[Hubert]

I think this subject has been covered here many times before, but I'd just like to share my experience with other MC owners who are concerned with their cars' performance

For the past month or so, I've tried 3 different types of wheels on my MC:
-15Lb stock 15"s with 175/65/15 non-runflat stock tyres
-25Lb stock 17"s with 205/45/17 runflat stock tyres
-11Lb forged 16"s with 205/50/16 Advan Neova AD07s

I've just switched back to the stock 15" from the 16"s today, and I immediately noticed the difference. Let me just summarise the advantages and disadvantages of each combination:

Stock 15"s:
+Good acceleration
+Best ride comfort and least road noise.
-Poor cornering abilities (limit is low)

Stock 17"s:
+Looks (subjective matter)
+Cornering limits
-Extremely heavy....
-...and noticably slower acceleration....
-...so I have to step on the throttle more. As a result, the MPG is lowered.
-Poor ride quality (rather bumpy)

Stock 16"s:
+Acceleration matches the 15"s (overall effect of having lighter wheels and wider tyres)
+Cornering matches the 17"s
-Road noise (that's just because of the tyres I used)
-Cost

I have a feeling that I can't use the full potential of the 205mm tyres on the MC, maybe I need better suspension to match them, or maybe I'm just not pushing hard enough (no guts ).

In conclusion, if performance and comfort are your priorities, then it's best to stick to 15" wheels with some good quality 185 or 195 tyres;
if you have more money to spare, then get some 8LB 15" forged wheels to go with the 195 tyres.

I hope this will answer some question that some MC owners have in mind.

[ERdoc]

Hubert,

Thank you for sharing your valuable experience with us. It is always my firm belief to keep unsprung weight to absolutely minimal for maximum performance. I guess I am a bit anal too in this regard!

I have today ordered a set of OZ Superleggeras for my MCS. The SL weighs 15lbs each as opposed to 25lbs each of the stock 17" rim. The stock runflat tyres are heavy too.

I have noticed in recent years many local car owners are sizing-up to larger wheels and lower profile tyres. For our road conditions they contribute nothing positive except better looks. I for one prefer to stick to relatively smaller wheels for better acceleration, lower fuel consumption and more comfort.

It is sad that the MCS for our market is supplied with 17" ultra heavy wheels. The standard 16" ones are actually much lighter and perform better. If BMWHK would let me order my MCS with factory 16" rims I would have paid less for my car and would not have to get the OZ rims either. Anyone cares for a set of stock 17" rims and tyres? ;-)

Bests, Joseph

[Hubert]

Joseph,
I cannot agree more with your views.
It'd be great if we can have more flexibility in the choice of options for the MCS from BMWHK. I wish I can pay less by going for 16"s instead of 17"s, leatherette instead of the leather, and no CD changer.
Cheers,
Hubert

[watt]

Hey Guys:
I do hv a set of factory's 16" wheels and tyres, who wants to hv them exchange with 17" one? My set is only used for 1.5 Km.
Allen

[Hubert]

Can't help you there, Allen.
My MCS is not even built yet

How much extra does it cost to get a set of 17"s instead of a set of 16"s when ordering a MC?

[orie]

Hubert, thanks for sharing the experience with us. This is especially helpful as I am thinking of getting a new set of alloy wheels. I am currently using the original factory alloy rims with my 175/65/R15. I am looking to use these rims for my winter tyres of the same dimension and getting 16" for my set of summer tyres. My garage proposed 195/55/R16 tyres but I noticed that the statistics in MINI2.com FAQ post matches 16" with 205s.
Your post has definitely helped. Thanks

[chrisfb1]

MC is very good to go with 16's.
it all depend on what are you looking for.
Autocross:
smaller the batter. i have seen MCS with 15' with sticky tires. a 15 after market gives you almost 25bl from every corner than the stock 17runflat.(a lot of torque difference)
Comfort:
the bigger tire is better(not the wheel).
The look:
17 will be perfect with MC.
Ride qaulity?
have you ever driven a real sporty car(not sports car)?
yes? then you will be happy enough with any non-runflats.

Tip: the italian job type of driving is for runflats! haha!

[Lucky Dave]

I recently removed my runflats and wow it feels like i have an extra 20 BHP !!

tried some 205, 55,15 and they are amazing

then tried some 215/40/17 they are good but the 15s are much better and lighter.

I used Ronal Turbos as they are light and have full TUV approval.

[mini one only]

Greetings!
How much are the oz 17" Superlagerra sold in HK? Where can I buy them?
Will be in HK on Monday.

.......btw, any place to suggest in buying laptop, camera or the PSP? Thanks!