I want to get new wheels for my 2006 MC. I was wondering if I can use 17" wheels without messing with the speedometer.
Also, if wider 15" wheels can be used without any problems.

 

As long as you choose the appropriate tire size (with the correct aspect ratio), you'll be fine. you'll probably need to get 205/45 17 or 215/40 17 tires to not significantly change your rolling diameter.

 

You will affect the performance of your Cooper with a heavier wheel & tire package. If it is just looks you are after go for it.

 

It will certainly effect performance. I switched to 17 inch wheels and tires and I have to say, there is a marked difference in acceleration. However, the car feels more stable with the 17 inch wheels on it. If you are not after quick acceleration, then I say go for it. If you are looking for looks, stability, and want the car to still have the ability to move quickly, I would suggest 17 inch rims with 215/40/17 for the tire size. That will actually give you the same diameter as 15 inch stock, if not just a 1/4 inch larger. 205/45/17 didn't work well with my just-a-cooper.

 

I'm sure a good 17 tire is going to feel more stable than a 175/65/15 all season. Going to a more performance oriented 15 will make for a more stable ride without the performance trade offs of a 17. Not only will the 17 affect acceleration it also hurts braking. Think of heavier wheels as flywheels, takes more power to spin them up & more brakes to slow them down.

Some folks feel the difference & some don't. One thing is for sure the choice of cool wheels is limited in 15 inch while there are scads of them in 17 inch.

Good luck with your decision.

 

Do you have any info on 15" wheels that I can put on that are a little wider?

 

A nice looking 15" wheel is the Konig Rewind. I believe they are 15x7 in a MINI fitment. Outmotoring carries them.

http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...ind_Wheel.html

 

I just did this last week. I went from a 175/55/15 stock Cont. to a 205/50/17 with bridgestone wheels. that I bought off a fellow mini owner. Definatley slower off line and my gas mileage has dropped 4 or 5 miles per gallon. Which was explained to me on a thread at Motoringalliance. I really like the way they feel and look. I never really thought about the braking difference before but I do use the paddle shifters alot. Theres enough tread left on these to carry me through the summer, and then I switch to winter tires on 185's. Next summer I'm going to go to 205/45/17's.

 

I went to 215/45/17 and it looked great and performed badly --

As soon as I could sell them I went to 205/50/15 on Team Dynamic Pro Race 2 wheels and these things rock.

There are a lot of light weight 15x7 wheels such as the Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2s or the Pro Race 2 -- The Enkei PF01 or RPF01s that look good and will improve your performance.

 

here is a good resource for such questions

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

you put in your current wheel and tire information and you can play around with what you would like to see if that will be "close"

with mixed wheels and odd tire sizes for my Spyder this is a really handy when thinking about change. my current setup is only 3% fast which is not to bad and keeps me out of trouble.