I am about to buy a 2005+ MC and I am wondering about which option packages I should look for. My question comes down to this: Do the 15" holey's (sp?) perform better on the street than the heavier 16" wheels?
Here is some background. The car will ONLY be used in the city. For me, that means it will go over 40 mph no more than 2% of the time. Hence the reason for an MC. I find that the MC is geared and performs at least as well as the MCS in this narrow performance window (flame suit on!!). As well, our roads have lots of 'patches' and tend to be less than perfectly flat... no potholes, but lots of bumpiness.
It seems many NAMer's who race use the lighter (15lb) 15" holey's, or an aftermarket lighter wheel. Presumably this is because the Mini responds measurably better (in racing terms) to a lighter wheel and tire combo. Having had experience on my (former) old 911 with light and heavy wheel/tire sets, I know how much difference this can make in terms of daily performance. A lighter wheel set can allow the suspension to perform vastly better, making the road feel smoother and the tires stay in contact with the road more of the time. On the other hand, the 16" wheels change the shape of the tire contact patch.
While I prefer the looks of the larger 16" wheels, I would go with the 15" if there was a noticeable difference in daily driving.
Does anyone have experience with both sets of wheels/tires to comment on "Do the 15" holey's (sp?) perform better on the street than the heavier 16" wheels?"

 

if the roads are rought the holeys with a taller tire will be a better combo.

Matt

 

If it was me, I wouldn't even think of anything other than holies with the OEM Conti for city use. The ride is nice, and there is more than sufficient performance for city driving.

I autocross and do track days, and the Conti is not sufficient for that, but I've driven a lot of tires on my Mini, and for street driving, the silly little OEM Conti is my favorite. It has nice steering feel, and has a relatively supple ride.

 

daily driven and parked in the city, i would use stock or good looking
cheepo 16's with a/s non-directional tires. keep a spare with tire
mounted in your closet or garage if you have one.

 

I know there's a positive difference going from 17s to 16s on my S, I imagine there'd be a similar difference going 16 to 15. FWIW, I really like the 16s and think they're an optimum balance between looks and performance.

 

Where are you located? It sounds as if the best solution for you is the lighter wheel with a little more sidewall. If you are tackling city streets all the time and not venturing out any then there is really no reason to get the 16s. As you stated, the lighter wheels will help a little with performance and suspension feel, but the taller sidewalls will offer more padding and security from curbs and raised manholes or potholes when you do encounter them.

Drew

 

wth how did I reply to an old post

 

12 years -that has to be a record!

 

The forum does this related thread thing now I guess I replied to that thinking I was on the same thread I was reading