If you had to choose between keeping the X-lites or getting 5-spokes....

[SomeBlondeGuy]

Which one would you choose, and why?

I'm racking my brain in trying to decide on whether to keep the wheels that come with my Cooper 'S', or swap them for white 5-spoked ones. I was even thinking about swapping for the 17" S-spokes but I've heard reviews that criticize the ride quality (or lack thereof) they can provide.

My Mini dealer's showroom was open on the weekend and I went to check out the Minis. All they had were 3 Launch Edition Coopers with white 5-spokes, and 1 Cooper 'S' with 17" S-spokes, all in the showroom. They didn't have an 'S' with the 16" X-lites for me to compare with.

How many of you actually like the 16" X-lite wheels that come standard with the Cooper 'S'?

I was going to swap them for white 5-spokes, but I'm under the impression that many Cooper owners will be opting for the 5-spoked rims and my 'S' would surely blend in. Sure, up close my 'S' will stand out from a Cooper, but from far away it's a little harder to distinguish it (at least from the side).

I really love the look the 17" wheels give, but am afraid of the consequences down the road (especially the gravel roads with the occasional pothole on the way to the family cottage).

I guess I'm asking for 2 opinions here.

Those that have 17" wheels, how's daily life with them?

Those that are getting Cooper S's, are you gonna stick with the X-lites? Why/why not?

Thanks!


P.S. Sorry this was so long.

[ScottyHP]

I prefer the S Spokes personally, but keeping the X lites may be a way of keeping some individuality, as I think most may opt for the S Spokes. I do like the X lites and consider it to be a harder choice than the 5 star or S Spoke decision (The 5 star wheels are nice but the S Spokes look awesome) I would also consider having the X lites white if it goes with your colour as it makes them look even better. Depending on your budget I would probably spend the extra cash by not buying S Spokes on other extras if I were buying an 'S'. As I am getting a cooper and not an 'S' I have opted for the S Spokes as it remained close to my budget.

[scottgib]

Not only am I going to go with the stock 16" X-lites, also I am going to get an extra set to use for Auto-X tires.

Reasons:

I don't think such a small sidewall is good for general use on rough roads.

I am told that small sidewalls do not give as much warning before breaking loose (don't know that for a fact).

X-Lites are over 7 lbs per wheel lighter than the 17" wheels!

16 inch tires are cheaper

Personally I like the looks of the X-Lites but this is a very minor consideration.

Cannot find any real evidence that the 17" tires will out-perform a comparable 16" in autocrossing.

I would appreciate any performance opinions based on some sort of facts or evidence. I really don't care that much about looks.

(I am still bent over the fact there is no spare tire and we are stuck with run flats.)


#27 at Mini of Nashville for an S
(they have separated the list)

[James Haigh]

Just have done with it and get the 17"s slapped on. I posted a similar question about a week ago and 17"s were definatley coming out on top overall.

[ScottyHP]

When I was considering wheels I went for the S Spokes for looks. I have driven a demo Cooper with both 16" and 17" and can say that ride quality in my opinion was no different (both had SS+) as for handling I would say in my experience that the difference in grip will be very marginally better. If it was a choice from 15" to 17" the choice would be easier and improvement with the 17" more obvious. but the tyre width on the tyres that come from the factory are 195 for 16" against 205 on 17" not much at all hence the very small difference in performance.

What it comes down to really is what you think looks better.

[SomeBlondeGuy]

I specified the X-lites to be white, just in case I decided to keep them. - Look alright, have great advantages.

I thought I had made up my mind until I saw the 17" wheels in the flesh. - Look awesome, but have disadvantages.

I like showing off or standing out from the crowd.

If I do the right thing by sticking with the X-lites, only I will know the true advantage(s) as I'll be the only one driving it.

I can just see it now. "Nice car! How come you didn't go for the 17" wheels though? They look WAY better."

Me. - "I heard they have disadvantages and are MUCH heavier. I love the way they look but they're harder to take care of and would cause me more worry." (Potholes, curbs, more expensive to replace tires).

"Who cares?! They're still sweet rims!"

Too bad I can't have the best of both worlds.

[darlo]

Hmmm....I really think that the 17" ones are the way to go. They may be as common as a pint in a pub when the S comes out, but thats because they look the best. I really don't think that most people will notice the difference in handling between the 16's and 17's. As for ride quality? I used to drive a Racing Puma (Brits may know what that is) on 17" wheels and that had the stiffest suspension this side of an F1 car (well....maybe ) and the ride wasn't *too* harsh most of the time.

