Hi, I'm looking to replace my standard 17" S-Lites on my 2004 MCS now that the orignial Pirellii runflats are getting near replacement time. I know there have been a lot of people asking for wheel recommendations, but I have a little different twist in that I really want to stay close to stock in most respect. My main goal is to reduce weight. Here are my requirements:
+ Good strong wheel for 8/10ths street driving, no racing or autocross. Stock ride height and suspension.
+ Somewhat lighter wheel to improve the ride and reduce unsprung weight (I'm going to mount non-runflats in stock 205/45/17 sizes, probably Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2's)
+ Stick with 17's for looks mainly.
+ Near stock offsets (nothing less than 42mm, prefer 45-48mm).
+ No hub-centering rings so 56.1mm hub center.
Cost not a big factor, in fact I'd pay extra for forged construction.
Any suggestions? I've heard that Rotas often meet my last requirement.
- Mark
+ Good strong wheel for 8/10ths street driving, no racing or autocross. Stock ride height and suspension.
+ Somewhat lighter wheel to improve the ride and reduce unsprung weight (I'm going to mount non-runflats in stock 205/45/17 sizes, probably Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2's)
+ Stick with 17's for looks mainly.
+ Near stock offsets (nothing less than 42mm, prefer 45-48mm).
+ No hub-centering rings so 56.1mm hub center.
Cost not a big factor, in fact I'd pay extra for forged construction.
Any suggestions? I've heard that Rotas often meet my last requirement.
- Mark
Banned
rota doesn't do forged wheels. BBS is a good option and meets all criteria except hubcentric - they use the PFS solution....basically rings, but they get installed in the wheels with clips, a little more elegant than most normal hub rings.
Thanks for reply. I'm not willing to spend $500+/corner for BBS's so that's out. Probably my best bet is to go for a cast wheel that is not too heavy and hope for the best.
I think my desire for 56.1 hub-centers (to not have HCRs at all) in 17-inchers is unrealistic w/o going to Mini OEM wheels. The only mfg with 56.1's that I can find is Rota and they only have them in the 16". This is probably something I'm going to not worry about - just get metal HCRs.
Tending towards Rota Slipstreams, but I'm going to continue research for awhile.
- Mark
I think my desire for 56.1 hub-centers (to not have HCRs at all) in 17-inchers is unrealistic w/o going to Mini OEM wheels. The only mfg with 56.1's that I can find is Rota and they only have them in the 16". This is probably something I'm going to not worry about - just get metal HCRs.
Tending towards Rota Slipstreams, but I'm going to continue research for awhile.
- Mark
Banned
enkei rpf1 is nice too....not too pricey, technically cast, but strong and light like forged (MATS technology). They come in 16" too.


3rd Gear
I recently purchased a set of Hankook R-S2s (205/50-16) from Discount tire, and I plan to purchase a set of RPF1s next Spring (16x7). It's a strong, light wheel for a decent price. I'm not crazy about the look of the wheel, but it's growing on me.
