Hi everyone!

I've ordered a Cooper S with white 17" eight-spoke S-Lite wheels. It's been on the dock in Southampton for 2 weeks so who knows when it will get here, but that's another subject.

Because of a situation with my back I'm looking for a set of tires & wheels that will maximize ride smoothness even at the expense of handling (I know, I'm a heretic). I plan to use these about 2/3rds of the time and the set that come with the car the rest of the time. The wheels need to be white and I prefer the 8 spoke design if possible but am open to other designs as well.

I'm assuming that 15" wheels with higher profile tires are the way to go, but I'm open to whatever works. I know this forum is focused on performance but any comfort-oriented suggestions would be really appreciated.

Many thanks in advance -

/gary

 

check out my post in the marketplace. I have a set of 15" ssr for sale. Fifteen inch will give you the most comfort due to the sidewall profile being the tallest available for the cooper.

 

I'd definately go with the 15" wheels with a 175/65/15 OEM size tire.

Not that I find the ride of my Mini 'comfortable', but I do think the skinny tires are a little bit more fun on the street. They definately don't have the grip you'd want for autocross, but for street driving they're absolutely fine.

 

I know all about it.

I have the 15" on mine and it's fine, but since it has a stiff suspension you're still going to feel it quite a bit on rough roads. I'd suggest some sort of cushion for your rear. Have fun.

 

15's are best but 16's really aren't bad. Especially with non run flats.

 

Performance it in the bum of the beholder.

I'll be watching this thread with interest.:smile:

 

Just ditch the runflats all together. You can sell them here. But they're heavy and have very very stiff sidewalls. The idea of using them for performance is a non-starter. You could probaby handle better with 15s or 16s with real good rubber. Just sell the whole set, get the smaller wheels, and some taller sidewall all season ultra performance tires, and you won't have to stress you back changing the wheels!

Matt

 

Gary,
8 spoke white 15" wheels?
Try Minilite 15" (comes in different widths) 15x6 to 15x7 is good.
http://www.minilitewheels.com/ev2000.htm


205/55-15 will give you good performance and good comfort with a wide range of tires to choose from and in a tire diameter that is close to stock.
Works well with 15x7" rim

175/65-15 will work and are best suited for commuting. good tread wear. comfort, and low price but the selection of tires is not as good and performance is much less. Works with 15x6" rim

Panasport wheels are also worth a look.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions and info folks - it is much appreciated. Keep 'em coming.

I think I may give the 15 x 7 MiniLite wheels a try, haven't yet settled on a tire model or size but hopefully will be close in rolling diameter to the stock size so my speedo won't be too far off.

/gary

 

gary,

OK, rim size of 15x7" is fine. Note that you can pick various colors with the MiniLites including white. I have seen them up close and they look great on the MINI.

To determine what size tire-
First think of what kind of driving you will be doing-
Performance- track/autocross/driving school? Then a 50 series tire would work. Stiffer and shorter sidewall improves performance but is less comfortable.
Street only use with emphasis on comfort? 195/60 or 205/55 would be worth a look.

175/65-15 stock tires have a 24.4" tire diameter.
185/65-15 will fit. Tire diameter is 24.4"
195/60-15 will fit. Tire diameter is 24.2"- good selection of tires.
205/55-15 will fit. Tire diameter is 23.9"- a very popular size with large selection of tires.

205/60-15 will fit. Tire diameter is 24.7"
-Includes Yokohama AVS ES100 and Bridgestone Potenza RE-950
205/65-15 will fit. Tire diameter is 24.7"

When ready to choose a tire then talk to Alex@tirerack.
Performance tires cost more, don't last as long but offer more performance when cornering. Some are quiet and comfortable but you will pay more.
Summer tires are not for snow but can handle rain. If you get light snow look for All season tires.

 

OK. What happened? What did you go with? How's the fit? How's the back?