OK, I see there are several wheel spacers out there in various thicknesses (from 5 to 30mm I believe). I understand that they are necessary to be installed with some suspension modifications. My question is, are they of benefit if you have standard OEM sports suspension and standerd runflat tyres? Appart from changing the look, do they have any noticable benefit to the handeling of the car?

 

As you mention, sometimes they are needed to get clearance for suspension modifications. That's typically a 5 mm to 8 mm type of change (so 10mm to 16mm total change in track width).

For "looks" on the MINI with the stock wheels I would tend to think that the most you would want to push things out would be about 15 mm (30mm increase in width). I say this after hanging looked at the clearance between the tire and the inside edge of the wheel well.

In either case, as you want to use hubcentric spacers (they have a lip on them to center the spacer). H&R makes some very nicely machined spacers. ALTA Performance (MCO Sponsor) carries them.

Remember you will need longer lug bolts When you get spacers, you will also need to get longer lug bolts. Those generally run about $2.50 each. So with one set of spacers, you would need 8 bolts (~$20 for lug bolts).

Now, for you question about how this effects drivability: it really doesn't. I had the 15 mm H&R spacers on my Jetta and it really didn't change in any noticable way.

 

... just remember to check the wheel bearings a little more often ..

 

I've been thinking of spacing out my Kosies, which are, I believe, 43mm offset. What's an easy way to CHECK the wheel bearings? Or is there an easy way? I'm thinking of 10mm spacers.