Rookie question: I've searched around and have only found guesses that it "should" fit. I just picked up R56 Challenge wheels for my R53 and didn't think twice about buying them since I dont have JCW brakes and they're also 4x100. I guess the bolt size is different.. Didn't realize. From what I've read the wheels should all fit over either R53's 12mm bolt OR R56's 14mm bolt.

If this correct? Is the extra space going to make it unsafe? Any other issues I'm overlooking?

My wife has the car out of town otherwise I would just check myself.

 

I have R53 wheels on my R55... I would think going the other way would be easier.

 

 

Wheel sizes are all pretty much the same between 1st gen cars and 2nd gen cars. (17x7+48... 16x6.5+48... etc.) There is less clearance around the R56-R55 Cooper S brakes, wheel lugs are bigger on the R56-R55... But, the R53 has less clearance around the wheel wells. If you use the correct tire size, should be golden.

 

Wheel and Tire Fitment Considerations - The MINI Wiki

 

I knew I could count on you guys..

Now that I think of it, I've used R56 wheels before.. complete with the larger 225/45/17 if I remember correctly. I picked up a set of R90 wheels used a few years ago. Wheel/tire fit just fine.

Thanks!

 

Yes, more or less they fit but...

Early R53 came with smaller front brake calipers before JCW brakes were an option so 15x5.5" R50 wheels would fit. These don't fit any R56.

All R56 wheels will fit R53.

Otherwise, more or less no matter the diameter of the wheel the offsets are friendly to all R53 or R56.

Overall tire diameter needs to be 24.4" or near that so whatever tire size you choose will fit better if you can be near that goal. Pick a tire size that is larger or smaller by 0.5 inches and it will either reduce wheel gap and raise center of gravity or increase wheel gap and lower ride height and clearance. Speedo and odometer error also are possible but it's not that bad.

Bolt pattern is the same 4x100 but each bolt has a diameter that is different depending on when it was built and what model, however the MINI wheels will fit both bolts.

 

Mahalo!

Also, if you get a chance can you please have some shave ice with azuki for me? I miss those immensely.

 

OK, no real need to indulge with Hawaiian Shaved Ice (for me), come over and enjoy it yourself. Wailoa Shaved Ice in Honolulu (two locations) or Matsumoto's in Haleiwa are the choice spots.

For those who aren't familiar with Shaved Ice be sure to give it a try if you make it to Hawaii. It's very finely shaved ice with many tropical home made syrup flavors, nothing quite like it anywhere.