Re: 2023 Mini Cooper S, F55
So I'm ditching my OEM 17 inch run flats for non run flats. I may also switch to 16 inch wheels (for comfort). Looking on various wheel sites I see many wheels are painted silver/black etc, whereas MINI wheels are listed as powder coated.

Can anyone comment on the durability of paint? Surely the powder coat is more durable and less susceptible to tire change damage... is paint a real world option?

PS I've powder coated the wheels of my previous 2019 MINI CM and was initially happy, but did notice some fading after three years.

Thanks in advance for any comments...

 

Almost all wheels are powder coated - even ones that are machined with a clear-coat overlay (the 'clear coat' is powder coating). The word 'paint' is used as a generic catch-all.

 

for anyone looking at this later on:
Powder coating offers nothing over paint for an enthusiast.
And if you have partially or fully forged wheels, you are betting on dying as it greatly weakens the wheel once heated for re-powder coating at a local shop.

There are supposedly shops that use low temperature powder coating, but dont believe or trust that.

A cast,gravity, flow form, etc, all that is fine to powder coat. Doesnt change anything. It was never forged. ULtrajegga (spelling whatever) ones might be somewhat heat treated though, so that's a thing to watch for when re-powder coating, that the company doesnt heat treat their wheels. Most dont, but a few do that are not forged.

So, if you want to paint a wheel, do so. It lasts very long if you are not a generic USA moron car owner, which you couldnt be being on forum like this. Also, re-powdercoating adds some weird thickness to the wheel. I noticed they come back less thin by a bit. Paint would also be able to be done to perfection of color and texture. Just a thought. powdercoating is just a standard of manufacturing, it really does not offer much durability. Powder coating chips and scratches easily as paint does, just differently. Painted can be easily fixed at a shop or with a DIY kit.

 

I'm having my wheels and brake calipers painted next week by a VERY high end shop.
I asked them this same question, and they told me exactly what El_Jefe wrote, above.

- But they also said that p.c. is a mistake with ANY wheel. Something to do with the cold weather here in NY State. They are adamant that a good 2-part paint holds up better.

And if you are still worried, just add a ceramic or graphene coating on top of the paint. (I will be.)