So, I don't really like the wheels that I have on my car so I am trying to decide if I should aftermarket wheels or MINI wheels. What does everyone here suggest I do? I want to keep my tire pressure monitor and I am pretty sure I want to stay with 16"

 

There is quite a range of after-market wheels available that are lighter, better looking (IMO), and less expensive than the factory wheels. Rota makes a variety of 16" good light-weight wheels that fit the MINI. I believe they are compatible with the TPSM valve units.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=129709

I have Rota RB 16x7 with 205/55-16 Pirelli P-Zero Nero M+S tires. So, I have the tread width of tires that usually come with 17" wheels, and the ride comfort of 16". The 55 is a 0.4" larger O.D. than factory tires, but I haven't had any rubbing problems, and my speedo is a little more accurate.

You can get more info on wheels and tires in the Tires, Wheels, & Brakes forum.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...splay.php?f=36

 

I was in the same quandry - I actually like the MINI R99 wheel made by BBS - started looking at forged BBS wheels and found a nice set that are lightweight (15.5 lbs) and look like they're OEM - the BBS RV-F (Black Diamond).

For some reason, I've never liked aftermarket wheels unless they looked OEM - hence my choice of BBS.

Tirerack has the BBS-CV that is available and looks a lot like the MINI Challenge wheels.



The only problem is they weight 22 lbs.

 

go with aftermarket. OEM wheels are VERY VERY heavy.

 

Yeah my R98 webspokes with runflats weigh in at 49lbs each.they look good though!

 

Okay, I guess my next question is how much of a difference in gas mileage is there with having after-market wheels?

 

In theory a lighter wheel will give you a smoother ride, faster acceleration, better braking, and better mileage. However, whether these are significant enough to notice, I could not say. I changed from a heavy wheel with runflats to a lighter wheel with non-runflats. So, I don't know how much of the softer ride was due to the wheel weight and how much to the non-runflat tires.

 

I'm running non runflats on my factory 17" crown spoke wheels. It made a big difference. I did go from 205 45 17 to 215 45 17 so I gained some sidewall height. That may have helped as well. It is a much more comfortable ride.

 

Lighter wheels make the car handle a WHOLE LOT better.
I have Enkei's from Discount Tire Direct.

 

I know they're heavy, but I always prefer a stock look. Especially on the MINI that has so many choices. And I love the white wheels. I got a set of take-off 16" S-Winders for winter and kept the white 17" Web Spokes for summer.

 

Okay, thanks guys!! I am pretty new to all of this since I am used to muscle and off-road. What is a good weight to go with on a set of wheels?

 

Figure a pound an inch for a decent rule.
There are 17's that you might find that are 12 pounds --- but you'll pay through the nose.
If you find some 16's that you like and they weigh 16 or 17 pounds, you did pretty good. Better if they're on sale.

 

I like those Rotas (the 16's). They weigh 16lbs. How much do you think my OEM 17" flame spokes weigh?

 

OEM info

 

Cool.

 

Okay, thanks guys I think I am going to go with some 16" O.Z. Ultraleggras

 

Have a look adr interspeed 17x7 or 18''

 

Yeah I want to stay with 16"

 

http://cgi.ebay.ca/16-ADR-SPAWN-RIMS...QQcmdZViewItem

 

I don't care for any of the 16" OEM wheels, so I'd look to the aftermarket if you're limiting yourself to 16s.

 

^Agreed. Any of the OEM 17" options (JCW included) I could at least semi-happily live with; only problem is weight. However, neither the bridge-spokes nor s-winders do anything for me. That's why I got rid of mine.
It's all preference.

 

I know they're a bit heavy but I like my 16" R90's.