Hey everyone,

So I'm looking to get new 17" wheels for my Indi Blue 04 S. Mostly for street driving, with an occasional autocross or track day (very occasional). I've been using the s-lites, but after several winters in New England theyre rather shot. I'm looking for wheels that are not too expensive, but also aren't crap, and will look nice with the dark blue. Any suggestions?

 

The stock S-lyte wheels are not very good- you can keep them for snow tires if you like or try all season tires for year round use if snow is not a big deal in your area or for your driving.

What were you planning to do for tires? Reuse or get some new ones?

205/45-17 likely the best size to consider. Non runflats or runflats your choice.

If you search for your car at tirerack.com then you get-
http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/resul...4&autoModClar=

You can see what is in your budget and talk to Alex@tirerack.com extention 294.

I like lighter wheels but you usually have to pay more. Your S-lytes are about 25 lbs each so very heavy compared to nearly all of these aftermarket wheels.

If you don't mind prices up to about $230-240 each wheel then-
Enkei Racing PF01 and RPF1 in bright silver or black is pretty good

OZ wheels are also good line-
OZ Alleggerita HLT (various finishes including blue and white) about $359 for 17" and $299 for 16". 16" is not a bad option as there are good tires in that size for the MINI and the cost is less, weight good and looks pretty good too.
OZ Ultraleggera in various finishes about $280 each for 17x7"

If you are in the market for an 18" wheel then-
Breyton Race GTS-R Mini in bright silver finish 18x7" for $229 each (17 lbs each), then you'd get 205/40-18 or 215/35-18 tires. This makes for a slightly stiffer ride but handling is good in corners. If you have poor roads then 17" wheels are better for daily driving. This wheel also comes in 17x7 for about $239-249 each

 

Thanks so much for the feedback. I took the runflats off immediately when i got the car and carry a spare instead. I'm looking to do a new complete set, tires and wheels. What differences would I notice with a 205/45 and a 215/45? Also, would any adjustments be required to go to a 16"? And would I lose much on handling? I was considering the 16" but had been cautioned against them for both looks and handling. Tires I'm looking at are Falken Ziex ZE-912, General G-MAX AS-03, Continental ExtremeContact DWS, Kumho Ecsta 4X KU22, or Kumho Ecsta ASX. Thanks for the advice!!!

 

205/45-17 is the better size if you can find a tire that suits you- 215/45-17 tends to cost more, weigh more, is taller and wider than stock so less clearance and doesn't really do that much better given the same tire only difference being size.

Often a tire will come in one or the other size so you are better off picking the better tire and compromising on the tire size in some cases. But both tires will fit the stock 17x7 wheel. If you have stock suspension then either will do fine overall, for lowered suspension the 215/45-17 can rub in the rears.

16x7 wheels also work very well and look OK except when you compare them directly with a 17" wheel. Alone the 16" wheel looks good and you can run 50 or 55 series sidewalls if you want which are more forgiving and softer riding for daily driving yet if you buy a good tire it can handle well enough.

For a 16" wheel a common size tire would be- 205/50-16 but if you have stock suspension then even a 205/55-16 can fit OK (it's taller than stock in tire diameter).

Kumho Ecsta 4X is a good overall choice for value and handling in all of the sizes to fit 16 and 17" wheels. 420 treadwear, $89-101 per tire approx.

Continental ExtremeContact DWS another good choice overall with good selection of tire sizes. Treadwear 540, about $120 per tire