I own a new MCC and want to upgrade to 17" wheels for performance and looks. I have 2 opportunities: 17 s-lites with stock tires (4000 miles) or webspokes without tires, both for about 600$ Any suggestions? I think both sets are in good shape. Thanks for input.

 

I like the S-lites personally, but I think you can get them cheaper then that. I've seen a few sets in the classifieds for a good bit less.

 

I prefer the s-lites (had a set on mine) and I agree, you should be able to find them for quite a bit less.

As for performance, I found the factory run-flats to have a harsher ride and the combo to be fairly heavy. I swapped them out for some lighter wheels and tires and the handling improved dramatically.

 

You'll see the issue of wheel/tire weight many times in this forum, but I notice your car is a Cooper cabrio, which is already pulling more weight without the supercharger to compensate. If you go from 15 inch wheel/tire non-runflat (about 30-31 lbs. a corner) to 17 inch Slites/runflats (about 47 lbs. corner) you're picking up about 68 lbs. unsprung weight. A pound or 3 per corner is not going to be noticeable, but 17 a corner is, especially on a Cooper cabrio. When I was trying to decide on my final configuration, I test drove an MCC with the 17 inch Slites and it was noticeably, seat of the pants sluggish. If you love the style of the S-lites, and realize the tradeoffs, go for it, but you might want to consider waiting until you can get a lighter weight rim (you might consider 16 ") and tire combo.

 

Webspokes with non runflat tires- good combo. Try 205/45-17.
Webspokes are still a little heavy.

S-lytes with runflats are very very heavy- only good if you can get them really really cheap like $400 or $450 considering the 4000 miles. If you drive normal speed limit and don't push your MCC then you'll be fine even with heavy wheels but you will brake and accelerate slower with heavy wheels.

Save the money and get lighter rims- a good option if you can wait. Rota has some nice rims that fit the MINI and tirerack has lots of good rims in 17x7 and choice of non runflat tires that suit the MINI. Talk to alex@tirerack.com for more details.

 

Is aftermarket an option? There are so many styles and weights, colors, price points, etc in non OEM wheels and you can really customize your car.

This place seems to have nice wheels for the money too (many have bought Fliks here I think) and it looks like you can get wheels and tires for about the same price: http://edgeracing.com/2005/Mini/Cooper_(all)/wheels/17/

 

As Eval & Minihune said, the aftermarket has some very nice, relatively inexpensive rims that many have used - I second the recommendation to look at the Rota line - Subzeros look great on the mini and only weigh aboout 17 lbs or so in 17 inch - about $125 or $135 a wheel at places like 17Racing or Subiedude I believe

 

I got aftermarket Konig Incidents with Kumho 215/75/17 for 800$ OTD at America's Tire. I'm not real sure on the weight, they "felt" only a little different than my stock holding one in each hand. They look real nice. Thank you.

 

tim- please post picts.

 

Thanks for your help people. These new wheels are about 7 lbs. heavier per corner going 15 to 17.