I currently have the OEM 15" Rocket 5-spoke wheels on my LY 2006 Cooper Cabrio. They're pretty light and the drive is quick and nimble. And actually, I don't mind the style except every stock Cooper has those wheels. Now that I need new tires, however, I have realized how limited I am with 5.5-inch wheels.

I want to stay with 15's and I'm looking at 15X7 wheels to get into some wider tires. I have narrowed the choices to what you see below. Two of the wheel styles are heavier than my stock wheels, the other is about the same. My question is this...If I go up in weight about 4-5 pounds per wheel, am I going to lose that quick and nimble feel I have now? Alex at Tirerack has been very helpful answering my questions on this, but I need to hear from you Cooper owners out there who are running with 19-pound wheels. Will I be sacrificing my quick drive for style and better cornering?

I would also appreciate comments on the look of the wheels I have on my short list. Thanks!

Stock wheels, Rocket 5-spoke, 15X5.5, 14.8 pounds


Oz Canova Silver, 15X7, 19.5 pounds


Oz Canova Black and Silver, 15X7, 19.5 pounds


Borbet H, 15X7, 18.5 pounds


Konig Rewinds, 15X7, 14.6 pounds

 

Less weight = A Good Thing. More weight = ...well you get the idea.
Personally, I'd go with the Rewinds and have no weight issue. Also, have you checked out the 949 Racing lightweight 15s? Different look, less weight.

 

I've just installed 949 Racing wheels on my monster Miata. If someone wants to purchase a set of these wheels they will have to wait until the next production run (August). Note that Emilio will be coming out with a 15 x 7.5" this time (along with the 15 x 8"). I'm seriously thinking of getting a set of these for my MCS. I also like two wheels from Rota (Slipstream and RB)

 

I like the Konigs best, and the weight (or lack of it) speaks for itself.

Zip

 

What size/brand tires are you looking at? I like the Rewinds

 

I'm planning to get Kumho Ecsta ASX 195/60/15.

That's three votes for the Rewinds so I'm seeing a pattern! I really like the way they connect the new MINI to the heritage of the Classic Mini.

 

Rewinds look like the only choice. Do they really weigh that much?

If you want to know what it will be like, think of stock wheels as carrying 20 pounds of rocks in your pockets.

 

The Rewinds are virtually the sameweight as the OEM Rocket 5-spoke wheels. (14.6 vs 14.8 pounds). I see Konig has some other wheels that are lighter too. The Britelites are 12.6, the Feathers are 11.9 and the Helium wheels are 10.8! So one of those may be an option.

But I'm still liking the look of the Rewinds. And they are the only 15-inch Konigs available in 15X7.

Feather - 15X6.5, 11.9 pounds


Britelites - 15X6.5, 12.6 pounds


Helium - 15X6.5, 10.8 pounds

 

100% go for the Rewinds!! Have you considered them in black with the stainless lip? That would look great w/ your yellow/black MINI! Keep us posted on what you decide to do and take some pics

Best of luck w/ your decision...I've been struggling with making a decision myself! I really want to get the Motegi TrakLites (11 pounds for a 15" and 14 pounds for a 17") but they're $280ea!

 

Though I like the lighter weights of the Feather, britelights and heliums, I really like the classic looks of the Konig Rewinds. Add another Rewind to your unofficial pole.

 

First you have an MC and limited power. You've liked the light stock rims.
While it is true that the 15x5.5" rim is limiting larger wider tires somewhat, it is not true that leaving the 15x5.5" rim size for 15x7 is your only option.

You can use 205/55-15 with any 15" rim from 5.5 to 7.5" wide and it will fit and it will work for you for street driving.

Consider stock MINI Holey rims - they are cheap and available used in white or silver or paint them. They are lighter than your current rims at about 12 pounds each.

I have 15x5.5 rims I use for daily driving and they work just fine for me.
175/65-15 I have these tires
185/60-15
195/55-15
205/50-15 I have these tires
205/55-15
Many sizes will work. Wider isn't always better.

Heavy will be fine for basic commuting and street driving but anytime you want to accelerate you will spend more energy to move heavy wheels and it may feel like you are driving a Honda Odyssey and not an MC. Also it takes more effort to stop a heavy wheel. When driving at constant speed the wheel weight difference is not a factor.

Konig Rewinds are an excellent choice for 15x7 for any MINI.

 

i have 15x6.5 Volk TE37s on my Mini...a shade less than 9lbs each rim

doesn't suit everyone's tastes though...but having an MC, i need all the help i can get

 

OK, the Konig Rewinds are winding on my 2006 Cooper Cabrio! The tires are Kumho Ecsta 195/60/15. I love the way the wheels look and the tires are great too. Going to 7-inch-wide wheels makes a HUGE difference in the look and the drive. I will be adding custom center caps from Aesthetic Creations soon to finish the look.

Thanks for your input everyone!