Installing wheels on the Mini can be a pain. In the worst case, it takes three hands: two to support the wheel in exactly the right position, and a third to install the first lug bolt. A wheel assist tool helps solve this problem by providing some support and alignment. See below.

The problem is, the M14 x 1.25 threads on the R56 are extremely uncommon. There are no wheel assists in that size. And if you think you would like to make your own, good luck finding any bolts or threaded rods. I've looked all over the web and found nothing.

What to do?



Chuck at metalnerd.com (I have NO affiliation) said that if there is enough interest, he could do a production run of these tools. It's a $10 part in M14 x 1.5, but will cost more in M14 x 1.25 due to low volume. However, the more interest, the more likely he can offer these at a reasonable price.

So ... what say ye?

 

put the wheel on the hub center, spin to align, put a bolt in. how is it a pain?

 

My Fikse wheels install as easy as pie. My stock wheels (S Winder) have the wrong size center bore, and simply won't balance on the hub with the right alignment to install the lug bolts.

Having owned three BMWs, and having installed three different sets of BMW wheels on one of those, I was shocked that Mini screwed up the center bore.

 

What is it about their "Part MN14WH - M14 Wheel Assist Tool" that wouldn't fit the R56?

 

Most M14 lugs are M14 x 1.5. Mini chose M14 x 1.25, a lug thread which may be unique in automotive history.

But there are lots of spark plugs in M14 x 1.25, so that got that going for them.

 

threadpitch. nobody uses 14x1.25 but MINI and '82 Alfa or something

 

14x1.25 fits:

07/06 + MINI
All Alfa Romeo
Lancia:
Dedra
Delta (Not Integrale(
Prisma
Thema
Y10

Not exactly mainstream company for the MINI, even in Italy

 

Hadn't noticed that. In spite of what many people think, finer threads are generally stronger than coarser threads. The shear strength is better because the fine threads leave a larger dia. core than coarse threads. Tear-out strength is greater because of the larger number of threads more than make up for their smaller size. So, BMW probably chose 1.25 pitch for strength.

Coarser threads were generally used to make production faster.

 

New X5's, and 7series also are running 14x1.25.

 

Thanks for reminding me....I needed to order one. 12 x 1.5 (for the R53...
This is a great tool BTW.....I've used em for years on my Audi's....

http://www.metalnerd.com

 

interesting. at least they are five lug. the combo of 14mm and 4 bolt is an odd combo (narrowing wheel fitment)

 

The wheel assist tool would be helpful, but I really haven't found it to be difficult without one in my two tire rotations so far. I line the holes up then lift the wheel on to the hub and stick a bolt in the top hole.

 

Ummm, I got one on ebay that works fantastic for 12 dollars shipped to my door!

 

No need for all that Metric stuff ---- a piece of 1/2" brass rod will suffice as an alignment tool to get the first bolt in. Try it, it works perfectly. A little bit of filing or grinding may be needed for a snug fit.

 

do you mind providing the link. I bought one but the thread is wrong. The R56 mini seesm to have a finer thread than the ones that are listed as fitting the MINI.

 

I'll have to find it...I just got it a couple weeks ago. I remember there were two listings on ebay, some guy selling 14x1.5 he was listing as fitting the mini, and some other shady looking auction of someone selling 14x1.25...ill get back to you!

 

Here's M12 x 1.5 on ebay. The same seller has M14 x 1.5, but not M14 x 1.25.