JCW 18" Wheels on a Mini Cooper

[Richard Morris]

Hi guys, couple of quick questions you might be able to help me with.

Would like to get some 18" JCW wheels on my Cooper, and was wondering if I will run into any problems, i.e. rubbing on the arches, drastic changes in handling.

At the moment I have 16" Bullets with Dunlop run flat tyres on. I would obviously be getting some much nicer tyres put on the JCW's (and deffo NOT run flats).

Has anyone got any thoughts on this?

Also, reckon it'd look good? Have loved those wheels since I saw em.

[minicore]

They be fine, but you'd probably need to fit wheel lock limiters to prevent damage to the arches. Performance and ride would likely suffer, but you can't put a price on style, can you?

[nylo]

No, you won't run into any problems if you leave the suspension standard. Even dropping it 30mm on Eibachs shouldn't do too much harm, though there may be a bit of rubbing- do a search for info as this has been covered loads.

What minicore says is true, theoretically the dealer should fit the limiters when fitting the wheels, but it is possible to do without them (I didn't have them fitted, and have had no problems whatsoever).

I'm sure you will notice a difference in handling. Although you have runflats already, there is obviously a lot less tyre there when you jump to 18s (though the JCWs come with 205/40 18 as opposed to the more usual 205/35 18 most people go for when buying 'normal' tyres), so you will feel bumps a bit more. Having said that, as long as you're careful (avoiding potholes etc), you shouldn't have too many problems.

If you like them, go for it. I did, and love them to bits- how they look (just about!) outweighs the ride

[Richard Morris]

I checked out the change in rolling radius, is only a change of about 0.4" so should not be too much of a problem there.

Could someone explain what these "limiters" are that the dealer should have fitted?

Also, I will probably get the wheels sprayed white (done properly though). Should be quite a rare combo! Lol.

[nylo]

Quote: Originally Posted by Richard Morris

I checked out the change in rolling radius, is only a change of about 0.4" so should not be too much of a problem there.

Could someone explain what these "limiters" are that the dealer should have fitted?

Also, I will probably get the wheels sprayed white (done properly though). Should be quite a rare combo! Lol.

I have a notion it's something to do with the offset. The JCW wheels have an offset of 52, which is a bit of an oddity. The limiters are designed to 'limit' full lock to prevent the wheels fouling the arches.

I don't corner particularly hard or aggressively, so have never had a problem, though if that is your driving style, maybe the wheels would come into contact with the car on full lock...

[venox22]

like nylo said, i didnt have the limiters fitted and no probs what so ever with mine