I'm looking to get a set of kosei k-1's, 15 inch, white in color. On Tirerack, for the mini they show the 16" and 17" when you select the Mini. So I went back and did the same with a Civic (same lug pattern correct?) And I found 15" K-1's: what I was looking for. Why is it they aren't listed for the Mini if they fit a civic and we do in fact share the same lug pattern? Is there anywhere else I could get kosei's if I have my information wrong here?

 

If I may so inquire, why would you want to go 15", when all original MCSs come with either 16" or 17" wheels. I run 16" Kosei K-1's in white (agreed best color) and the range of choice in tires is excellent. Except for very specialized use like auto-x where "adding lightness" is key, I'd stay with 16" or even the 17" Koseis.

 

On the TireRack website, 15" wheels are listed only if you select non-S Cooper as your vehicle.

 

rkw- thanks for that, does it pose a problem if I were to use them on an S? I'm not understanding why not.

mgcman- I always thought smaller wheels looked better, I can't seem to find Kosei's anywhere but tirerack, I suppose if I could find 16" koseis somewhere for a good price I would definately consider, but I like the price of the 15's on tirerack, but not understanding why they don't offer them for the S.

 

I run 15" Kosei K1-TS on the track on my S. I ifgure no need to pay extra for 16" wheels or tires. 15s are also lighter than 16s.

 

I was told, by TireRack, that they are the only place that handles these wheels. Also they are having a sale on them right now. At least in the 16" size. Looks like they are discontinuing them??? I hope not. They are great wheels and look good also, in ether color.

 

It is no problem to run 15's on an S. I think it is just that TireRack initially set up their database to match the OEM sizes that come with the car.

 

Right, Tire Rack never shows smaller than stock wheels as available on their website, at least for all the cars I've searched on. Just put in a MC instead of MCS and pick the 15" wheel option, and you'll see all the 15" wheels that are available.

AFAIK the Kosei K1 wheels are being discontinued. Kosei has some new for 2006 wheels that will be arriving shortly. If you want K1's you should probably get them soon. I had a set on another car and they are good wheels, but there are lighter trackworthy wheels available (from Kosei and others).

-Keith

 

so there wouldn't be any problem with me getting 15'' K-1's in 4x100 lug pattern, and they'll be fine? I guess I do need to jump on these. The whole 'not showing anything smaller than stock' makes sense.

 

Lots of people run 15" wheels on their MCS's, especially for track use. It won't be a problem (unless you need to clear a BBK). I'm guessing one of the reason's that BMW/MINI didn't offer 15" wheels on the MCS was that it requires run-flats since there wasn't room for a spare tire, and to my knowledge, there are very few (if any) 15" run-flats available.

-Keith

 

15x7 K1's work just fine on a MCS. That's what I'm using on mine for autocross, with 225/45-15 Avon Tech Rs. No problems of any sort. This is my 3rd set of K1's if that says anything. I've got a set of 16x7.5 that I use for summer street driving and wet autocrosses (Avon M500 205/50-16) and used for many sets of 215/45-16 Falken Azenis. None of the above created rubbed at all on my car, though the suspension and alignment hasn't been stock for over 3 years. I also had a set of the same size (different offset and lug pattern) on my previous car.

I may have to get another set if they are going away. I've had good luck with them and prefer this pattern esthetically.

Scott
90SM