When replacing or changing wheels is weight the most important factor? The reason I ask is I have R102 S-winder ET48 that weight 17.4lb that came on my 07 MCS. That weight is low compare to a lot of wheels. They are 16" and look ok to me. Would replacing the run flats and using these wheels give me a better ride and handling?

 

Replacing the stock run flats with high to max performance non-run flats (205/55/16 or 225/45/16) should improve both. Just keep the roadside assistance number handy on long road trips.

 

for me, design is most important followed by weight.

but if the wheels are over 25lbs i would probably reconsider...

 

go with 215/50/16 better tire selection then 225/45/16

 

I would say that weight is more imortant, but I chose steel rims because I love the look and I couldn't afford Volk TE37's.

 

if its a track setup, then yes

if its a street wheel, not so much

if its winters, then no

 

Is weight the most important factor? In your case, probably not.

It depends on what is important to you.

Besides street driving what are your performance driving needs?- Any autocross, track or driving schools? If so then how often?

What is your weather? Any snow, any rain, do you have separate winter tires and wheels?

Which is higher priority to you? Comfort and longer tire wear or handling and performance?

What is your budget for both wheels and tires?

Why are these questions important? Because for the average driver on the street your wheels are not that important for weight unless you go to an extreme- way light or way heavy. A difference of 5 lbs per rim using normal street tires is not going to be much help or hinderance under normal driving conditions.

If you are pursuing the highest levels of performance driving then you'll need a combination of the correct tire in a size that is usable to you based on your suspension (stock or lowered). Then you match that tire in the optimal size to a rim that is optimized to both fit the MINI and fit the tire size selected.

Most people choose the wheel then the tire. I suggest you think of your needs and priorities then select a tire in the right size then match the rim to work for you if you can have control over these things.

If you keep your S-winders then they are fine, have a good weight for a MINI rim, require to special centering rings or spacers, support TPMS, have a good OEM centercap, and are the correct offset for both stock and lowered MINIs. I'd suggest keeping them and adding tires.

The normal size to check for first would be 205/50-16 which is a little smaller than stock but OK, vs 205/55-16 which is a little taller but OK with stock suspension. There is a little speedo and odometer error but it's usable. These two sizes will offer the best balance of handling with comfort for general street use and a good selection of possible tires.

225/45-16 is very aggressive and doesn't really fit the stock 16x6.5" tire.
It's meant for rims 7-8.5" wide. Doesn't mean you can't mount it but doing that tends to encourage tramlining noise in some street tires. Also the selection of tires is more performance and less comfortable so not as good for street use. Good for track or driving school and expect fast tire wear.

215/50-16 fits the stock rim, 24.6" tire diameter is a little taller.
Tire selection is very limited.

Better ride and handling? When changing from runflats to non runflats this is a common experience. Just pick a decently good non runflat and you'll be good. All Season tires will offer some use in colder or snowy weather.
Summer tires offer better handling but somewhat faster treadwear and a mix of prices and street comfort. Some are good in rain some less so.

Need more info? Talk to Alex@tirerack.com.

You can also search for-
205/50-16
205/55-16