[The Tangman]

Hi Guys,

I am looking at changing the wheels on my MCS (delivery end of September) it only has the standard 16's on with standard run flats - I decided not to opt for the Chilli pack as I had already spec'd it up with what I wanted apart from the wheels and I didn't like any of the Chilli wheels.

I have seen the GP Works on ebay for £450 for the 17's or £550 for the 18's. I was going to post a link a link below but I am only a newbie and not allowed yet! But any search for mini GP brings them up....

The question is what size should i go for and should I go for the run flats? Will 17" or 18" make much difference to the performance/handling etc over the standard 16's?

And also has anyone had experience with either MidlandWheels or Wheelbase? They are both Power Sellers on ebay so I imagine they are good and reliable but does anyone have any first hand experience ?

Many thanks
Chris

[ohsoblue]

Just changed from 17" R99's with runflats to 18" R95's with non runflats. The difference after dumping the N/R/F's is very noticeable. Much improved handling, spine no longer taking a battering. Bought mine from Wheelbase (Oldham). They have a store on Ebay which is well worth a look

[Paul]

They will be heavier (as they're not the genuine item I have no idea how much heavier), which is a bad thing. You'll have more wheel and less tyre, so if you stick with runflats the ride will be less forgiving on the rough, but regular tyres, with less stiff sidewalls could actually improve things. Wider tyres will theoretically offer more frip. Personally I'd steer clear, but it depends what you want really. Good quality, light, 17" or 18" wheels with tyres don't come cheap.

[The Tangman]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett (original)

Personally I'd steer clear, but it depends what you want really. Good quality, light, 17" or 18" wheels with tyres don't come cheap.

Yeah I thought that may be the case...

Does anyone know if you can get the original GP Works?

[Japper]

Quote: Originally Posted by The Tangman (original)

Yeah I thought that may be the case...

Does anyone know if you can get the original GP Works?

As you are speccing a new car you may be better doing a deal with your dealer. For example i paid £775 + my crown spokes to upgrade to the 18" R105 Works alloys. This included £500 allowance for my crown spokes and the rest was discount on the works wheels.

Obviously you would get less for your 16" wheels, but not much.

[Snowie]

Quote: Originally Posted by The Tangman (original)

Yeah I thought that may be the case...

Does anyone know if you can get the original GP Works?

Only if you have a GP chassis number

Be aware that the worx wheels on Ebay are not the same as the genuine GP wheels - the machined flange by the tyre is very different, the shiny black finish is naff (IMO) and they are heavier.

For real individuality on an R56 I would select from the R56 BMW JCW wheel range and negotiate with your dealer on price

Good luck

Alan

[The Tangman]

Quote: Originally Posted by Japper (original)

As you are speccing a new car you may be better doing a deal with your dealer. For example i paid £775 + my crown spokes to upgrade to the 18" R105 Works alloys. This included £500 allowance for my crown spokes and the rest was discount on the works wheels.

Obviously you would get less for your 16" wheels, but not much.

Thanks for the replies...

Japper I hadn't thoought of doing that so thank you. Sorry to sound stupid but where can I find the product codes for the wheels as I have looked on the website and it doesn't supply them. Also are they on run flats?

I think I will be making a trip to the dealer next week to yet again make another change to the order!

On a seperate issue are run flats really worth it? Sorry for all the questions people! Decisions, decisions - talk about kid in a sweet shop! I think that phrase needs to change to - 'Adult in a mini dealership!'

[Japper]

Quote: Originally Posted by The Tangman (original)

Thanks for the replies...

Japper I hadn't thoought of doing that so thank you. Sorry to sound stupid but where can I find the product codes for the wheels as I have looked on the website and it doesn't supply them. Also are they on run flats?

I think I will be making a trip to the dealer next week to yet again make another change to the order!

On a seperate issue are run flats really worth it? Sorry for all the questions people! Decisions, decisions - talk about kid in a sweet shop! I think that phrase needs to change to - 'Adult in a mini dealership!'

The Works Alloys range are R95's, R105's and R109's. There is details on all under JCW accessories on the MiNI website as well as on here under FAQ's.

All OEM new JCW wheels come with run flat tyres.

Hope this helps.

[Snowie]

Quote: Originally Posted by Japper (original)

The Works Alloys range are R95's, R105's and R109's. There is details on all under JCW accessories on the MiNI website as well as on here under FAQ's.

All OEM new JCW wheels come with run flat tyres.

Hope this helps.

If you talk to your dealer you can also get them with non run flats - I am running Falken 452 supplied by the dealer and cheaper than I could get elsewhere (took a little negotiation)


Alan