Don't let all the "performance-is-the-only-thing" race car drivers around here get you discouraged. Chrome wheels can look nice on the mini and a few extra pounds is not going to double your 0-60 time or anything totally drastic.


Check out this thread for some more chrome ideas, if you haven't already:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=44744

Good luck-

-Steve

 

Hey - to get an idea of what the rims might look like on your Mini, why not take photo of your car and then in Photoshop (or simular program) cut out and place the rims over the existing ones. This could really help in deciding if they're really the look you want.

The poor man's way.... use a copy machine and re-scale (or reduce) the rim picture to cut out with sizzors and place it over a photo of your Mini. Good luck.

 

Like I have said time and time again....

It's YOUR car, if you like them put them on YOUR car...

I'm sure not everyone likes the black wheels on my car or the bonnet stripes. But, it's MY car...and I didn't get those things to make anyone happy but me.

So, do what you want and be happy with it...you didn't ask everyone's opinion before you got your MINI...why do it now

 

If you want shiny and light, check out Centerline polished aluminum:

http://www.centerlinewheels.com/index.htm

 

IMO - those wheels aren't MINI - but like everyone else said, if YOU like 'em, get 'em. There's no 'perfect' wheel for a MINI. . .depends on what you want.

But if I DID put a set of those on a MINI, I'd do limo tint on the windows and lay on a 6" lift kit.

 

Hey, he's the one who keep posting about adding power so the advice not to add weight to the wheels is applicable I'm not saying it is the only thing but it really can make the car's pick-up better

One thing I'd look into if ever considering chrome would be warranty and quality; I've seen people have issues with pitting and the like.

 

Chrome wheels are not that heavy !!! They are not lightweight but are not heavy !!

Why would they be any heavier than any other aluminum wheel? What the thin layer of chrome makes them pounds and pounds heavier, not really.

I would bet that most people here with there painted tuner rims do not even realize just how heavy they are..

IMO, go for it there are a lot of styles out there too !! Go for it!!

I would have chrome 20" wheels on my Cooper the only thing that is holding me back today is the price of the 225/30/20 when it drops I will be rolling on dubs

 

definitely hate them..


they are not for mini...i think they are for hammer...


and the lightning on the wheels.....they dun look cool...they are like toy.....


anyways...i hope that i am not too straight....
I just wanna give my opinion....:smile:

 

Actually, as I understand it, chrome is the heaviest finish that is possible. It can add as much as a few pounds of unsprung weight on each wheel assembly. It's a pretty think finish, IIRC.

But whatever works for each individual is what they should do. It's not like everyone is looking to shave a few tenths off thier commute time to work.

For those who "track" thier cars, chrome is really not the best option. :smile:

 

.... How are you ever going to be able to sleep at night again. If I were rolling on dubs I would me a mental wreak. I'd be dreaming about thieves all night long

And thanks guys for all your honest opinions. Those are what I was hoping for... the honest opinions

 

HAHAHAH AHAHAHAahha aahahaha.....

 

not my cuppa tea.
Check out Racinghart wheels

 

My Cooper sleeps inside so theft would not be an issue

I will post up a pic soon, nice looking clean five spoke

 

Normally I wouldn't say anything, but since you asked, they make me want to stab myself in the eye with a red hot poker.

...twice.

 

Ohmygod, I agree, those rims are <<almost>> as incompatible with a MINI as you could get. Those are made for Escalades, not for MINI's.

That's my opinion.

Nothing wrong with chrome, but I think there are lots more options available for you.

I'd definitely grab the side view JPEG of your car on Tire Rack.com, and start playing around in photoshop with some rim JPEG's. If you don't have access to photoshop, send some pics my way, and I'll help you! I want to help you see the light!

 

OK if we look at 17" chrome rims.
The Lexani Krystal 17x7.5" (about $1729 for set of 4 with tires

While I think these are OK and might look fine on a MINI, they are a heavier design. Chrome wheels are about 2 pounds heavier than the same wheels in alloy per wheel.

