I currently have 16 inch stock wheels on my MINI. I want to buy 15s and put them on. Can I? How will this effect my car?

 

The question are the brake calipers. Someone else should chime in but meanwhile you might be able to see how much space there is between the rim and the caliper. Would think that if you have at least an inch, the 15's would work.

You are aware you need to buy new rims correct?

 

Do you have an S or the base Cooper model? The non-S will fit 15" wheels (it was the standard size and 16" wheels was an optional upgrade). If you have an S, original MINI 15" wheels won't fit over the larger S brakes. There may be some aftermarket 15" wheels that can clear the S brakes, or using wheel spacers might add enough clearance to make it work.

 

Thanks! But yes I am planning on buying new rims and new tires.

 

I do have an S. They are also aftermarket wheels. Tomorow I am going to test fit the new aftermarket rims to be sure they clear the brakes enough.

 

if you manage to fit 15s please come back and post the details

 

I have a r53 JCW that is that has same brakes as the r56 S. I'm running 6ul's 15x8. They fit, barely, but there are several options out there if that's the route you want to go. You can see my post in the 8" roll call thread.

 

Just wanted to thank everyone for the help and notify you that they did not fit. They definitely came close but there was a little hump on the back of the caliper that held us up.

 

You could try a minimal spacer, 3, 4, or 5 mm if you need a bit of clearance.