Want to add something different and not just look like everyone else with the same year and model. I was thinking I’d start with some new rims. Personally I like the chrome ones only because it would match the trim chrome interior and exterior. Currently the rims are the 17” with run-flats. Don’t want to pay for new run-flats so I’ll just probably stick with the 17” for size. Thing is there aren’t too many choices sporty yet somewhat elegant chrome ones in the 17’s many of the really stylish and sporty looking ones start at 18” and up.

Well I was thinking about getting some 17” Chrome Lexani. I’ve asked a couple of people what they thought and the answers have been from one extreme to the other. Some felt they were great and would look very cool on the Mini, and to go for it. While others have said... No, no the answer is no! Since I am not able to view the wheels on the Mini before purchase, Since there not cheap , I’m hesitant to purchase only to find out after they are paid for that they look stupid on the Mini .

Can I get some opinions from you guys on this one. I did look at the Tire Rack first because there is site is great and you can view your Mini. But I didn’t see any chrome ones similar to these so I have no idea what they will look like actually on a Mini. BTW, the little cap on the inside could be all chrome and would just say Lexani. Any suggestions.

 

Those would look great . . . on an Escalade.

 

Remember, heavy wheels (and chrome wheels tend to be quite heavy) will make your car feel slower.

 

 

Hate them for a Mini...love them for a Ford Truck

 

They do look like an SUV rim. But remember, at the end it is not what we like, it is what you like. Your money, your car, your taste.

 

Not feel slower but slower.

bluezone,

Where in CA are you?

Earl

 

Sorry, that is what I meant - no coffee yet so I'm a bit bleary :smile: Weight in the wheel/tire is one of the worst places to have it.

I went to 12lb rims and can attest to the positive impact on the car's performance.

 

I'd wouldn't put those on my MINI, wrong style in opinion.

Check out some Rim/Tire shops in a hood near you. Usually those are the shops that have pics. of peoples rides on a dedicated wall, maybe you'll get a better idea as to how it would look. I saw a pic. of a MINI S with 20" inch rims on a shop wall , doubt it steered anymore though.

Check out some polished Aluminum rims maybe. Good luck man.

 

Gosh... I hadn't considered the excess in weight that a chrome wheel might incur. Those of you who have viewed some of my previous posts know that I want to go faster not slower. I really want to add some style. But I certainly wouldn't want to go out of my way to do anything that might decrease speed or performance:smile: .

 

Hate is a strong word. I'd reserve that for something more than a car part. But I don't love them.

However, if looking different is what's important to you, these ought to do the trick. Like others have said, your tastes are what matters. I went for lightweight wheels because performance is important to me. If it performs well, I generally like the look. And if it doesn't perform well, I generally don't love it.

 

Those wheels look like crap, on any vehicle. You asked.

But hey, it's your car. If you need the bling... have at it.

 

I understand your dilemma.

It took me two years to decide on wheels. I definitely did not want to look like everyone else - but in a good way. I like chrome wheels, but they are pricey and difficult to find pictures. Chrome wheels look better on some colors more than others. I didn't think all-chrome would look good on LY, so I waited. I found the wheels I have now for sale at a price that was tempting. I looked at the picture of them on the one MINI that had them custom made. I looked at any other picture of them close-up that wheel stores had on the websites. These still were not cheap rims, and if I bought them I did not know if I could re-sell them as others say they are "too heavy". (Actually weigh two lbs less than S-lites). Big deal. I'm not going to use them for track days anyway. I took the plunge and I am so glad I did. I have gotten so many compliments on the wheels, and it makes the car look so different - it was entirely a worthwhile investment. They have a metallic gunmetal finish on the spokes, but the lip is chrome and very deep.

I have seen chrome wheels on EB and CB MINIs, and they are beautiful. I guess what I'm saying is not to give in too much to peer pressure. It's good to be different and start your own trend. If you like them, go for it!

 

Since you asked, ick.

But it's your car, follow your tastes.

 

Looks like something from "Pimp My Ride"

 

not my style, but whatever floats your boat. :smile:

 

Exactly, but maybe that's what he likes. They're definitely not for everyone, but I think that was the point. I may not like the look, but that's OK so long as he likes it.

 

Absolutely

My critique was my own and I thought that was what he was asking for

 

That's what I was thinking, too.

I'm not really a chrome wheel guy. But, if you like the bling, don't let us talk you out of them.

 

Now that you mention it.. it kinda does at that.

Just checked with the store and they said these wheels are around 26 pounds ea. I think that's a little heavier than I was expecting. I believe the current wheels are 22.3 pounds. I hadn't taken into account the excess in weight when I started thinking about going into chrome. I was only thinking about looking at wheels that I knew would be different on a Mini.

According to one of the stores.. there aren't any chrome wheels less than 25 pounds. I did want to go with something shiny, bright, glossy if possible. But I don’t want to exceed the current weight of 22.3 in fact I’d like to go down in weight if I can. However I do want some style that’s different but I don’t want to look like a clown in the process. This Mini will be the first car in which I’ve ever made any modifications of any kind. So I really don’t know that much about what is a good choice and what isn’t. Specially when trying to factor in both looks and performance. I went to one wheel and tire shop and the guy actually said for better performance I needed to go with some 20" wheels and new 20" tires .

 

Yo1 Dose r dope, dawg! rollin on da dubs!

 

I don't like them either but thanks for giving us freedom to just call it like we see it....a good idea to remember. Keep searching, you'll find the perfect thing. In the end it is a personal choice....just make sure it's one you can really live with. The chrome is heavy and the look is...well...a little over the top for me. :smile:

 

you really don't want to go heavier because just a little added weight and it is very noticeable. Trust me on this. The mini is really a car that you notice subtle changes on. Adding a little weight or taking a little away makes a big difference, esp. at the wheels. (i can tell a difference in performance depending on whether or not i have a passenger) This is why I want to find some strong and lightweight 16"s or 17"s. Do yourself a favor and keep out of the chrome. Also something to think about is how easy it is to clean the wheels (though anything is easier to clean than the s-lites). That makes a 5 or 6 spoke wheel pretty nice. Just my $.02

 

If your goal is to look different, then those will do the trick.

 

:smile: Maybe you could achieve something cool with polished-aluminum rims? Light, yet shiny! Happy shopping!


Clover