Hi,

I'm about eight months away from ordering my first Mini. It will be a MCSCa. I'm wondering what size wheels will work best for me...

I want to get all season tires (live in New Jersey)...

Like how the 17" S Lites look, but maybe the 16" would be more sensible. I drive 40 miles each way to work. Most is highway, but one mile or so is in an urban area... some potholes around.

Any advice would be greatyly appreciated.

Thanks, Glenn

 

The 16" wheels are a "no cost" option and functionally useful. I assume you are looking at all season runflats because the MCSCa only comes with 16" or 17" runflats.

Most of us "like the look" of the S-lytes. For street use and for the cost you are much better off with the 16" X-lyte wheels. Take a test drive in both size wheels and decide (once you drive on a few very rough roads) for yourself.

 

How about you order the 16's with all seasons for winter and 17 S-lites from the MarketPlace at a good deal for your summer tires? :smile: or vise versa.

 

Go with what you like... The 17"s ride fine and look better on the car, IMHO

 

Go with the 17s and buy extra set of 16s outside, they run very cheap.

17 are perfectly fine with the runflats.

 

The 17s are fine. I run them at 36psi. And so far they're not loud at all. I'm buying a set of 16s or steel wheels for the winter.

 

Just my opinion, but I believe 17 inch wheels are overkill on the mini. I've driven the cars with 16 & 17 and the 16 is a better ride and just as good handling for any real world situation (i.e. not "bench racing). The vspoke 16 inch rims have the advantage of relatively light, unsprung weight as well. That said, if the 17 inchers do it for you, and you test drive and the ride is acceptable, go for it.

 

I agree with all the above postings. I've been running with chrome 17" s-lites which are mighty stylee, but with lower sport springs and suspension--> strap on your sports bras if ya got 'em because you'll need it!

Recently, put on some 16"s and I love 'em. No more shrieking from passengers. I can appreciate both. Try them both if you can... then it's your call.

 

Unless you drive really hard or race you'll feel a little more comfy with 16s and non-runflats. The car is faster, corners fine, is lighter, and doesn't feel like you have bricks on each wheel. It recovers from bumps much, much better. Also the x-lites or white R83's or tons of aftermarket wheels can be found and you can get BFGoodrich T/A all seasons or Toyo Proxis 4 all seasons for under 100.00 each. Just my thoughts. That's what I did and it worked out great. I can send you pics if you want.

 

I agree, I got 16" Rota Slipstreams to replace my 17" Sport package runflats. MUCH more comfortable ride for all the reasons above stated. It handles beautifully, better than the 17" stock combo. On a track with light 17" wheels, who knows, but who cares for real world driving. All the car mag reviews of the MINI that I've read have the same criticism: choppy ride. I wish they'd test one with light wheels and tires 'cause that solves it. I sincerely doubt that anyone recommending 17" runflats has driven any different setup. Best improvement that can be made to the MINI.

 

I think it will be the 16's. Just thinking about how the potholes will kill the 17" rims.... Thanks all.