Not really digging my stock silver rims. I would like to get some black ones now. I live in never rain southern california and I have a truck for hauls up the mountains so I don't really need a winter set. Do stock rims sell for much?

Also first time to the tire threads and looks like several people are ditching the run flats. What are you gaining other than more selection?

 

well, it all depends on a huge set of variables. . .If you aren't in love wit them, change 'em up. If you are sure you don't require a dedicated seasonal set, get rid of em. If you like the design, just not the silver, re-finish them.

Any plans of auto x?

I am just in the camp of "it's better to have a back up set". Even if you did upgrade/change out, I would garage the stock set. . .you just never know.

I did ditch runflats and the ride quality has been FAR superior for the daily city commute. night and day. There was a slight loss in stiffness, but none so much as it is even really notable. Conti extreme all seasons are my daily.

I am sure that a bunch of others will chime in with their opinions.

 

One reason to keep stock wheels is if you sell your car you can put stock back on and sell the after market wheels probably for more than you will get for selling the stock wheels.
After market wheels don't add much to the sales price of your car, even if they are expensive wheels.
However, that means you have to store the wheels.

 

+1

I say keep them, even though they take up room in your basement, shed or garage. You never know what the future holds. What happens if a massive pothole damages one or two of your aftermarket rims? What if you sell the car? It would be good to put the stock ones back on if you ever sell it, then Craigslist the aftermarket ones. The car will sell better with the stock wheels on.

 

I kept our stock wheels even though they were an upgraded 17" set. My wife says sell them. But like the others already said you never know. How about this for a what if, how about some jack wagon steals your new after market wheels? Now you have a set ready to go. My best set up would be put the stock tires back on the stock wheels for the winter, not snow but rainy season, and keep the Breytons for the summer with some sticky summer tires. Maybe soon.

 

Check the NAM marketplace for values of Mini original wheels. Good ones go fast depending on what model you have and for good money too. There is always a market for stock Mini wheels for winter replacements or some want to ungrade to other Mini originals.

 

Lighter wheels: Less unsprung weight = Better ride quality.

No runflats: Even better ride quality.

Low resistance tires: Better MPG.

Wheels & Tires you like: *PRICE-LESS*


Win - Win - Win - Win.


Check our these wheels - got my eyes on the Hyper Black:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...l-gallery.html

http://www.fastmini.net/rotarb.html

 

Thanks for all the info guys. I'll need to research wheel and decide on a keeping current 16" size or bumping up to 17". After that I'll have to decide if its worth it to recoup some cost by selling the stockers or just hanging on to them. I agree selling a stock car is always better. Any other comments are still appreciated.

 

If you want black and don't mind your stock rim design then you can paint them either matte black or gloss black. It's not that expensive. You do have to keep them clean of brake dust if you want the finish to stay good.

Using 16" wheels you can use non runflat tires.

You have many options on tires-

For much better performance/handling when driving fast but faster treadwear then-
Continental ExtremeContact DW (Max Summer tire)
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....ECDW&tab=Specs
$115 each , 340 treadwear, 19 lbs each, 205/50-16

Bridgestone Potenza S-04 (Max Summer tire)
$152 each, 280 treadwear, 24 lbs 205/55-16
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....04PP&tab=Specs

For a blend of good handling and good treadwear then-
Continental ExtremeContact DWS (ultra HP all season tire)
$112 each 540 treadwear 205/50-16, 19 lbs each
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....CDWS&tab=Specs


Bridgestone RE970 (ultra HP all season tire) $131 each
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....XM4P&tab=Specs


If you want a good street tire at a good price and don't mind a little less handling for better wear then consider-
Yokohama AVID ENVigor (High Performance All Season tire)
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....XM4P&tab=Specs
$101 each 205/50-16, 560 treadwear, 21 lbs each

If you do mostly long distance commuting then for more ride comfort and longer treadwear consider-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....XM4P&tab=Specs
Micheline Primacy MXM4 Grand Touring All Season tires
205/55-16 $ 132 each 500 treadwear, 22 lbs each

17" wheels could be heavier than the stock 16" and the tires will be lower sidewall profile which makes the ride quality more harsh and bumpy.