From what I've been reading, the 16" wheel/tire combinations are lighter (quicker off the line accelleration) and offer better ride comfort as compared 17" wheel/tire combinations, while producing unnoticable performance differences (that is, to non-autoxers). I don't plan to AutoX and the 17" look, while it is nice, is not high on my priority list. I like the options that come with the sport pkg. Do you think MINI will let me opt out of the 17"s and get 16"s when I place my order?

 

IMO - Keep the 17's - if you don't like them after a few hundred miles put them up for auction on ebay and get something lighter from Tire Rack or another reputiable vendor.

 

I aggree, MINI most likely will not credit you the value, nor will the dealer. They would be happy to swap them out prior to delivery to you and pocket the difference I am sure. I would sell on Ebay or keep them with all seasons/winter tires mounted. Order some lightweight 16" wheels with performance skins for summer fun.

 

You will have to build the entire sport package seperately if you want the 16's

so
Xenons: $500
Fogs: $140
DSC: $500
Total: $1140

you save $110 that way, but you get the lighter 16's. If you really want to go with lighter wheels and stay with a stock look, thost 16" R84 V-spokes are hard to beat.

17" s-lites with run-flats = 50 lbs
16" V-spokes with Yokohama AVS ES100 tires = 37 lbs

There is a difference in the 16's, but the big difference comes from running regular tires in combination with the 16's. That 37 lbs above is the actual weight of my current set-up.

 

Dave,
Did you weigh the tires alone???

 

Being that I live in Phoenix AZ, I doubt if I'll be needing all-seasons. I really like the look of the performance tires as compared to all-seasons. I hope I might be able to get the 16" wheels and 16" performace tires.

In your opinion, the 16"s and 17"s ride comparably to each-other or is there a noticable difference?

 

2minis: I only weighed the wheels and tires together, although imagine Dan might be able to give a bare tire weight.

dominicminicoopers:
16" run-flats will run pretty similar to the 17" run-flats

16" regular tires will run pretty similar to 17" regular tires (i.e. smoother than the 16" runflats in both cases)

 

We opted out of the sport package on our MCS for the reasons you sited: ride quality, no discernable difference in performance. W 16" wheels/rubber, I know this will be the best handling car I've owned and day to day driving comfort matters. If, after a year or so, I want more (rubber), I can get it.

Waiting. Waiting. Still waiting.
R

 

I have the 17" performance run flats and think the ride is amazing considering the size of the car. I'm fortunate to have pretty good roads, might feel different about it otherwise.

 

working on tire weights post... soon to come

 

All done with street tires. What are we interested in for competition rubber sizing?
I will do a competition post as soon I know what your interesed in.

ps still waiting on new Hoosiers

Dan

 

Dan, I'd do a new thread--it'll get lost in here. Keep up the good work! I'm going to buy 16" wheels/tires of some kind in the Spring--still no idea on sizing, though. 17" runflats are no fun.

Jeff

 

I shall