Ok, I've had my 06 S for about 5 weeks now, and this past weekend I picked up a sheet metal screw in the sidewall of one of the runflat tires. So, naturally the tire can't be repaired safely and after pricing a replacement tire, I've decided to ditch the run flats and go with a more comfortable riding and cheaper tire. From my reading reviews, I decided to go with the General UHP tires. Since I've been looking around at different wheels, now is the time to bite the bullett and do it all at once.

I really like the looks of the HP EVO wheels, but from my understanding they are not made in the 17" size. So, I found a set of "knock off" EVO style wheels made by Exel in the 17" size. I order them today, but the problem has turned out to be lug nuts. My Cooper was made in September of 06, so the wheel lugs are the new size of 14 x 1.25. The company that I ordered the wheels from does not have the new size lugs available at this time. They recommended contacting the folks at www.excaliburwheel.com for obtaining the lugs. I called them this afternoon, but the person with whom I needed to talk to was unavailable at that time.

Before I call them to order the lug set, I thought I'd ask if anyone has ran into this problem and/or has anyone had any dealing with Excalibur Wheel?

On the tire issue; the General UHP does not come in the 205/45/17 size. Is the 215/45/17 ok to run on a 17 x 7 rim with a 40 offset?

 

Pretty sure Texas Speedwerks has Wheel stud kits to fit the new hubs

 

Yep - had the exact same problem - my car was made in 8/06.
I highly suggest doing a stud conversion. It cost about $140. (well here in NC) but well worth it....
I bought 215/40/17X7 Nitto Neogens, on PIAA Sport Mesh wheels from Discount Tire Warehouse.
They're fantastic!

 

Do you know if the new wheels are drilled for M12 or M14 bolts? If M12, you would need our M14-M12 stud conversion kit. You can order it with nuts or find any nut you like in M12x1.5. If they're drilled for M14, you have more options (including our M14 stud kit). Will the OEM lug bolts not work (e.g. not slim enough to fit in the lug recess)?

Again, I ask why MINI went with such a very, very odd size in M14x1.25...

 

I had the lug nut issue a couple weeks ago with my '07. I ended up getting the 14 X 1.25 Tuner Lugs from www.paloubermini.com. They were more expensive than regular lugs, but they were in stock and they shipped them right away. It was worth it!