Hi all,

Mini noob here - but I'm a huge classic British car nut. I am about to sign the paperwork for a beautiful 2006 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works w/ 30k on it. My dealer found it through a local auction and I got a GREAT price, so I couldn't refuse. ALWAYS wanted a John Cooper and well - I finally got one!

The only thing that I do not like about the car is that someone put aftermarket wheels on it. I'm not really in favor of modifying any aspect of the car whatsoever, and I'd really like to put the wheels back to original.

Can someone help me do that?

Here is the car - I was able to find an ad from another dealer that had it, for a short time, then wholesaled it, I assume:

http://www.midwestmotorsinc.com/web/...er%20Hardtop-S

They appear to be 18" Motegi wheels, and they really don't look bad, but they're not original.

What wheels originally came on the car?

I found these on ebay, but they're not OEM and I'm a little weary of that.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/17-WH...ht_3320wt_1054

What would be the best/most economical way of doing this? How much am I going to get if I sell these Motegi's/what should I ask?

Thanks for your help in advance! Looking forward to becoming a regular here!

 

I'm with you I don't like those wheels either.

The other link you have has wheels that are original MINI style, but those never came factory on the MINI. They were always a dealer add on wheel. So if you have to have the original wheels that came with that car you need to pull the build sheet to find out what it had. It may have been web spokes, or S lites. If it was web spokes have a good used set.

 

OK, wonderful - this is what I'm getting at. I'd really really like to have the original wheels that came on the car. I'll see if perhaps my local Mini dealership can print out the build sheet. Hopefully they'll be helpful, even though I didn't buy the car there.

 

Once you decide which wheels you want, try putting a barter ad in Craigslist, and on the marketplace here. You may find someone with a nice set of just what you want, who is willing to swap.

 

Could be a good way to do it - good thought.

I should have the build sheet for the car in just a second, so I'll know soon!

 

OK - one dealer said they were emailing me the spec sheet and I never got it.

The other dealer said my car came with S-Spoke wheels - which is fine.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...#ht_1379wt_828

So, here they are on ebay. But the eBay ad says they don't fit the John Cooper Works version?

This is awful confusing.

 

There is someone in the marketplace right now selling a set of S-lites for $200 shipped. They need to be refinished, though. S-Lites come up used all the time, because a lot of people prefer a lighter weight, or 16" wheel for better handling. I personally love the S-Lite, due to it's Minilite inspired design. I think it's a good choice for your car.

 

I really like the S-Lite as well, and you're right, it looks like the Minilites used on MG's, Austin Mini's, Triumph Spitfires, etc.

I'm just worried because of what that ad says. I need some clarification on that.

 

I am glad you found your MINI!

 

Thank you!!! I did call on that one, and it sounded SUPER clean...but I could not resist a 30k mile pampered JCW.

If you're ever on the north side of Chicago, wave!

 

The ad your refering to is for OEM wheels, R-85 S-Lite, that will fit your 2006 JCW.
The other JCW factory option for your car was the R-98 Web Spoke.

Those wheels, R-85 and R-98, will not fit the newer JCW models.

Hope this helps...

 

Crystal clear, boss. Thank you!

 

Your welcome!

Nice Sig...You sure do love the British iron!

 

Thank you!

Through and through, my friend. I told myself I wanted to drive a British car all the time, and the MINI is the perfect option.

 

I'll throw a curve ball in here

The wheels that were in the second link in the original post, are (as Way said) factory wheels but "premium" ones. I have them on my '05 and I love them.

As for the S-lites, I have never really been a fan. I feel like they look too bulked up. Oddly enough...I have Minilites on my Austin Mini. But I love the original design much more.

 

That is one sexy car!!!! Looks super clean, those seats are awesome, and it has all the goods inside. nice nice car. the wheels aren't bad, but I am the same way about my car, as in not modifying it. with that said, I have the s-lites and really like the look of them. enjoy it !

 

I like the R90's or R98's on your car. Both available as an option on the JCW car.
Here's my pure silver with the R90's. Those ones on ebay aren't two piece like the originals




Or webspokes like Way said , and some in the marketplace as well



Nice find, enjoy the car!

 

I looked at that car, liked it, but it didn't have heated seats, which I really wanted. Nice car though, congrats.

 

Yeah, it does not have heated seats. That's the one thing I didn't like. Everything else about the car was 1000% correct. The wheels are fixable, so that's not even a big deal.

Decisions, decisions! I like the S-Lites, but I also like the R90. The price may be the deal killer though. :/

Thanks much guys! Should have it today or Monday!

 

Also, I think I'll put these tires on - thoughts?

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....e%20May%202006

 

Those are replica R90s, so garbage IMO.

Find a used set in the marketplace. I love the two-piece wheels but not a replica.

 

Agreed, I'm a bit weary of the replica single piece ones.

 

OK! All set! I should have my car tomorrow (there was a few days delay because they were having the bonnet stripes re-applied - no extra charge to me - can't complain about that!)

I picked these up:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/_W0QQ...KQ3aMEWAXQ3aIT

And these tires:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....&AID=10398365&

So even if I only get $500-600 for those Motegi's, I'm all in for like $500. That way I know I have good year-round tires! Cool!

 

I didn't like my Continentals at all during the winter. Hopefully these tires perform better. They do have good ratings.

 

I'm liking the Continentals. The car is handling the way it should. There was just something about those 18" wheels that I didn't like. I love a car with a nice tactile feel, but I felt the ride was TOO harsh with those wheels and tires.

Nice TR6, by the way. Fellow TR owner here.