Personally I like a more open design but still unique like-


Foose Lusso 17x7.5" in chrome (about $1699 for set of 4 with tires)
Or check these out
http://www.westcohost.com/wheel/inde...i+Cooper+02-03

Or Foose 17x7.5" Chrome Type S (about $1686 with 4 tires)


Centerlines in 17x7" are about 13.5 pounds per rim and in chrome are about 15-16 pounds each in that diameter- which is much better than most chrome rims weighing 20 to 25 pounds. Check out the specials.

 

Blue, where are you located in Ca.? Someone's already mentioned the Centerline offerings, you could also ck. out Motegi Racing wheels. Not exactly the lightest out there, but they do offer a lot of chrome "racing look" wheels. The possibility of having your current wheels polished is there too, if you're looking for that different look. There's a shop in Walnut Creek that can polish your current wheels.....just throwing that out there, I'm sure there's other shops that do the same, perhaps others out in NAMland can help. But as to your original ?? I would definitely not put those Lexani's on unless you're strictly showing the vehicle.
My 2cnts.

 

And thanks guys for all your honest opinions. Those are what I was hoping for... the honest opinions[/QUOTE]



Bluezone

I had stickers made to cover the hub logo. Minis are as individual as there owners, Do what you like.

 

SPORT COMPACT - STORM, 17x7, Part #347 7707 439 hi-polish, mirror finish, 42mm offset, $139/wheel at the link scotteast gave above to Centerline Wheels.


Clover

 

I would prefer 18 polished aluminum light weight BBS rims, very expensive but looks awesome.

chrome is cool, but does not associate with MC. Go with your heart, mind would not make a healthy desicion on styling anyways. AVOID 20s though, please.

 

I spent many long hours deciding on wheels for the Mini. I ended up going with the folks that sponsor this thread. Alex did a fantastic job!

I have a pic posted of my mini in the gallery for you to see. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately for the short term, the wheels I have are no longer made.

'02 MCS, EB/W, 17" SSR-GT1

 

If we are voting...I would say Nay. The ultimate choice is yours and after all you are the one who has to live with them.

 

Funny that people get so riled up about putting big chrome rims on a Mini. Is it bad to stick out a little? Isn't that part of why we all have mini's in the first place? Chrome looks great on the Mini, and I personally think those wheels would look great (I actually considered the same ones myself). Do not underestimate the power of the Bling. Of course, you would not look like all of the other Mini's who's wheels don't sparkle, which is a good thing in my opinion, and is kind of the point. I hate fitting in.

Regarding the added weight, it all depends whether you are going for style or speed, but but I didnt notice any time added to my commute when I added my 18" chrome BSAs (24 pounds). It doesnt seem any slower to me, and the increased looks I get would make up for it anyways. I guess it depends if you are racing or not because if you are not then does the 15 pounds added by the bling really matter (I only added 7 pounds total to mine, the same weight as both of my dogs combined:smile: )

Anyways, I recommend www.wheelguyz.com. I did much searching and found them to have the best deals on chrome packages, and they are happy to tell you weights if you call and ask and could probably recommend a few of their lighter weight chrome rims. If you decide against the chrome, I suggest going to a rim shop and asking to see non-chrome wheels with a shiny finish, there are a few finishes out there that are almost as shiny as chrome but lighter in weight (I of course don't remember what), and there are also some non-chrome wheels that have some chrome accents that could add you some bling but not the weight.

I know you asked for the opinion of others, but you should do what YOU want, because it seems like most people just like the same old wheels. I guess the question is whether you want to stand out or fit in and does the added weight matter to you. So my vote is a strong YAY; i think I fell in love with my Mini all over again once i got my chrome. They accent the rest of the Mini's chrome trims and it actually rides much better than the run-flats too. But if you do get them, you may want to get an alarm and a club for when you park elsewhere.

...and I would love to see an Mini get pimped on Pimp My Ride. Where do I sign up?

 

http://www.maaswheels.com/m21.html

These are the wheels that I want.

And yes the come 20x7.5 +45 4x100 for our Coopers!!

 

I think 20s you would have definite rub issues.