We've recently become a two MINI family. My wife took delivery of a 2011 Mini Cooper S last week after trading in her Toyota Camry.



Anyway, as you can see we now have a First Gen and Second Gen.

To make a long story short, my wife wants to swap her 16" wheel set for a set of 2009 17" JCW Factory wheels. My question is: is this just a direct swap of the wheels? I've heard there may be interference problems and TPMS differences that make them incompatible. Any help you experienced 2nd Gen Gurus can provide will be greatly appreciated.

Any suggestions for other performance mods will also be appreciated...

 

I cant help you with the wheel question, but I would imagine you and I are in an exclusive club......the two Chili Red Owners club

Here are ours:

Her Clubman is awaiting graphics currently.

Good Luck on your wheels....Just a thought for you is you may wanna consider an aftermarket wheel. When we were at the dragon this year all the factory wheels sort of blend together. Even though around here people comment on my current wheels, I saw a set I want better that really pop

My wife will probably get my wheels and I want the ones listed below....AND they are a LOT cheaper than the JCW I am sure. Just something to ponder...

Link:

http://traklitewheels.com/wheels.php

Scroll down to the VORTEX wheel and see the one off to left with the red rim inside the wheel with the splines..

 

The wheels will fit. The 2009 TPM sensors will not work. BMW/Mini changed sensor frequency for my 2010. If you took the sensors from the 16" 2011 wheels they will install on the 2009 JCW wheel with no issues.

Or you can buy new sensors (about $400 a set).

 

Thanks Richard! The sensor swap is the way to go. Is another option to lose the run-flats and take the sensors off all together?

Whistler, Great pic! I wonder if we really are the only members of the exclusive Chili Red club. I'm guessing not. By the way, we were at the Dragon as well this year. Next year, we'll be taking both Minis down. Talking about Exclusive Clubs, we met some people down there who have his/hers 2006 GP's. Now THAT'S an exclusive club.

 

Another option is to lose the run flats, and keep the sensors. Without them pressurized and in or on the car you will have the annoying tpms warning light.

The TPMS system doesn't care what kind of tires you have. (runflat or not)

 

We are going back to the Dragon in the fall with the Tar Heel club and also the 2011 event!...We will be taking both Minis and some friends..

 

Thanks again Richard. So, If I lose the run flats and keep the TPMS sensor, I'll still need the 2011 sensor, right? How much of a pain in the neck is it to swap the TPMS sensors?

Whistler, we're planning on doing the Fall event, too. Minis on the Sleeping Dragon, right? We have friends from Virginia who are meeting us there.

 

Any tire shop could do it, if they do cars made after 2007 (?) when tpms were made mandatory.