17" rims or 18" rims?

[alexc93]

Ok so I know this might have been posted several times, I'm new to the mini world and wanted to know what size rims to get 17" or 18"? Thanks

[dan_cooper_s]

Hi, Welcome to Mini2,

What size are your current rims?

[alexc93]

17" they are the crown spoke but i'm hoping to go for some JCW 18" but i'm wondering if i will be able to tell the difference between the ride?

[Interludio44]

It depends on what your local roads are like, really. If you live in an area with bad roads (potholes in particular) I wouldn't recommend 18's.

You could soften the ride by swapping the run-flats for regular tyres.

[minimadjames]

Welcome to the world of MINI! Im in a similar dialemma as yourself at the moment, but I've justified it to myself that 18's are the way forward as its all about the look. I personally like the look of large wheels and very low profile tyres.
One thing you should consider though is the tyre replacment cost, as its something you'll have to fork out on often if you drive your car hard/lots.
Which 18" wheels were you looking at?

Cast your eye over this link which may help you - not sure if you've seen this - its just a list with pictures of MINI wheels & tyres etc.
MINI2 - MINI Forum - FAQ & DIY: Wheels and Tyres

Hope it helps

[alexc93]

The area I live in are good condition roads newly tarmacced a few years ago.
I was looking at the r113 JCW rims.

[alexc93]

The area I live in are good condition roads newly tarmacced a few years ago.
I was looking at the r113 JCW rims.

[The Eggman]

Quote: Originally Posted by alexc93 (original)

The area I live in are good condition roads newly tarmacced a few years ago.
I was looking at the r113 JCW rims.

From all I've read, 18" will make the ride worse and MAY cause clearance problems etc. The car was originallly designed to run on 16", I run on 17" 215x40 with no problems if that helps Talk to a Mini specialist is your best bet NOT a BMW dealer.

[alexc93]

what do you mean by clearance problems? Also i'm confused as to why JCW would make 18"s if they are not comfortable and dont ride well?

[The Eggman]

I said talk to a Mini Specialist, JCW wheels are for JCW factory built cars which doesn't mean they will suit ALL MCS's. The ride quality is poor/handling great on 17", 18" it just goes on like that as I understand, plus minor wheel arch fouling can happen on 18" and spacers may be needed depending on brakes.

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by The Eggman (original)

JCW wheels are for JCW factory built cars which doesn't mean they will suit ALL MCS's.

Not true ... John Cooper Works models have 17" wheels as standard equipment.

The purpose of 18" OEM wheels is to generate revenue for dealers. They're badged as JCW to command higher prices. They're made with a 52mm offsets so dealers can charge for fitting steering limiters and doing KDS alignments

[PK5]

if you want a softer ride why not upgrade the suspension, which may give you a bit better handling too without changing wheels. Why change something if it is broke?

[alexc93]

I'm not doing it for the ride, I;m doing it for the look but if the ride is going to get a lot worse it may change my view on changing from 17's to 18"s?

[The Eggman]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINIAC (original)

Not true ... John Cooper Works models have 17" wheels as standard equipment.

The purpose of 18" OEM wheels is to generate revenue for dealers. They're badged as JCW to command higher prices. They're made with a 52mm offsets so dealers can charge for fitting steering limiters and doing KDS alignments

Wrong, The MCS was DESIGNED for 16" wheels, JCW, well open to debate what went on them. 17" S Spokes were a option on a R53 as I understand.

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by The Eggman (original)

Wrong, The MCS was DESIGNED for 16" wheels, JCW, well open to debate what went on them. 17" S Spokes were a option on a R53 as I understand.

Please note that this thread is in a 2nd Gen forum