R53 got some new shoes! OZ Leggenda
 

After much debate about which wheels to go with for my new-to-me Mini, I made my decision, and had them installed today. I'm so glad I went with the Leggendas. 17x7 with 215/45/17 Continental ExtremeContactDW. These tires are sooooo much quieter than my previous (bald) runflats.

I've also blacked out the beltline, had the roof done in black vinyl, added an Aero grill, and plasti-dipped the lower grill and mirrors. Next up is to black out the headlight rings, door handles, and get rid of the hood stripe.

Here's what he looked like when I got him:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...06-r53-s-5.jpg

And now:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...1&d=1421112110

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...1&d=1421112110

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...1&d=1421112110

looks good

Black out the headlight trim ovals too.

Thanks, minihune! The headlight rings are on the to-do list above. The plan is no chrome at all!

Love those wheels !

If i didnt have my black TSW Hockenheims i'd for sure go for the leggenda's. Also, you wont see alot of mini's running those wheels which is kinda nice too.

The runflats are just terrible for the Mini. It already rides a bit stiff but the runflats just make it downright bad. Ditching them is the best move you can make.

Now just need to be a 'tad' lower and you are good to go. Just choose wisely on the spring choice and get some quality shocks and you'll be a happy camper.

Thanks Cesare! Partly why I went for these is exactly that...not so common on a mini..and also because they still look aftermarket despite being black.

Agreed on the runflats! I thought it handled well, until I got the new tires on. Wow, what a difference!

Agreed again. I'm thinking just an inch drop to fill up the wheel wells, but still keep practicality as a daily driver.

Did you need hub rings or spacers to run these?

Hub rings are needed for many aftermarket wheels to allow use with many makes of cars. So yes for OZ wheels.

Spacers move wheels towards the outside for more poke or flush look, not needed except for clearance from inner suspension or brakes to avoid rubbing.
Spacers for OZ would be optional but not required. Sometimes wheel offset is not enough for clearance so spacers would increase offset.

Thanks, minihune. Tirerack was able to help me with my setup. I have the Brembo GT BBK, so need to work around that.

those are cool wheels!

looks great! I recently put similar tires, General Altimax RT43's on my '04 R53...love em