Hey all
Wondering if there are any drawbacks (handling, tire wear, increased torque steer, etc) by going to wheels that weigh 14-18 lbs on an r53s used for daily driving. I currently have the ac Schnitzer wheels - not sure about weight but I think they're prob between 18-20lbs. I'm looking at enkei, breyton or oz wheels so expect good quality but do these light wt wheels bend more upon pothole encounters?

Thanks

 

Absolutely - the lighter the wheel the more fragile. Motor carefully!

Alex

 

Agree.

I have however 100k miles on a set of Kosei K1s without issue - driving year round in New England. I am quite conscious of road conditions however, and abide by Alex's excellent advice.

 

I like my konigs, they are prtty light and I live in the lad of the potholes

 

Thanks Alex

So what would you recommend if I'm looking to replace the AC Schnitzer wheels with something in a multi spoke in the color black to achieve a good balance of weight control and performance while minimizing the likelihood of easily bending a rim? Perhaps more to the point, with our cars, and for daily spirited driving, am I really going to notice/appreciate much difference in the ooomph of the car between wheels that are 16lbs ea vs those that are 19-20lbs ea?

 

The AC Schnitzer 17x7.5 type I wheels for the MINI is said to weigh 17-18#, not bad. You might want to keep them.
http://www.mini2.com/forum/wheels-ty...schnitzer.html

 

yeah, i knew these weren't too heavy. i've just never completely liked the look of red wheels on a red car. not sure if i'd sell/trade them or hang on to them and maybe powdercoat em.

i'm more worried that if i went with an even lighter wheel that in addition to bending, i might experience more rapid tire wear on the front tires.

 

Wear should not be any worse with lighter wheels (unless you bend them and drive on bent rims!).

 

It's all relative. I have a bent R112 and it weighs a bit over 23 pounds...