Need you opinion on this topic. I have read two articles talking about the harsh ride with the run-flats. I read you get quite abit of "Grip & Dart" with the 17's. One article suggested getting some light 16 inchers and putting a non run-flat tire on them. Has anyone replaced the run-flats? Please let me know which way I should go. Going to place a MCS order soon. Thanks

 

I'd go with the 16" wheels unless you really want the look of 17's. The 16's are light, especially compared to the 17" 25lb S-Lite bricks!

The Pirelli run flats are actually quite fine.

 

I would tend to agree with Sleepless's perspective on the wheels. 16's offer better aceeleration and braking, because they are less unsprung weight. 17's really do bring that look. Its also really importand that your happy with the wheel style (most importand to me) I want to walk out every moring and open that garage, and think "yeah.."

On the tires there are several people whom have gone to non runflat tires with exelent success. they offer more comfort, and better performance. Check out some previous posts and you can see how everone is motoring.

Dan

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Definitely go with the 16's if performance is a factor for you. I'm very happy with my decision to not get the 17's. Personally, I don't like the looks of the 17's. They are like giant daisies. I the TSW Hockenheim look to the stock 16" rims. Also, if you choose to replace the stock runflats, the 17's are MUCH more expensive. I got 4 Yokohama AVS ES100 tires for under $400. The typical 17" replacement runflat can approach that for ONE TIRE!

R

 

Get what YOU like best ! I love my 17's. The ride is rough, but oh what grip ! I'm saving my $$$ so I can stuff 18's on her. But . . . 16's are a great all around choice for handling AND ride. Good luck and enjoy !

Marty

 

I got the 17's with my MCS. The only reason is because I wanted the contents of the sport package. If I got each component separately, it was only about $120 less than if I just got the whole sport package which included the 17's. I got the 17's with the all seasons and I'm buying another set of wheels (I'm not sure yet if I'm going to do 16's/17's/18's) with wet/dry high performance tires for the summer/spring weather. I'll throw the heavy 17's on in the winter. But like MG_rocket said, get what you like best. Take care.....

 

I have the 17", because I didnt get to order, because it would have taken another 6 months to get my mini. I got the 8th one in the state. I would go with the 16" because it is less for the car to make turn and it will let you get off of the line faster. When my Pirrelli's run out, I am going to buy 16" wheels and tires, because it is the same price and will make my car run faster.

 

In my opinion i would leave the 16 and 17"
at your dealer and order some aftermarket 18"!!!!


Greetzzzz MiniHolland

 

>>Need you opinion on this topic. I have read two articles talking about the harsh ride with the run-flats. I read you get quite abit of "Grip & Dart" with the 17's. One article suggested getting some light 16 inchers and putting a non run-flat tire on them. Has anyone replaced the run-flats? Please let me know which way I should go. Going to place a MCS order soon. Thanks


I've got 17 inch light weight rims for 18.000 miles, running Kumho MX tires. Tires have been good in the rain and of course dry. They are just a bit stiff but not too bad. The unsprung weight savings helps to launch it off the line. My first 17 inch S rims and run flats had very poor ride and control compared to the current set up.

Cy

 

I'm getting aftermarket wheels, should I go with the 16s or 17s? The 17s look better, but will they be detrimental to performance? Would it be better to save money and get 16s and Green Stuff pads, or to splurge and get 17s and the Stoptech brakes? Is the weight worth it?

 

Thanks to all who placed their comments on the wheel/tire topic. Looks like I might go with the 17" S-lite. I will also buy a 2nd set of 16" wheels/tires from Tirerack for those road trips I will take. They seem to get alot of my business! Thanks again. :smile:

 

>>I'm getting aftermarket wheels, should I go with the 16s or 17s? The 17s look better, but will they be detrimental to performance? Would it be better to save money and get 16s and Green Stuff pads, or to splurge and get 17s and the Stoptech brakes? Is the weight worth it?

Depends on how much money you want to spend. If money is not an issue then you can go for the 17" wheels; there is only a 1.5lb difference between the 16" and 17" SSR Comps which are about the lightest wheel you can buy.

Big Brakes are worth it if you think they either look cool or you plan to drive the heck out fo the car at the track although so far I'm not convinced they are necessary for most track use; with Castrol SRF brake fluid and Ferodo 2500 compound pads I haven't yet had an brake fade at the track; we'll see if that changes after upgrading the pulley :smile: