I'm contemplating getting nice a new set of shoes sometime in the near-ish future - I'm thinking something in satiny black. So, what do you think? Go with a used set from someone here on NAM? Or buy something new? I'm not looking to spend a fortune, just a set of wheels onto which I can transfer my existing 16" run-flats. If new, who are some good dealers? Also, what should I expect to pay in shipping fees if I don't find any locally? Oh, last q - what is a good brand to look for in black/anthracite 16" rims? Thanks!

 

I'd check out both The Tire Rack and www.edgeracing.com. Both NAM supporters with great reputations.

I'll actually be placing an order with Edge in a few weeks myself.

 

Do you want me to move this thread to where it belongs?
Tire wheel and brake forum from General MINI Talk?
You might get more opinions.

Your options are many.
You can check the various MINI vendors on NAM for those that sell wheels.

There are many options for all black wheels in gloss or flat color, options for machined lip and dark anthracite.

 

That would be very helpful, thank you. I guess I've never really noticed that particular sub-forum.

 

There is one dude that always at the corner of 34th St and JFK Blvd and his wheels are always round and true. Might be a bit more expensive then the guys on other corners but this guy is always there. I promise, he's cool. he's even fronted me some wheels when I was short cash and needed a wheel fix. I have no idea where he gets his wheels from and frankly I don't want to know. all I know is that this guy always had the juiciest and tastiest wheels. I swear,,sometimes it's so good,, it's like he never dings the wheels.

 

For used wheels go to Marketplace forum for wheels.

Also check your local MINI clubs and ebay for MINI wheels.

This thread moved to Tires, Wheels, & Brakes forum.

Check also the various threads on black wheels in this forum with pictures.
Yours is well suited for black. Hard to see dirt and brake dust too.

 

Why does the Edge Racing link go to The Tire Rack website? Is there a wheel dealer called Edge Racing?

 

if only you were more like your screen name

google it www.edgeracing.com

 

alex is the da man... www.tirerack.com

 

My investigatory skills are only useful when I'm doing an investigation and getting paid for it. When someone provides me gratis with info I don't ask questions. Thanks for the link.

 

I had a great experience with Alex at TireRack. He gave me great advice and I'm very happy with the wheels and tires he sold me.

 

I appreciate all the great information so far. I've never had this much of an interest in my vehicle - mainly because before now, I've only driven verifiable p.o.s.'s. Needless to say, I don't have much experience on doing anything with a vehicle other than putting gas in, checking the fluids periodically, and hoping it stays in one piece and gets me where I'm going.

There's just something about these little cars that makes it hard to resist not changing them to suit my specific wants. I'll keep looking at all my options and should be able to figure out what I can do. Of course I found a bunch of rims that would suit my car and I loved at Tire Rack - they were just a tad out of my range.

By the way, I haven't gotten much information on this yet, but what could I expect to pay for shipping on a set of rims averaging, say, 17-20 lbs each? I know it'll vary a lot depending on how far they have to go, but I'm just looking for a roundabout figure. There was an Ebay auction for a set of cheap rims but the shipping was $170, and people were complaining that it was artificially inflated.

 

I'm surprised no one has mentioned memoryfab.

 

That's my fault. Not sure how the link somehow got messed up... Glad someone pointed you in the right direction.

 

mmmm, jdm lovin, i dont think the r56 would look right with a good set of jdm flavor... too much wheel gap

 

There is a ton more than jdm on memoryfab, check it out

 

+1

 

That is high. I recently shipped 4 wheels with tires via USPS since it had to go to a Military Installation. With buying the boxes and insuring them for $4000 it was only about $150. The bulk of that was insurance fees. Typically one can send a set of wheels with tires mounted for about $100-120 depending on location.

 

Actually it is all JDM. Every wheel they carry has been shipped over from japan. Even BBS and the WRD wheels are the JDM versions of the wheels (like the rare LM sizes).

My guess as to why no one mentioned them is because this particular user doesnt seem to be interested in the style wheels memoryfab sells. They often sell top of the line wheels which carry pretty high prices due to their rarity. Generally the prices at memoryfab aren't very good deals.

Edgeracing is a good place for getting nice low prices, and medium quality wheels

 

Very true. I hate to use the phrase 'bargain shopper' when it comes to me and my MINI, but hey, I'm a teacher, and can only afford so much. I'm looking for something that adds to the aesthetic without detracting from the safety of the car - but not necessary that adds a lot of performance.

 

Yeah, the man who doesn't return e-mails. I've e-mailed him 3 or 4 times over the past few weeks and haven't heard squat!

 

There's one site that sells wheels like memoryfab, they import from japan and sell a lot of jdm/bbs/work/etc. is rbwheels.com

My friend has been to their warehouse in socal, he says you gotta check the pictures carefully as some rims have scratches/dents, but they usually say if they do. But their prices are really good, so if you search around carefully you'll get a deal.

 

Ahhh ok, I stand corrected.

Edge racing is alright, I just haven't found the styles I like on there :(. Guess you have to pay $$ for unique wheels.

 

yah, cause he's not looking for a girlfriend.

how about giving him a call?

 

WTF is that supposed to mean???

I haven't called him because I don't have long distance on my celly.