Time to 'fess up here - I didn't like the MINI one bit until I drove a Cooper with Sport Suspension set-up. One half hour drive had me hooked - the only car I have driven that comes close to a Racing Puma for handling pleasure. So, I ordered an S there and then.....and the looks have been slowly growing on me. The S spokes improve the looks no end IMO.

Having said all that, I would plump for 16" S spokes if they did 'em - every choice is a compromise unfortunately.

TTFN
Dave

[MINICS]

I put my order in the other day for the S and put down the 17" and since reading all the reviews have since changed my mind and informed the dealer that I would like the 16" X-lites (which is a no cost option in Aus) and the five spoke are the standard issue for the S in Aus.

Andy

[rich]

I prefer the 5-spokes
I prefer 16" look (and probably the drive too, though still to test this one)
I prefer not spending extra $$$ on the 17"s!

[eltel]

Me 3

I'm going for the 5 spoke in 16" white. They look good, grip very well, and should be ok to clean. I promise not to hit any kerbs, so there shouldn't be any chips or scratches.

They should be the lightest wheels, and look good on the move, and show off the calipers best.

The 17" S-spokes look ok, but the extra expense at purchase and the extra running costs of tyre replacement will take the edge off my purchase, so they are off my list.

I'm with you guys.

My dealer hasn't yet asked me to spec up my 'S'. I'll drop in on him Thursday to see how things are going.

Regards, ElTel

[snoopy]

I think this is saying something about the roads here in Oz (opps did I say roads I meant dirt tracks with thin layer of tar on top)

The price between replace tires was not that bad I though. $250 for 16" and about $320 for 17"

I am getting the 16" because of comfort and I think a lot of people will have the 17", what be a little bit different. But I must admit that every time I see the 17" I want them. But I can always get a set of 17" after market.

[FritzMan]

I checked out OttawaEastMini this past Saturday, and I must say I'm impressed with the cars. I was told the Cooper S test drive will be ready in 10-15 days (mid April).

It comes down to what you want your Mini for. For performance, which franky is where a lot of engineering has been focused towards, and where this car has SOOOO much potential, then the swapping the X-lites 195/55 all seasons with 205/50 16 conventional performance summer tires will beat the 17's run-flats in all categorizes guaranteed! I wouldn't worry about ditching the run-flat tires b/c the car already comes with a flat sensor, and a can of tire sealant foam can be easily bought from CrappyTire and stored in the car. The selection of convential tires is much larger which equates to better performance, nicer ride, and cheaper tires (I've read of many Corvette owners who ditched their run-flats).

I must admit though, the 17s do look nice, but I think the X-lites look nice as well, and frankly a little more sporty/retro (like you though, I have yet to see them in the flesh). IMO, in a year's time there will be plenty of these cars going around and the novelty of it's looks will wear off (ie: the new VW Beattle). Getting the 17's will also mean you'll have to then buy another set of rims for the winter tires.

I've driven a modified '88 CRX with heavier MOMO IDEA 15" rims, and compared to the factory 14"'s I must say the difference was *hugely* noticeable in acceleration, braking, and transitional maneovers. After the first test drive, I immediately regretted the purchase. I've also driven a twin turbo RX-7 for over 6 years, with many autocross and lapping sessions (MCO). I did upgrade to staggered 17" at one time, and then returned to the 16s (went from a 225/50 to a 245/45 with great results) b/c the balance and side-wall compliance effected drivability and track performance too much.

[James Haigh]

So you rekon the 17"s will slow the 0-60 down on the S?

[SomeBlondeGuy]

Well, I do know that the 17" wheels weigh 5-7 pounds more each than the X-lites and 5-spokes.

Maybe if the X-lites came with performance tires intead of all-seasons, it would be easy for me to pass up on upgrading to the 17-inchers.


Whatever wheels I decide to get, I'll still be taking them off during Winter and will be putting Winter tires/rims on.

[Basil]

I'm definately going for at least the 17" S-spokes. $1100AU is a very cheap upgrade. The rolling radius is the same as the 15" & 16" wheel/tyre combinations, just lose out in the ride a little bit. Ozzie roads are so bad, I can't see that you'll notice the difference much.

If I stop donating to MINI2.COM, I may even fork out the $4700AU extra for these beauties.....They look even more fabulous in the flesh........