hi , just order a clubman s thinking about putting on 17" s-lite chrome wheels & continentl tries from dealer .
what do you think?? are they worth it or go aftermarket ?
please post pic's thanks

 

That's what I got on my '08, and I'm happy -- I'm also coming from a '96 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which has different handling characteristics...

My BMW/SCCA friends yowl that the runflats are horrible and stiff and the s-lites are anything but lite, and I should ditch them.

And I do know one person who took their brand new BMW and replaced tires, wheels, and brakes before there were 100 miles on the car.

But the money-tree in the back yard doesn't have a very good crop of cash this year...

I figure I'll keep the runflats until I have to replace them, and then go with a less expensive non-runflat tire with higher performance and equal or better tread wear.

The car is still a lot of fun to drive with the conti runflats on the OEM wheels.

 

If you can. go aftermarket.

For less money than a MINI optional wheel style change, you can get wheels that are half to one-third the weight, and non-RFT tires. This will improve ride and handling dramatically.

 

I LOVE my S-Lites.. Without them I'd be sitting on the axles!

Seriously.. they ARE a classic look but there ARE a LOT lighter wheels out there. If you are looking for ultimate performance forget the runflats and go with something lighter.. Myself I like the look but would go something else for track use.

Jim

 

Hate 'em.

Not a single Big Brake Kit that clears them.
Other than that I guess they're ok...!

 

Oh, and they weigh half a ton each.

 

-what's to like?
1.heavy
2.heavy(twice cuz they're not light)
3.everyone has 'em
Remember it's about youification,not sheepification!
Your wheel choice sets you apart as well as giving that all important unsprung weight reduction.

 

They came with the car when I bout it used....

They are built like friggen tanks so they don't bend too easily (I have still managed to do it though)...

When they arent covered in break dust they look pretty good.

Thats about it.

 

I liked mine so much that I did an even trade with another member for his set of OEM 15" Rockets and Conti tires to use in the winter. I then spent about $700 on getting a set of wheels and tires that I actually wanted to use for the other 3 seasons. Definitely go aftermarket...

 

I love the classic look and curvy appeal that matches the flow of the Mini. It is heavy but OK for street use and occasional spirited driving but if ever I will AutoX (track race is not for me), I will go 15 or 16 with lighter package.

 

I got a set because i liked the style and my doesn't see much track time. I can still drive spiritedly in the mountains, which is all I ask for. Other than that, I liked the look of 17 inch wheels on the mini and got them at a good deal.

The runflat tires are a waste of time. Buy a set of used S-lites and then put on some good rubber.

 

Know that the s-lites will be ok and seem fine untill you try another rim on your car for the first time. You will be amazed how you seemed to have gain 20hp by only changing the wheels. Then when you go back to the s-lites, your car will seem sluggish and held back.

 

Although this is true, I had the Holie rims on my car beforehand. These are the 15 inch rims that is sought after by performance enthusiasts for autoX and other track day events. I can tell you that the car does not feel as quick with S-Lites as it did with Holies. However, If you are going with S-Lites for mere cosmetic upgrade (The Holie is great, but the S-Lite looks amazing on a mini) then get what you want. If you don't track your car, then don't worry about the weight as much. These are factory rims and will not hurt the car's suspension components by being mounted on to your vehicle. It is your car. Get what you want for it.

 

I like the S lites, just not the run flat tires.

 

if only the s-lites were A LOT LIGHTER and had a lower offset, they would be perfect

 

Werd on that. Non run-flats FTW