As some of you know, I just specced my Cooper. However, I'm thinking that to cut costs I may ditch the Sport Package that has the 16" 5-Stars. My question is this: How much different is the ride and handling between the 15" and 16" wheels? Even if I do ditch the SP I could always buy some aftermarket wheels (though like I said money is an issue as I will be going into college and upgrading my wheels might not happen). Anyway, what are the differences?

 

My MC shipped with the 5-star 16's but not the sport pkg. I bought a set of "pulls", 15" 5-hole from the dealer with all season tires to be used for winter wheels for $400. The dealer had four complete sets, it seems people order the cheap wheel option with intent to put aftermarket wheels on them at delivery.

There is some difference, the run flat 16's have less sidewall flex so you can push hard cornering and it tracks like the car is on rails. The other side of this is the car is less forgiving on bumps or potholes transferring energy straight to your seat. The 15's are lighter, way lighter. They have more flex but nothing scary. I don't change driving habits switching over to them.

I'm not a rally or "pro-driver" so can't give you an evaluation like they would. Real world semi-sport driving comes down to looks and personal taste. I like the look of the 16's better with lower profile and width. The run flats will be replaced by a conventional tire when they wear out, I see no benefit to the stiff buggers.

 

I'm no expert either, but I've had 15" 7-hole wheels and, being as light as they are, are a great combination for the Cooper. I've tried to keep my MINI light and, thus, it's very peppy and reponsive. That's just one approach, though.

 

General idea of how a wheel/tire package differs...

Smaller wheels = less weight (gain acceleration and reduce braking distance)

Larger wheels = light weight if you buy expensive forged wheels (gain road response and snappier turn-in with smaller profile tires, ability to use large
brake rotors and calipers). Usually larger wheels are heavier and will require
more $ to replace tires.


Wider tires = gain more traction, loose nimbleness, possibly risk tramlining.

Narrower tires = gain nimbleness, loose traction


There's heck of a lot more to tires/wheels then the above, but
just a quick version of what to expect... tire traction and grip will
differ greatly by compound... and hydrplane resistance by its
tread pattern and firmness of compound, etc. etc. etc.

Anyway, just starting you off. :smile:

 

We have two MCs, one came with the 16" wheels and runflats, the other has 15" 7-hole. Currently the 16" wheels have PZero-Nero 205-50 tires. The difference is enough that I have to be aware of which car I am driving when going into a corner 'hot'. Other than that, no noticable difference on acceleration, fuel economy etc.

 

Having been owner/keeper/driver of 11 MINI's now, I would offer the following:
15" Non Runflats, good ride, sharp handling, controllable slides in almost any conditions without trauma, generally good fun.:smile:
16" Runflats, stiffer and less compliant but more grip and a good compromise between looks and performance. My best option !
17" S spokes or R90's Fat and good looking, heavy, harsh ride if runflats, some tramlining, but even more grip on the factory supplied rubber:smile:
18" < JCW Look great and very grippy, but ride on the low profile rubber is not nice if you have sports plus or Eibach style aftermarket suspension, not for everyday use unless you have a good dentist and chiropractor