I'm looking for some new summer wheels for my 08 Cooper S. I've narrowed my choices to three: the Breyton Race GTS-R, the Enkei Performance M52, and the Enkei Racing PF01. I like the way all three look, at least from the pictures I've seen, and all 3 will clear my stock brakes just fine, but I have a few questions.

1. Does anyone know if the spokes on any of these rims sticks out past the rim lip? I haven't scraped a curb in years, but in case I do I'd rather scuff a tire sidewall or rim lip than a spoke.

2. Will I feel the difference in weight? I don't race my car, but I do take corners briskly. Most of my time is honestly spent commuting, but I still have a couple of fun corners on my way to and from the office. Will there be a noticeable difference between the M52s at 20.5 lbs and the PF01 at 15.5 lbs or the GTS-R at 16.4?

3. The PF01 has a 38mm offset, the M52 is 40mm, and the M52 is 42. I'm sure all three are OK for the car, but will there be any handling difference based on offset?

4. I'm planning on running Nitto NeoGen 205/45ZR17s. They'll fit all three rims, but the specs list a 7.0 inch measuring rim width. The PF01 and GTS-Rs are both 7.0 but the M52 is 7.5. The approved rim width goes from 6.5 to 7.5, so I'm sure the M52 is OK, but is there any advantage to sticking to the measuring rim width.

5. Both the PF01 and the GTS-R are listed as racing rims. Are these OK for street use? Will the M52 be significantly stronger if I hit a pothole?

Any guidance is much appreciated.

 

1. They all look to be similar with the PF01 being the least of the three to stick out. It's minor, I think the risk is relatively low. Some tires come with a rubber protection lip molded into the tire to help reduce curb rash risk.

2. For street use they will all perform about the same. The M52 looks more stout, hence the added weight. It's when you accelerate, brake hard or corner fast that you may notice that the heavy wheel is less nimble or responsive than a lighter one. I would think if spirited driving is very enjoyable for you that the lighter rims would be a good choice. They are both similar in weight so you can consider them equivalent.

3. The offset difference is only 4 mm. The lower the number the more the wheel sticks out. There is no difference on handling given these offsets.

4. The tire size will fit all three rims fine. The wider rim may look a little more aggressive but that is traded off by having more weight. A difference of 1/2" isn't a big deal for street driving.

5. All of the wheels are OK for street use, potholes will damage any of them if it is wide and deep enough and you go over it fast. Best way to deal with potholes is to drive carefully especially when in bad weather or at night on unfamiliar roads.

One last note, if you have OEM brake pads, do they dust heavily? Are your current front wheels really dirty? If so then either change out the pads to something that leaves less dust or consider a wheel finish that does not show brake dust or do both. Brake dust will damage any wheel finish if left on for any length of time.

 

Thanks Minihune. If the PF01's spokes stick out less than the GTS-R, and most of the rest of the specs are the same, then I can eliminate the Breyton. So then it's a choice between the PF01s, which are lighter but perhaps a bit less resistant to damage, and also pricier; and the M52s, which are heavier but therefor perhaps a bit more resistant to damage, but also cost less. Decisions decisions.

 

Keep in mind that the PF01 is part of the racing lineup and the M52 is not. The wheels in the racing lineup are cast to rough dimensions then rolled to the final shape (enkei calls this the MAT process) so they are a bit stronger than your typical cast wheel, almost halfway between a cast and forged wheel in terms of strength. The M52's are just a straight up cast wheel so they aren't as strong. With the PF01, you are getting something lighter and stronger, but at an additional expense of course.

It all comes down to what your priorities are.

 

I wasn't aware of that. If I can get lighter and stronger then that would be the way to go. Especially when the PF01 has spokes that don't stick out as far as the rest. Thanks Andy!

 

No problem. Glad I could help.

 

Look at this picture to see how flat the rear wheel vertical profile is, it won't easily get damaged from curbs. Unless you are the Capt of the Titanic and strike an Iceburg curb.