compact spare which doesn't match anyway? The spare's only there to get you to the nearest tire shop.

 

keep the 15"s for winter wheels

 

Thanks gang for the replies. You were all a big help!