R50/53 I am about to order one, but have some Q's
Thread Starter
|
Neutral
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Independence, MO
I am about to order a Cooper. The only things that are currently gnawing at me are:
1) Tires
2) Lights
From what I can tell, the only tires I can get are performance run flats? I am opting for the 16 inch wheels in the package. I don't really want performance tires and am not much on having to get them then turn around and get all weather or snow tires when the snow gets here, which would only be a few months after the car arrives.
Now, for the lights... I have been looking at some of the after market rally light kits. I seriously doubt I am going to be entering the WRC anytime soon, but I just like the way they look. However, I am not quite sure how the lights work vs the ones that Mini sells. From what I have seen they only come on on high beam, is that correct? How well do the aftermarket ones integrate with the controls in the cabin? Any issues there?
Randy
1) Tires
2) Lights
From what I can tell, the only tires I can get are performance run flats? I am opting for the 16 inch wheels in the package. I don't really want performance tires and am not much on having to get them then turn around and get all weather or snow tires when the snow gets here, which would only be a few months after the car arrives.
Now, for the lights... I have been looking at some of the after market rally light kits. I seriously doubt I am going to be entering the WRC anytime soon, but I just like the way they look. However, I am not quite sure how the lights work vs the ones that Mini sells. From what I have seen they only come on on high beam, is that correct? How well do the aftermarket ones integrate with the controls in the cabin? Any issues there?
Randy
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 241
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, CA
randyrat,
Welcome to MCO!
No one likes the rough ride and high replacement cost of the runflats; plus the Cooper has a spare, so you don't need them. An option to consider is buying the car with the standard 15" wheels, then buying a set of 16" take-offs from someone who is going to aftermarket wheels. I am doing this on my S that is due early June. Wheels show up from time to time on ebay and here in the marketplace forum. Then you could put whatever tires you like on the 16's and save the 15's for the winter snow tires (if you need them where you live).
As for the rally lights, I am opting to buy the factory harness and install kit because I like the way it integrates electrically, but will mount an aftermarket pair of lamps because they are of much better quality and performance. I will be doing all the work myself, but I understand that isn't an option for everyone. You may be able to negotiate with the MINI service department to do a wiring only install or an install with aftermarket lamps you supply. A good mechanic or even a car audio installer can also do the electrical install for you.
Best of luck to you,
James
Welcome to MCO!
No one likes the rough ride and high replacement cost of the runflats; plus the Cooper has a spare, so you don't need them. An option to consider is buying the car with the standard 15" wheels, then buying a set of 16" take-offs from someone who is going to aftermarket wheels. I am doing this on my S that is due early June. Wheels show up from time to time on ebay and here in the marketplace forum. Then you could put whatever tires you like on the 16's and save the 15's for the winter snow tires (if you need them where you live).
As for the rally lights, I am opting to buy the factory harness and install kit because I like the way it integrates electrically, but will mount an aftermarket pair of lamps because they are of much better quality and performance. I will be doing all the work myself, but I understand that isn't an option for everyone. You may be able to negotiate with the MINI service department to do a wiring only install or an install with aftermarket lamps you supply. A good mechanic or even a car audio installer can also do the electrical install for you.
Best of luck to you,
James
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 781
Likes: 0
From what I've heard, the 15's will give you a smoother ride. I've also heard lots of negative about the 16" run-flats, which I have. I don't have snow to drive in, so I can't speak about that experience, but otherwise, I've been very happy w/ the ride, and expecially like the way they grip on tight turns. I DO drive in rain a great deal, living in central Oregon, and I've only gotten them to break loose a small handful of times. Even then it's very momentary- pushing it around a 25 mph curve at 55 or 60 can do it if there's a bit of moisture on the road. Off the throttle, and instant settle- back to carving the radius up again. I don't expect a smooth ride over rough pavement, as this is a MINI, not a beemer. If the road is cobbled, then the ride will be. I have a Cooper, which is lighter than an S. I HAVE heard some folks say they opted for the Cooper over the S for the ride alone. At any rate, I just wanted to offer a slightly different view about the run-flats.
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 0
From: New Brunswick, NJ
Welcome to MCO, randyrat!!!!
Good luck with your order. As fms said, the ride quality is nice with the 15" wheels and all-season tires. They performed perfectly in the snow this past winter.
Good luck with your order. As fms said, the ride quality is nice with the 15" wheels and all-season tires. They performed perfectly in the snow this past winter.
Former Vendor
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,026
Likes: 0
From: Olympia, WA
Welcome RandyRat.........
I have the Cooper also with 16" run flats, I also have the Sport Suspension +, the ride is really nice. My wife does not complain about the stiffness, I think the handle on the curves and ride with the 16" tires is what I expected. I did not want a soft ride.
I have the Cooper also with 16" run flats, I also have the Sport Suspension +, the ride is really nice. My wife does not complain about the stiffness, I think the handle on the curves and ride with the 16" tires is what I expected. I did not want a soft ride.
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
I just ask the question about the 16 or 17 run flats on a MSC I was going to order. I ended up buying a great used MSC with the 17 runflats. I was dreading the ride, but found it not as bad as I thought it would be. I have a Volvo for the family cross country trips and a '84 porsche with 17's for fun (this is the basis for my opinion). I am also going to buy a set of 16's for about $1200 with some All Season tires (throw a can of fix a flat in the boot) for long hauls and winter, but love the 17 S-Lites that I thougth I would dislike.
I wanted the rally lights but after getting the Xenon and fog lamps it would be strictly for looks, as the lights are more than adequate. Enjoy! Let us know what u order! cj
I wanted the rally lights but after getting the Xenon and fog lamps it would be strictly for looks, as the lights are more than adequate. Enjoy! Let us know what u order! cj
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Mini Mania
Interior/Exterior Products
0
Sep 4, 2015 02:34 PM