Specifically, I'd like a 15" rim with 5 spokes weighing under 15 pounds with an offset in the 45-50 range.

Does anything like this exist?

 

>>Specifically, I'd like a 15" rim with 5 spokes weighing under 15 pounds with an offset in the 45-50 range.
>>
>>Does anything like this exist?
You should assume it does exist - just gotta find it for your MINI.
First you should go to the MCO sponsor directory and look up those vendors that sell wheels- go shopping.
Try the basic ones like tirerack.com, edgeracing, R-speed, etc looking for chrome (or polished finish-not as durable or heavy (chrome adds about two pounds to a 17" rim) and not as expensive (about $100 less).
I prefer to buy from our sponsors. If you find something you like our sponsors can also try to get these for you.

Then there are loads of other sources you can search for on the internet.
http://www.wheelmax.com/
http://www.skperformance.com/WHEELS/centerline_fwd.htm
Centerline Impulse 15x7 4x100 bolt pattern et +42mm (should be OK) 12.5 pounds polished $575 for 4 rims


and another example (silver not polished but still nice and you can do aftermarket chroming of any wheel)
http://www.skperformance.com/WHEELS/FINN.htm
FINN F101 Silver 15x7 4x100 et+40 $352 for set of 4 rims

If you find a wheel that is not chrome and you really like it and it weighs about 12 pounds then you have the option of chrome plating it for about $135 a rim and adding some weight in the process. Also you pay the shipping costs of the rims to the shop and shipping back to you.
Try Platecorp
http://www.platecorp.com/html/oem_prices.html

Read about their chroming process
http://www.platecorp.com/html/plating_proccess.html

_________________
ALOHA

 

Thanks a lot, minihune. I'll do some more research.

Would polished wheels match the cheap plastic chrome on the MINI good enough? If so, that sounds like a better alternative--cheaper and lighter.

 

>>Thanks a lot, minihune. I'll do some more research.
>>
>>Would polished wheels match the cheap plastic chrome on the MINI good enough? If so, that sounds like a better alternative--cheaper and lighter.

Yes it would but I would warn you about quality which I have noticed in the items I have bought.
My wheels are polished but they are slightly rough around the edges in some areas where the quality of the polished finish in my opinion is flawed. From distance it is great looking. I tried to buff it but that didn't help so I can still trying to do something with it. The cost of returning the rims is too high for me and if I had to do it all over I would choose another finish or even the heavy and $400 more expensive chrome if I were to keep these rims.

For wheels, if you can see the rims in person that would be best. If you can trust the quality of the finish from a name source then great. My polished finish does scratch easily (like when you clean the rims or when changing wheels)

I'll keep working on my rims and if I cannot get them looking the right way I may send them for chrome plating before installing my next set of tires. The rims are quite good- it's just the finish I'm working on.

When you buy chrome parts for your MINI you need to watch the sources. I bought from R-speed several of their chrome trim pieces which were of excellent heavy quality. I paid more than I did with another source (item brand was Chrome Design made in Germany) from which I also got chrome trim parts. The quality of the second source was not as good. The price was less. Can you really tell- probably not unless I tell you. Just beware.

 

Would Klasse or even a simple wax help protect the polished finish on the rims?

 

>>Would Klasse or even a simple wax help protect the polished finish on the rims?
Yes a wax product would help until it is rubbed off, wears off, or is washed off.
Auto wax is OK but doesn't last.
Wheel wax could be good. It was recommended by someone else. Cost is $15
see http://www.wheelwax.com/
the FAQ
http://www.wheelwax.com/?page=shop/f...bf9fb2a64bbd7f

WheelWax is supposed to protect the wheel from the harmful effects of brake dust corroding the wheel surface and makes the wheel easier to clean. It is a soft paste that contains an antistatic agent that changes the surface polarity of your wheels to repel negative brake dust particles. Plus it is durable.

The wheel finish can be soft and get scratched if you are trying to clean the rim too harshly.
Some rims are finished with a dull anodized look- they don't really take to waxing well.