Tires, Wheels, & Brakes Discussion about wheels, tires, and brakes for the new MINI.

What is more "S" like?

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  #1  
Old 11-12-2003, 01:31 PM
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Hello. I am trying to decide between S lites or X lites on the mcs. Weight is not issue and neither is cost. I just want to know what is more "S" like? It seems all the mini catalogs show S lites as being more for "S". I hope I am making sense. After market wheels not considered. Thank you for your help :smile:
 
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Old 11-12-2003, 01:58 PM
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Then go with the 17" S-Lites as they come with the sports package on the S

But if cost and weight are no object, how about the MINI branded BBS R-90's?
 
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Old 11-12-2003, 02:01 PM
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imo & the WIFE's (which is more style-prevalent tan mine), the S-Lites are the way to go. Their rounded spokes just seem to fit the MCS appearance well.
 
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Old 11-12-2003, 03:18 PM
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no issues with weight or cost? ...hummm... R90 is more S like to me.
 
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Old 11-12-2003, 03:22 PM
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my vote goes for the boat-anchor...I mean S-lite :smile: Very classic styling; looks awesome on any MINI

While we're talking about "S"ness, what color combo are you thinking of?
 
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Old 11-13-2003, 03:26 PM
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Definitely S-lytes. R-90 two piece second choice.
 
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Old 11-13-2003, 03:36 PM
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Yes, the S-lites definitely, but why can't somebody make a true "lite" version of this wheel.
 
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Old 11-18-2003, 11:30 AM
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I've seen Coopers (non S) with both the 17" 10-spoke S-lites and 16" V-spoke X-lites. But since the S-lites come with the S' sport package I'd say they are more "S like."
However, you don't want to throw 25lb wheels on the Cooper, it will just make it less responsive. The X-lites are 17lbs.

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Old 11-18-2003, 11:38 AM
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An S screams for 17" S-lites. Anything else just won't do.
 
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Old 11-18-2003, 11:47 AM
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Why sacrifice performance for "S-likeness"? If you were talking about two wheels with the same weight, I could understand the question. But adding 28 lbs of unsprung weight to the car just for style seems... decidedly un-S-like.
 
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Old 11-18-2003, 11:54 AM
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I'm partial to the lightest weight, best all around ride, best looking S wheel myself...

then again, I'm partial to the black top too...and the blacked out tail lights...and blacked out windows...

I like being able to see the calipers and suspension parts...soon to be blue

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Old 11-19-2003, 05:55 AM
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Go aftermarket!

The sport package on the "S" isn't really worth it to me. And I autocross a lot. You really don't get any better performance, actually you get LESS performance (except for the tires).

But, what, 17" wheels, fog lights, xenons, and DSC? Let's look at each one independently:
17" Wheels - Incredibly heavy, still come with run flats.
Xenons - Added weight.
Fog Lights - Okay, these are cool, but are only around $150 as a stand alone option.
DSC - Might be nice, but ASC+T works well, and it is a front wheel drive car. Plus you'll turn it off whenever you want to have 'fun'.

So, for your $1200, I don't think you get much. So what I did, was order the fog lights separately, and then get aftermarket 17" wheels and tires. Now I don't have to drive on the run flats, and I have my 16" x-lites available for winter use (with the all season dunlops). And I got my 17" setup (Prodrive P1's and Yoko ES100s) for about $800.

Oh yeah. EVERYONE has s-lites. I wanted to be different!

Or get the R90s. Those are still a MINI wheel, and look great (unless you want a white wheel). Plus you should be able to keep your x-lites.
 
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Old 11-19-2003, 12:06 PM
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Hmm with all these opinions, it seems the S lites are more S like, but I think I prefer the X lites.

Now the search begins for new X lites in perfect shape.
 
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Old 11-20-2003, 08:11 AM
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>>Hmm with all these opinions, it seems the S lites are more S like, but I think I prefer the X lites.
>>
>>Now the search begins for new X lites in perfect shape.

Therin lies the problem. You can find many S-lites for sale because lots of people are ditching them for lighter wheels, but people who have the X-lites tend to like them and want to keep them.
 
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Old 11-20-2003, 08:21 AM
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For anyone looking for v-spokes and having a hard time, I got my v-spokes from NAM sponsor Classic Auto Campus. They were brand new and in the box for quite a bit less (even with shipping) than my local dealer wanted.


 
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Old 11-20-2003, 11:29 PM
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  #17  
Old 11-21-2003, 07:50 AM
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Good advice from everyone. I agree that the S lites are the best looking wheel on most MINIs. In my opinion the R90s look killer with some color combinations such as black on black. Either wheel would look great. If you're going for looks and not light weight, definitely go with 17" wheels. If I weren't into the light weight aspect, I wouldn't have ordered 16" wheels for my MINI. 17" wheels look just right.

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