I recently replaced my '03 Cooper with an '09 S. Awhile back I took the 15" 7 hole stock rims off the 03 and replaced them with 17" Focals that are now on the S. I tried selling the stock rims on Craigslist and a garage sale with no success. So now I'm thinking of keeping the stock rims and using them for snow tires in winter. The question I'm wondering is there a problem with putting the smaller rims on an S? I know there's no problem with the bolt pattern, but is the size of the wheel a problem because I noticed you can't build a Cooper S with a wheel smaller than 16".

 

The 15s will not work on the R56 S you now have. The brakes are now bigger and the wheel will most likely not clear the caliper.

You can jack the car up and just mount the wheel without a tire and see, but I would try selling them here on NAM, tons of non-S car could run them as a winter set or Auto X set.

 

Some 15's can fit. I believe I have read of some folks running SSR and Slipstreams in a 15" size. But those Imola Holies are not gonna fit your R56, sorry. Sad, its a great looking wheel.

 

You will rub the ground over the potholes and speed bumps w/ 15s

 

Nope...with properly sized tires, the OUTSIDE DIAMETER IS THE SAME with ALL tire/rim combo's.
and 15's work on a gen1 s, no bbk, but will not work on a gen2...the gen2 s brakes are the same calipers/rotors as a gen1 bbk.

 

1+

Stock 15x5.5" wheels are fine for early R50 and R53 MINIs with standard brakes.

R56 brake calipers only allow for 16" wheels and larger.

Aftermarket 15" wheel might fit if the spoke design allows for enough clearance, at least 3mm is best.

The MINI will work with 15" wheels and even with a lowered suspension. As stated, as long as you make the tire fit the wheel and have a tire diameter of about 24.3" it will work like a stock fitment. You can even run the tire size that is slightly less than 24" and it will still work on the street but with less clearance.

I have run tires down to about 23" tire diameter on the street with 15" wheels and it is fine, just be careful.

 

You guys live in the nice part of the country ...not in Jersey City...15s made the R52 rub...the potholes, speed bumps, & when you have 8 different patches that are uneven pavement...while 17s looked good...those rims bent under the same conditions...I have had six minis and I find that the 16s w/ 205-50-16 non-runflats are the best all around combination for my area.

 

On Holies/15s + R56 Brakes, ask Professor & MartijnGizmo over at m|u:

Martijn's on Holies:


Professor's:

 

...that setup would not work where I live.

 

I just installed my 15' inch wheels and left the suspension as is because of the horrible roads where I live. I would love to lower it but I cannot risk it until I get an x brace or an oil pan protector.

 

Here's a set of 15's for sale that will clear the R56 brakes.

EDIT:
Looks like NAM doesnt care for linking to other Mini sites. Check Motoring Alliance.

 

If you use tirerack.com's upgrade garage and set it for 2012 Coupe base Cooper you can see 15" wheels that might fit the R56.

see
http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/resul...rSpecial=false

Check with alex@Tirerack.com to be sure.

 

What you are saying is that any size wheel/tire combination won't work where you live - "if the car is lowered". Because as previously stated, the diameter and circumference stays the same regardless of wheel size - 15 inch to 18 inch. This specification does not change if you are looking to maintain oem standards and speedometer accuracy. Rough roads are tough on 17 and 18 inch wheels/tires as there is not much side wall to protect either. The 15 inch wheels would actually be the best for you as the ride is softer due to more sidewall and the sidewall height protects your wheel from curb rash and pothole depth damage.

 

I think he may mean-

205/50-16 is the sweet spot tire size for his area giving enough handling balanced with a bearable ride.

15" wheels with 195/60-15 tires will also give a pretty decent balance (performance vs comfort) but maybe a little less grip at the limit depending on which tire. The 195/60-15 tire will offer less rolling resistance and slightly better mpg.

 

This is my R56 base model I am putting the s model spoiler on :-) I'm glad it will fit