I bought a set of S-Lite alloys for my car, to be used with non-runflats, but when I received them (from another MINI owner), I noticed that one of the wheels does not have a "Ronal" logo on the back, whereas the other three do. The three Ronal wheels have slightly different shapes on the backs of the spokes when compared to the other wheel too. The front of all four wheels are identical though, and they do all have BMW wheel weights on them...

Are there two suppliers for these wheels? I hope the one different one is not a knockoff or replica wheel. Do you think I'll have any issues with one being heavier than the others, etc.? Thanks for any info!

_________________
<IMG SRC="http://209.61.216.212/upload/gjr/let....jpg">

 

I noticed this when I came across two spare S-lites at a local independent BMW shop. I needed 2 runflats and was able to get 2 wheels and tires off of a crashed MINI. I didn't weigh the wheels, but did notice that the finish was slightly different and inspection from the backside showed that they came out of different molds even though they looked the same from the visible side. MINI has used at least 2 manufacturers for these wheels.

I don't think you will have a problem at all with one slightly different wheel, especially if both types weigh the same. I am guessing that the previous owner might have replaced a damaged wheel at some point.

 

Sounds good. Thanks for the quick reply! I just found this on MINI2 as well:

MINI2 link

 

Yes, there are two separate castings for the S-lyte wheel but the rims are essentially the same except from behind like you have noticed. I would treat them as interchangable. There is an old thread or two on it in NAM as well.

 

the "no-rib" Made in Hungary are the current castings. The Ronal "rib" s-lites haven't been installed as OEM in about two years. Other than the different stuctural methodology, they are similar weight, strength, and dimensions.

 

Great. Thanks to all for the information!

 

Thanks for the info, guys.

 

My S-lites are Made in Hungary and my after-market Ronal 15" (15 lbs.) in my Honda is made in Germany.