Some of the potholes in Chicago are so deep you can hear Chinese music coming out of them. I hit one such hole a few days ago, and was rewarded with a nasty steering wheel wobble that is present from about 30mph to 80 when it finally smooths out. The vibration is immense. I jacked the car up and put a jackstand near the tire tread and spun the tire..sure enough, it appears there's an area where the tread is a significant distance away from the object, signifying a rim dent. I put the tire onto the back and the steering wheel wobble is gone..but now the back end of the car shakes.

How do I find out what style of wheel is on my car, and where can I get a replacement? I have a 2007 MCS vert w/ factory 5 spokes (style unknown - is there a gallery someplace of factory wheel types?).

 

Wheel info here: Mini2 forum FAQ

Also, check out the NAM Market, there's always someone selling their stock wheels.

 

Also check craigslist, depending on the area, there maybe some one selling some, or a junkyard may have what you need.

 

Look hard and ask around for a wheel straightener. I found a guy fairly locally who trued my wheel in about an hour and charged $45.00. He ain't local to you but there's gotta be more than one in the country.

 

Interesting FAQ - I have R91 Bullet rims.

I will look for a straightener. I didn't know they could do such a thing without fatiguing the aluminum or damaging the finish. I will let you know if I find anyone in my area.

 

Nothing costs $45 in Illinois. It cost me $130 to straighten my wheel (including dismount and remount/balancing of the tire). The job appears to be good - can't even tell they worked on it. At least I know a place so when it happens next time I know where to go.

Are there better wheels out there (that aren't steel) that are more pothole resistant?

 

Still, $130 is more than likely cheaper than replacing the wheel. It's not the pot holes, it's the low profile tires. There is much less rubber and air to cushion the rim from the sharp edge of the pavement. Would you visit soopercooperinfo.com and select the 'contact us' option and let the guy know the whereabouts and contact information of your wheel straightening shop? Soopercooper has been building a linked resource for everything that can be found to help MINI and Mini people. You might want to add it to your favorites as well.

PS: Remind me not to go shopping for Twinkies in Illinois.