UPDATE 02/09/2015
Bought 4 x used 16 inch OEM 59363 wheels with 195/55/R16 Federal Evo 595 tires (non run flat). Tires were balanced.
Tire PSI @ 32.
Rides are so much better from previously. Although I still try to avoid potholes, when I do go over them, it feels so much better. It feels "BUMP" instead of "CRACK" now.
Performance wise, I feel that it is slightly better compared to the 17inch wheels I had previously. Maybe the weight reduction helped.
Overall, I'm very satisfied and don't have to worry as much as I were before. Thank you.

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Hi. I have a 2009 r57 with 17 inch OEM wheels (Black Star Bullet R111) with non run flats on.

The problems I'm having are that the wheels are keep cracking and the air is slipping out. Yesterday is my 6th time that air is low.

I did a lot of things. I had to weld it, replaced with new ones, swapped out to non flat tires, but won't help.

I do alot of NYC driving. and even I vigorously look out for the nasty potholes, some of them can't be avoided.

I'm starting to question whether if something else is wrong in my car, but can't seem to know what's causing this.

Maybe switching out to 16 inch rims and non run-flat tires will help?

Thank you for your time.

 

I had a couple of R91 Silver Bullets crack on me, I ended up getting TALLER non-runflats and I really do my best to avoid potholes (I felt like I broke wheels so often my local shop was keeping a spare wheel and tire ready for me).

You may want to consider running either the steel wheel or a inexpensive alloy wheel with tall non-runflats during the winter in the city (like a 205/55/16).

Anytime you hit something hard enough to break a wheel you need to also have your suspension checked for damage and your alignment is still in spec.

Best of luck.

Motor on!

 

Swapping to a 16" rim will get you a lot more sidewall and "cushion". If you're really cracking wheels that often a set of used 16" (or even 15") wheels should be easy to find.

 

+1,000

 

In NYC 16" and a taller tire side wall will help with those nasty potholes.

 

If you are cracking OEM rims....ouch...
The rest of the car is not far behind ..
Try to dodge and weave to avoid potholes more..
If you plow through like you have a SUV or tall sidwall car (aka a cab) the entire car is gonna be junk...bent suspension components...
Mini OEM rims are heavy, but strong and fairly tough.... Takes a huge hit to crack them...

 

17 and 18" Mini wheels are less sturdy then a 16" setup.

Invest in a 16" OEM wheel setup and a stock tire size. You'll find that that the car rides better and is quicker. The OEM 17 wheels are heavy.

I feel for ya, the roads around NYC are 3rd world at best.

 

16" factory wheel options. Many styles.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2009-Cooper-R57-S-Convertible-L4_1.6L_N14B16A/Wheels/OEM_Alloys/

 

Thank you all for your answers. I'll go ahead and replace my wheels and tires to OEM 195/55 16 inch with non run flats. When I do, I'll come back and edit this post and let members know. Once again, Thank you.

 

16" OEM wheels come up in the marktplace CHEAP on a very regular basis. Personally I sold the boat anchor Bridgespokes for $200. Keep an eye out! I think there's a few sets in there now...

 

I have my x lites for sale now.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...4-x-lites.html

 

do i go to marketplace -> vendor directory around my area to see?

 

Just go to marketplace and "MINI Parts for sale," or search for "wheels" although I find the search function to be pretty hit or miss.

Vendor directory I believe is just going to show you Vendors, not private party classifieds.

 

i got it. thank you!