My wife has a 2005 Cooper S with a set of HP Ego Lightning wheels (they look like R90's). From the winters with potholes and such, the wheels get pretty bent up. Even by trying to avoid them, which is next to impossible in New York. The stock s lites had one bend in them from using them for the first 1200 miles. Question is, what wheels are going to be stronger and less prone to bending in 17" size? Should i be looking for a set of r90 since that is the style I like? Are they forged? I don't want to break the bank on wheels for this car since it bends them so easily. I was considering a set of ASA AR1 because the price is right, but have a feeling they will bend just as easily. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Also for a note, i already upsized to 215-45-17 for the slightly thicker sidewall.

 

How about 15" or 16" wheels for taller sidewalls? They would be lighter weight as well.

 

If the roads are that bad, you might want to switch to 16-inch wheels. Even better, take the fancy 17's off when the snow starts to fly and switch to steelies with winter tires.

I run 17-inch Akita Racing AK8's from late April to late November and switch to 15-inch steelies for the rest of the year.

 

I'd switch to 15's or 16's, but i personally think they are kind of ugly. I'm just looking to see if anyone has some 17's or larger and DOESN'T have a problem with them bending? And if so, are they forged or cast? Id like to be able to buy another set of cast wheels like the ASA AR1 and not have to worry about them bending like my current wheels, which were very cheap.

The other funny thing is, I have a car with 19's and stiffer suspension than the Mini and have no bends with 25 series tires. And I also have another car with 17's and the exact same tires as the Mini with no bends. It just seems the Mini bends wheels!

 

From what I've been able to determine, the only choice is the go with forged wheels, something like the BBS RG-F.
http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel...All&sort=Brand

But be prepared for prices in the $2K to $3K range for a set.

Better to reconsider the 16 inch option with something forgiving like a Continental DWS.

No other options I've uncovered.

Sorry.