Hey guys...

Forgive my noobishment. I just bought an 05 MCS, Jet Black and I wanted to get right to the rims. It has 17" S-Lites (I think that's what people have been calling them). I actually dig the "holey rims" and was wondering who actually made them and where I can find some. I'm thinking a paint job could really make em look good.

Thanks guys!

Kirk

 

That's the R81 Imola (but everyone called them 'holies')
At 12 pounds, the lightest OEM rim.
All from the sticky - good info in post #9

Put an ad in the classifieds - they come up all the time. Ebay, too.

 

Don't froget about these beauties!

 

I have two sets, one came with my Mini, I bought the other set as new take-off wheels from ebay. I also bought an different style of 15" stock Mini wheels for winter use on ebay.

-Keith

 

The 7 hole rim design is from the base Cooper beginning in 2002. It came in either silver or white painted finish and was the normal stock wheel so there are many on the used market. The other 15x5.5 rims also in silver or white were alternative designs and optional when ordered from the factory.

The Cooper S came with stock 16" rims so the Holeys were not an option except after purchase. S-lytes are 17x7 and of a classic design but very heavy at 25 pounds each. S-lytes were optional in the sport package for the Cooper S and in silver or white finish.

Due to the light weight and basic functional design the holeys are popular and sought after. They are also durable and versatile. They can take tire sizes good for the street and commuting such as 175/65-15 to an aggressive performance size like 205/50-15 or a wider street size like 205/55-15.

If you are looking for a set try your local MINI club and ask around if anyone has a set for sale or try ebay.com

Holeys may not have enough clearance for big brake kits or the front JCW brakes found on the new R56 Cooper S.


Silver holeys with Michelin Pilot sport Cups in 205/50-15 at the track.

 

Wow, the 205/50s are 5.6% short - would help with the gearing on the early cars, anyway.
minihune, can I assume that a 215 is just a bit too wide to run on a 5.5" rim? It works out just right WRT stock diameter, but...

 

Yes, 205/50-15 is smaller than stock tire outer diameter and much better for lowered gearing and fast driving. I use that size often with Holeys for street use and daily driving and it's fun. Speedometer reading is higher than actual, you get the illusion of going faster but if you just drive with the traffic you should be fine. You do log in a few extra miles for your trouble.
I've got 35,000 miles on my 2003 MCS so it's not too bad.

Searching for 215mm wide tires in 15" doesn't bring up much.

I did find in 215/45-15 the Toyo Proxes T1r fits rims 7 to 8" wide and has load rating of 84 with outer tire diameter of 22.8". It's really a better tire for a 15x7 rim which is common. 15x7 rims often will work well with 205/50-15, 205/55-15, 225/50-15 or 225/45-15 tires.

At tirerack I found in 215/50-15
BF Goodrich g-Force Sport (ultra HP summer tire) for $81 each
340 treadwear AA traction V speed rated 88 load rating
fits rims 6-7.5" wide 23.5" outer tire diameter
This could fit a holey rim- it would be a tight fit but possible. It's an unusual size but workable.
And
Dunlop SP Sport 5000 Asymmetrical (Ultra HP All season tire) for $103 each