I want to know what you think STRICTLY ON LOOKS of the V-spoke vs S-lites.

It seems that everyone likes the performence of the 16s but I never seem to see pics of them or see them on the road. I dont want this to turn into a performence/weight discussion. What I want to see is what you like the looks of. If you ride on the V-Spokes lets see a picture.

 

If its strictly a looks thing...then you should decide that one on your own...no one elses opinion matters but your own.

 

I have my opinion. I want yours.

 

all weight things aside.. the s-lites are nicer cuze they echo the original... but i like the v-spoke simply cuze they are lighter.. but never mind that

simply look for a s-lite replica... which gets you that s-lite look without the weight!

 

When I was shopping for a new MINI over a year ago my first impression was that I liked the look of the S-lyte better than the X-lyte. The S-lyte looked more classic MINI and was the bigger 17" size.

My family also strongly thought the S-lytes are better suited for the MINI and look very good. They were sad to see them go when I sold my OEM S-lytes.

After studying the X-lyte design for some time now they have grown on me and I think they are ok. Not bad at all and nice to know they are more functional than any stock 17" MINI wheel.

So if you'd like to be creative then get a set of X-lytes and paint or powdercoat them metallic pearl or anthracite or something different so that they look unique and are functional as well.

 

I love the looks of the V-spokes. Had my S-lites removed before delivery and replaced with R-90's, but I have been driving around on V-spokes most of this summer. . .

 

Let's see if I can get this to work.




Well, I'm not so good at this photo thing. I like the look of the V-spokes, sorry they're not so clear here.

 

Looks alone, that's a hard question to answer because of personal preference. I chose the v-spokes because I prefer less visible mass on rims plus I didn't want to pay extra for rims I was going to replace anyway. Yea, like that is going to happen. I've had my MINI for a year now and I still can't find a set of rims I really want.

The only downside I've found on the v-spokes is that they do take a while to clean because of all the edges. I'm a lazy 5 spoke type of person.

Here's a shot of my v-spokes.

 

Here's another a little bit better. I don't really take my own pics, have to do with the pics of others. Yeah, the V-spokes are cool.

 

Ummm, interesting, I don't like them as much with the BRG....

 

I much prefer the S-lites, but it's your choice...

 

My '04 MCS was ordered with the factory R84 V-spokes and 16" SP5000 Dunlop runflats. Best decision I ever made. Really like the looks of them, I much prefer them over the 17" S-lites because they weigh a lot less and also the tires are higher profile (55 vs 45) for better tire/rim protection in case of a pothole, etc. I see too many complaints of S-lites bending after a pothole encounter and I am sure that the 45 profile tires just make the problem even worse.

If you want the best ride/handling balance combo, stick to 16" tires and rims. The MINI was designed to work best on 16" tires.


Here is a pic:

 

With weight being a non issue, I love the look of the s lites... however, seeing that v spokes are much lighter (and look pretty snazzy as well), I chose them over the s lites on my new baby.... my wife named him Casper, by the way.... :smile:


05 Pepper White/Black MCS
Prem. pkg.
xenon headlights
front fog lights...

can't wait til Sept.

 

I prefer my S-Lites. There are down sides (weight) but, they are easier to clean than V-Spokes.

 

The S-lites do look a little more original, but I still like the looks of the V-spokes better. They are a little harder to clean, so I don't know that I'd buy them in white.

Dale

 

I just passed the dealer and saw one of there demo cars that has v-spoke wheels. Man-o-man they were very dirty. I can see what you mean about keeping them clean. Looks like the anthrocite powder coat may be the way to go on these. Anyone know what that costs?

 

Here's a pic of my MCS with white V-spokes. The look has really grown on me, honestly. I think these wheels are pretty attractive, especially in white. The S-lites are too much wheel, I think. They look heavily, visually speaking. I like the more open design of the V-spoke.




Here are some more pics for you.

One.
Two.
Three.

 

Positively, absolutely the S lites.........then again, no one dare buy me ties......

 

The V-spokes are a bit of a pain in the neck to keep clean due to their shape. Still I like them a lot for the reasons previously stated.

Most every other MCS I see in the street (And in our local club) has the 17" S-Lites or the 17" R90s.

Maybe in the future I may look into the 16" R90s finished in dual tone anthracite (Liek the wheels in the limited edition MC40)

 

As someone who traded the S-lites for the X-lites, I can say that half the decision was based looks, the other half was for better "balance" of handling... vs. the S-lites...

 

Couldn't have said it better myself. I'm biased of course, but the Panasports on JerseyGirl's MCS are perfect. They are what the S-lites should have been.

Performance issues aside, I don't like the look of any wheel bigger than 16" on a MINI.

V-spokes are probably my favorite of the OE wheels.

If you really like S-lites, order the standard wheels and buy a set of S-lites from a dealer. I've heard some dealers are swimming in them and will practically give them away. S-lites have no resale value. V-spokes seem to sell better.

 

Here is another wrinkle. I traded my v-spokes for the 5-stars. I like the looks better and they are easier to keep clean.

 

I also like the R83 5 stars but MINI decided not to make them a factory option in the MCS upon release back in 2002. I have an early 2002 MINI sales brochure that lists the R83 5 stars as a no cost option for the MCS and the R84 V-spokes as standard factory fit.

Overtime, my eyes have gotten used to seeing the 5 stars in the Cooper so much to the point that I believe the R83's are more suited to the Cooper lines...just mental perception I guess.

 

My decision to go with V-spokes was the easiest one I had to make. Visually, I
thought the S-lites were way too much wheel for such a little car. V-spokes have a very attractive design and the spaces reflect the car's lightness. However, for sure they are the choice of a minority of owners.