I saw the thread about wether the 17s mount without probs...

Will a 15in Holey bolt to an S that came with 17 S-Lites?
I read that some come with bigger brakes???
How can you tell what you have?

thanks
db

 

absolutely! All OEM MINI wheels are compatible with all MINI's

I'm looking for a set of 15's myself. . . but can't quite afford the super sweet BBS wheels I like.

What tires are you planning to mount on those holeys?

If you have a big brake kit or the JCW big brake kit, you will not be able to run those holeys. But as long as you have stock brakes, you will be fine.

 

i've been thinking about getting holeys myself. up in maine with the bad roads the 17's are most unpleasant.

 

16's are also a good compromise. I have a set of the x-lites with some very sticky tires for track and fun use.

Maybe I'll go out to the garage and put them on today.. . . . .

 

16 is perfectly fine for comfort, 15s are going to be a sacrifise, too small for an S.

 

All of the stock MINI wheel sizes will work just fine if you are careful to match the tire compound, tread design, and tire size for your intended use.

The 15x5.5" stock Holey rim works just fine whether for street driving using Max or Ultra High performance tires in 205/55-15 or something that has softer rubber and smaller tire diameter like 205/50-15 (for autocross or track). The downside is that it is rather narrow at 5.5" so that makes it hard to fit a 205mm wide tire- you can always go a little more narrow on the tire.

16x6.5" stock rims work just fine as well. For street use a 205/50-16 tire should work fine. Comfort for both 15" and 16" wheels is a plus.

17x7" stock rims work well with 45 series tires and you can find ones that are better for comfort and street use or better for performance or pay more and get both. 7" wide rims allow you to choose tires that are 205 or 215mm wide and use 40 or 45 series tires (a bit stiffer sidewall, rougher ride but handles great).

Even the 18" rims can work well. Pretty similar in ride to the 17" runflats.
Suspension makes a difference- a lowered MINI with a stiffer tire sidewall isn't going to be as comfortable on anything but smooth roads.

Want to know more about tire choices? Give Alex@tirerack.com a call. But you should let him know your intended use for your MINI, weather and road conditions and if you plan to use your MINI for any performance events (autocross, track, driving school, etc).

One final consideration. The MC has less power so the lightest wheel setup would be a very big plus. Going larger and heavy isn't the best strategy although it can look very nice.

The MCS has more power so you can do what you want. Nothing wrong with Holeys on the MCS. I have two sets for performance driving. I can run them on the street with no problems as well. No rubbing or fitment issues. Brake calipers for the stock MINI is fine for any stock rim.

 

I have holeys and they were on my MCS, they are very fun to drive with at lower speeds, but when you get 90+MPH you start to get some uncomfortable wobble....they are light and great for track or just abusin in town.

 

I just mounted a set of holeys on our '04 MCS, they fit fine. Kinda change the look from mean to cute, but the ride is noticeably improved. Turn in and crispness suffered, but it's better for the wife's commute.

Trying to decide which to keep for use on our new convertible when it gets here next month. . .got the "One MINI, three sets of wheels" dilemma. . .