[mister.t]

First time Ive ever seen the standard wheels. Hopefully its the last too



Nothing wrong with Oxygen Blue, but Im sorry, I really dont like those wheels. Saw an R56 One the other day, but it had wheel covers from the old R50, so it didn't look bad. The main thing Im worried about is the condition of them after a few years - They may rust quite badly.

[KenL]

Yes, I agree.

I think it is really cheap of MINI to not put 15" alloys on as standard.

[Willy]

I think they are cool in a retro kind of way. Not that I would have them on my car, unless it is for snow tires or something temporary.

[neston4nomads]

Believe it or not, but ive seen 3 new MINI ones around here with the mingin standard wheels on them in red, yellow and silver and i just cant believe why somebody would think that there nice and want them on there car!!!

[KenL]

Quote: Originally Posted by neston4nomads (original)

Believe it or not, but ive seen 3 new MINI ones around here with the mingin standard wheels on them in red, yellow and silver and i just cant believe why somebody would think that there nice and want them on there car!!!

Some people want a MINI and can only afford the most basic spec - it is still a good car. Or, they have always bought a standard car and are not interested in "fancy bits".

Either that, or they can't drive and would wreck alloys in a week or two

[Goonery]

Think the design is great, but those huge cavernous arches

Even 18's look a bit on the lost side in there, has anyone fitted some 19 or 20" rims yet, they might just do the job?

[KenL]

Quote: Originally Posted by Goonery (original)

Think the design is great, but those huge cavernous arches

Even 18's look a bit on the lost side in there, has anyone fitted some 19 or 20" rims yet, they might just do the job?

I don't get this

Bigger wheels/tyres should have the same overall diameter of the stock wheels/tyres - so they fill the "arches" exactly the same.

[Goonery]

Quote: Originally Posted by KenL (original)

I don't get this

Bigger wheels/tyres should have the same overall diameter of the stock wheels/tyres - so they fill the "arches" exactly the same.

In terms of diameter or circumference yes, but the smaller the wheel is the larger the tyre sidewall becomes to overcome the diameter problem you describe. The end result is that the area of 'black' due to tyre + space + wheel arch trim plastic is accentuated so the the rim itself appears to be surrounded by nothing but space.

There is a good side though, in that smaller steel wheels are light and responsive , the handling and ride are improved quite a lot if you like that sort of effect.

[steve11]

Quote: Originally Posted by Goonery (original)

Think the design is great, but those huge cavernous arches

Even 18's look a bit on the lost side in there, has anyone fitted some 19 or 20" rims yet, they might just do the job?

I have 19's (215/35 tyres) on my R53 (same size wheel arch i think). I have also seen an R53 with 20's.
My 17' S-spokes are for track use now.

[Goonery]

Quote: Originally Posted by steve11 (original)

I have 19's (215/35 tyres) on my R53 (same size wheel arch i think). I have also seen an R53 with 20's.
My 17' S-spokes are for track use now.

Thr 56 arch is not as snug to the tyre on any of the standard wheels IMO , but that may be an optical illusion down to the plastic arch trims being bigger , but maybe its just my perception or the overall shape of the car,

[yarimochi]

Is there actually anything wrong with the standard wheels? or do people just think they look cheap? I need to decide if i should fork out the extra NZ$1000 for some alloys or keep the standard one on? Can alloys be added later??

[KenL]

Yes, alloys can be added later. If you buy from a dealer, they will be more expensive than upgrading from the factory.

You could buy MINI allloys from somewhere like Ebay, or aftermarket ones.

[zyo]

Quote: Originally Posted by KenL (original)

If you buy from a dealer, they will be more expensive than upgrading from the factory.

Not always. When I purchased my current MO I originally specced it with the s spokes which at the time were about £1100 , then I noticed some delivery mileage ones for sale on here. I changed the order and took them off and bought the ones off here. When i spoke with my dealer while awaiting the s spokes to arrive he asked why I had cancelled them, i informed him that I could get them cheaper, he asked how much and offered me a set for £750 fitted. Obviously it won't be a cheaper deal putting them on a cooper with chilli pack because you get them for a reduced price but on a ONE, if you want some alloys ask the dealer if he has any lying around from people upgrading.£750 obviously isn't chicken feed but that was for s spokes(crown spoke, now). You could try for some of the 15" or 16" wheels.

[Jordan210]

Iv seen a few cars with these too, Not my cup of tea, there is a few sets of these on Ebay at the moment sell for about £12 !!