Tires, Wheels, & Brakes Discussion about wheels, tires, and brakes for the new MINI.
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Which size on an R53

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Old Jan 9, 2018 | 06:56 PM
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Which size on an R53

Looking at Enkei RPF1 silver wheels for my R53

Which size looks better 16" or 17" ?

 
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Old Jan 9, 2018 | 07:40 PM
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As far as looks goes,
I like the look of these 16x8...



...but it's all personal preference in the end.
 
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Old Jan 10, 2018 | 08:41 AM
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Personally I like the 17, but both work well.

Depending on what you want we may even have them in stock as we sell these all the time. Super light and reliable and clear many brake kits.
 
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Old Jan 10, 2018 | 01:28 PM
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I think it depends on the wheel. I have 17s on mine, but I like those ones Oldboy has on his though.
 
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Old Jan 10, 2018 | 02:07 PM
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Originally Posted by SSuperCooper
... but I like those ones Oldboy has on his though.
That's not mine.

I don't even own a MINI yet LOL!
...but I'm very very close to R53ville and should quite soon be properly motoring in champion fashion!

The pic was a random internet grab,
in this case it turns out to be from an owner in Indonesia,
found here:
http://hawknpoke.com/2014/10/eccentr...ils-mini-rpf1/

It's a good lookin' ride no doubt.
 
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Old Jan 10, 2018 | 03:08 PM
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Originally Posted by MiniKar
Looking at Enkei RPF1 silver wheels for my R53

Which size looks better 16" or 17" ?

Depends, how it looks will vary with which tire size you choose and the width of the wheel itself as well as the offset.

7' wide wheels are the most common to find but can be as wide as 8", offset is how far the wheel pokes outward which can make the wheel sit flush with the wheel arch edge or even go past it.

Many owners are looking for an aggressive and flush look with a smaller shorter sidewall such as 45 series like 205/45-17 or 215/45-17.

16" wheels usually use tire sizes that are slightly taller such as 195/55-16, 205/50-16, 205/55-16 or 225/50-16. The taller sidewall helps make the ride quality softer and smoother for going over potholes and bumps or for daily driving duty.

I would suggest considering which tires are going to suit your needs, not all tires will come in 16" tire sizes to fit the MINI. These days many of the best performance and handling summer tires come in 17" sizes and larger.

If you are looking at All Season daily driver tires then Ultra High Performance All Season or Grand Touring All Season tire classes are the first place to look, tirerack can many that are good.

If you want more performance and don't mind a firmer ride with faster treadwear then Max Summer tires are good.

If you need runflats then tires are possible in both wheel sizes.
 
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Old Jan 10, 2018 | 05:02 PM
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I run 16" and 205/55/16. So much more comfortable on our bad roads and it means the speedo is more accurate!

James
 
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Old Jan 11, 2018 | 06:58 PM
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Thanks for all the input.

I am currently running Enkei Pf01 17 x 7 in Black, with the offset of 38
tire is the 205x45x17.

Just thinking of a different look, maybe.

The one thing I don't like is the center cap unless Enkei updated it to the PF01 style.
 
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Old Jan 12, 2018 | 04:51 AM
  #9  
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check tires first, I went 15x8 there's a lot more tire choice for autocross/hpde/tt there
 
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Old Jan 12, 2018 | 05:37 AM
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...keep in mind if you want to add or if you have Big Brake Kits on, that will limit your wheel size to the larger diameters for the clearances needed.

Motor On!
 
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Old Jan 15, 2018 | 02:36 PM
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Originally Posted by MiniKar
Thanks for all the input.

I am currently running Enkei Pf01 17 x 7 in Black, with the offset of 38
tire is the 205x45x17.

Just thinking of a different look, maybe.

The one thing I don't like is the center cap unless Enkei updated it to the PF01 style.
Different look for wheels? Up to you.

17x7 is a standard size so that works with 215/45-17 as well. For the more performance minded it is possible to use 215/40-17 but tire selection is limited.

Best selection is in 215/45-17. You can still find good tires in this size for ride comfort and lower noise for street use and daily driving.

No real need to go with wider wheels unless you like that look or are trying to get more tire for more grip. Wheel selection and tire selection are more limited. Wider wheel sizes can weigh more and cost more.
 
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