hi! i have been reading some threads about mini owners would rather pick 16" rather then 17" wheel? anyone tell me why? and these relate to LSD?
no clue?
thanks,
g

 

I would say:

1. weight savings vs. same wheel in a 17" size
2. taller tire sidewall = less pothole incidents
3. typically cheaper tires vs. same tire in 17"

my .02

-Cliff

 

As well as better ride quality...

 

agreed.

 

Before I bought my MCS I drove one with 16's and one w/17's. No comparison. The factory 17's are around 25 pounds. That's just much too heavy for a 17. The only area that the factory 17's might excel over the 16's would be turn in and that has more to do with the 45 series tires. A lighter tire/wheel package will stop better, accelerate harder, ride smoother, and handle better overall. Remember putting on a lighter set of wheels is much like installing a lighter flywheel. There's less rotational mass to overcome. If you got a set of aftermarket 17's that were the same wieght as the 16's you might see a performance increase over the factory 16's.

In autocross, most people run 16's in stock class and many run 15's in STX. If you're more concerned with bling than performance, go for the 17's. Just watch the potholes.

 

Having had the same car on the Dragon with 205/50/16's and 215/45/17's. I prefer the 16's. The car seemed more tossable. Granted the sidewall of the 17's is shorter. The 16's, imo, steered quicker. I don't believe weight wasn't an issue as the 17" rims weighed in at 16.1lbs. On this site, the v-spokes are listed as 17.6lbs. The only difference. The weight of the tire.

 

There are many reasons to choose 16" over 17" wheels.

Some wheels only come in 16" size for the style or color wanted
Within the same style 16" rims are lighter
There are many good tires that can be used with a 16" rim with various sidewalls from 40 series up to 55 series while with 17" rims you are limited to 40 and 45 series only.
Selection of all season tires may be better with 16" sizes- important for street use or for inclement weather
For those with cruddy roads the combination of 16" rim and 50 or 55 series tires would be more livable and durable than with a set of 17" rims.
Sometimes with the right suspension upgrades a set of 16" rims looks just as sharp as 17" rims and stock suspension.
!6" rims and tires are often priced less than 17" rims and tires.
For stock brake calipers- 16" rims look more balanced than with 17" wheels which can make it look like you "need" a big brake kit.

Of my six sets of wheels, two are 17", one is 16" and three are 15".

 

 

Some go a step further and get 15s to see enhanced benefits in all of the areas mentioned - especially at the track. Downside is you can't fit much bigger brakes under them if you want. Also, some are afraid to have such a small wheel when the trend is so obviously in the other direction.

mb

 

Everyone has already covered all the practical aspects, which which I agree. As for style and the "trend" toward larger diameter wheels, for God's sake people, have you noticed the size of our cars ?? Thus far, every time I walk to my Mini in the parking lot, I'm struck by how just-right the 15" holeys look - they're proportional to the rest of the car. To each his (or her) own, but some of the 18" & 19" rims I've seen on Minis just look like the wheels are wearing the car.

 

\\


agreed

mikie

 

I bought 10 Ball with the stock 16" V-spokes for reasons listed and because I'm cheap. Can any of you suggest a 205/50/16 that strikes a good compromise between grip and tread life...?

-Barry / 10 Ball

 

or you can go for the best of both worlds, 14.3 lb 17" wheels,

although we are stuck on 17's to stay in BS at autocross, being a factory JCW car. . .

 

I went to 16's for most of the above reasons. Hate to state the obvious, but keep in mind that the S does not carry a spare, which was about the only benefit of run flats. If you're going to convert, carry a can or two of flat fix.

 

My used 2004 came with the 17" Spoke "Upgraded" Mini rims + Goodyear runflats.

I picked up a set of R84's 16" w/Dunlop 5000 take offs (less than 20 dealer mi on em...like new!) on Fleabay for a really good price. I am only keeping the 17's on until they wear down...then I am putting the 16's on...have tried them on my S and like everything better Ride, handling etc. (the r84's are a pain to clean though!) BTW: All is stock and staying that way!

There seem to be great deals on Fleabay on 16's (takeoffs!) Just make sure of the seller's feedback rating!

 

If the Pirelli PZero Nero UHP all-season is available in that size, I got about 30K out of a set on my audi TT. Alex @ TireRack also recommends the Avons

 

For best grip you want Max performance summer tires or Ultra HP summer tires. For best treadlife you want all season tires.

Some of us could care less about treadlife when the grip is so good with a Max performance summer tire-

In 205/50-16 at tirerack.com
Bridgestone Potenza S-03 $100 closeout in stock!!!! (great deal!!!) 220 treadlife AA traction
Goodyear eagle F1 GS-D3 $119 special price 280 treadlife AA traction

In Ultra HP summer tires
Avon tech M500 $81 each 280 treadlife AA traction
BF Goodrich g-Force T/A KDW 2 $117 300 treadlife AA traction

In Ultra HP All season tires
*Pirelli PZero Nero M&S $105 400 Treadlife A traction W speed rated (an excellent overall tire- good on performance and wear)
Kumho Ecsta ASX $72 420 Treadlife AA traction W speed rated

And in 205/55-16 with outer tire diameter 24.9" a little larger than stock but still OK if you don't lower your MINI
Still Ultra HP All season tires (and top rated by consumers in that class)
*Avon Tech M550 A/S $80 each! 360 treadlife AA traction W speed rated (excellent all season tire)

 

After agonizing over the choices, I went with 205/60-16 Goodrich g-sports. The 50 aspect ration provides an excellent compromise between comfort (he rides like a Cadillac) and handling (corners like . . . well, a Mini ) The g-forces are awesome on the dry, but contrary to several posts on other threads, I think they are between lousy and almost dangerous when wet

 

dang, those 60's are like balloon tires. i thought my 205/55's on my
06Civic were at the border...

 

The azenis 215-16 x 45 work well on the stock xlites.

Cheap and good traction.

SoCal so don't have to worry much about rain.