I mean REALLY TIGHT BUDGET! I can spend $700 on a set of four 17 inch wheels. I would love to be able to spend $700 per wheel, but I don't have that kind of money right now. I have found a few wheels that I like, but none that I love. Does anyone have any opinions or options? If not, I think I'm just going to wait a while until I can dish out $1,500-$2,000 for a set. But that would be at least another year... This is my car at the moment. I'm looking at getting silver wheels, and yeah, I know it needs to be dropped.... That will be the next project.

 

http://www.velocitymotoring.com/

Not sure if they have a 4 lug fitment but I own a CM and they have the 5x120 as standard. If you contact them directly they might be able to cut you a deal. Right now there is free shipping.

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-5-et38&cat=46

Hands down best deal I have seen in a while, I have been trying to justify picking these up, but I already have too many sets of wheels lying around.

Buy them for $600 and you should be able find somebody to powdercoat them for under $200.

 

Yeah I've been thinking about those too Creeve. I would like them, but the total cost is just a little out of my price range. If he could come down just a little, I might just be able to pick those up.

 

can't hurt to make him an offer

 

just check TireRack. they have plenty of 17" wheels for around $125/wheel.

 

I'm in love with my Challenge wheels. They are reachable in that price range, but it takes some good luck mixed in.

 

Best thing to do is find the right wheels that you love. Then save for them.

 

Or find the right wheels that I love and then buy affordable replicas? I'm not feeling the patience right now lol

 

I hear ya! I have a hard time waiting too. I really like the Breyton wheels but they are just out of my price range. Found a good deal on a set of Rota RB's and jumped on 'em

 

We have a wide selection to pick from in your price range.

Wheels are really subjective. Ones I like are I05, Sp10, Imola, LV4. It's very personal though.

 

Whatever you do, DO NOT buy replicas! I can't help but shake my head at those poor minis who have owners that run replica wheels. :'(

If you see a nice set of wheels, save up for them.

 

If you have a Discount Tire near you take a look at the Drag brand that they carry. Good luck...

 

Well I found some replicas that I like, but I really can't afford to get name brand.. I don't want to be "that guy" though.

 

You will definitely be ... "that guy". Not trying to be mean, just hate reps! Someone would come up to the car and say "Wow, cool rims! Are those.... *insert good wheel company*? "No, they are replicas!" Person walks away.

Honestly, just wait a little while and save up. No need to be in a hurry!

 

i really like the s-lites. they just look right for this car. your s-lites would look great powder coated black. thoughts?

 

see, I thought about that. I think the spokes are too big to powdercoat black. I think it would look a little globby. I was looking at a black lm rep with a machined lip. I'm completely open to options though. If you find black s-lites that look good on a silver mini, post a picture on here please. I've only seen them look good on the dark green minis.

 

Cheap wheels that look good:

Drag Wheels has a few options
XXR wheels - 521 or 522

Konigs are ugly but they are cheap.. Most cheap wheels are ugly.. if you want a nice set of wheels expect to pay 800+..

90% of the stock mini wheels have crappy offset, arent wide and arent really attractive and JCW owners think their stock wheels are worth over $1000 when no OEM MINI wheel is worth that. so I would definitely get something aftermarket.

And like said.. Rep wheels are Reps.. gotta pay to play.. Real wheels or walk.

Call me a snob but id rather do it right once than settle for less than the best.

 

Worth is in the eye of the buyer...
However, do realize, for example the OEM R112 Challenge wheel, is $322.54 (at the time of this writing) each.
So having a set of R112's in the marketplace at $1000 is actually good market value.

- Erik

EDIT: 1000th post! Bitchin'.

 

Not really.. for $1000 I can get a set of nicer wheels with better offset, width and weight.. so again.. im unimpressed.. i guess people like to waste money more than I do.

Just cause they cost that new at the dealer doesnt make them worth that used. they are an oem wheel which most dont ever hold value since well they are oem, skinny, HEAVY and have a poor offset.

But then again most mini owners are more into stickers than power and performance.

 

What do you guys feel about Beyern wheels? I just found the beyern mesh; they are a little out of my price range, but I think I can splurge for it if they have a good reputation.

 

Correct, there are. But there are individuals who want the OEM hardware for their own reasons.
Remember however, styling is subjective to the owner; not the on-looker.

Simple supply & demand will dictate cost. If there's enough owners who want a set of OEM wheels, they hold a higher premium.
There are some Volkswagen OEM alloys that are more expensive than typical aftermarkets, but people still want / buy them.

- Erik

 

If you like the 18" JCW R113's then you will like these 17" R113 Replicas available for $400 for the set of 4!



Enter "17 mini cooper wheels" on eBay and you will have tons of choices within your $700 budget. IIRC there are Challenge wheels there for great prices too.

ADDED: Just noticed you have the original Mini, so I don't know if the new Mini has the same fit, but eBay is still worth a look.

 

sbarr9- those are one of my favs. I can not find info on weight. I am still riding the s-heavys.

 

BMW Style 5s come to mind as an OEM that holds value and there are some companies OEM wheels that do. I just dont think MINI ones should but its matter of opinion.


As for the OP and weight... lighter wheels improve braking, acceleration, handling and response. I believe the S-Lites are like.. 22Lbs each. .and my 5Zigens are 14.7Lb each..