Does the R56 MCS NEED to be lowered for 18's?

[drb5]

We're about ready to order our new S and i'd like to have thought a good bit about the wheels, while it's being built.

We'll be going for the stock 16's and upgrading when we get the car, or soon after.

We test drove an S with 17's on i today and i thought it was softer than i expected even with the run-flat's, so i believe i have a bit more scope now and thinking the 17's would have been firm enough.

Now i'm considering 18's with 205/40 non run-flat tyres, as well as 17's.

I'll be keeping to the OE style wheels and looking at maybe the R109 or R105 wheels. Trouble is, i don't want to get the 18's on and think it needs lowered....i'm not getting into modifying again!

Do many people run the S with 18's, or are the majority of them lowered?

[Interludio44]

People interested in 18" wheels are often those who like their car to look a little bit slicker and meaner, so lowering is common. However, having seen R105's on an R56, I feel it doesn't "need" lowering. You could do, and it looks good, but it doesn't look out of place or anything.

The 18's fill the arches very nicely. Just do a search for member galleries if you need some visuals

[Japper]

I run mine on SS and think it looks just fine. Never been into the 'dropped' on the floor look and besides the front splitter is low enough on the R56.

I find the ride better than the R53 MCS with SS+ and 17" alloys and run flats.

[drb5]

Thanks guys.

I had a wee shifty through members galleries, but it's rather huge and takes a bit of time.

I figured 18's WOULD look fine, as the JCW looks all right and the SS doesn't lower the car any does it?

[118]

I have the R109's on my S with SS too, and I think it looks fine

some pics here - e180881/R56 MCS - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

[drb5]

Thanks for that 118. Those defo are the best looking Mini rims aren't they?!

Height just about right really too. Missus needs a wee bit of convincing, but i think i'm allowed to fit whatever wheels i want......i just need to pay for them.

Any more pics?

[118]

yeah I love them, specially when they are clean and waxed, cos they are soooo shiny I had the JCW 18" Spider Spokes on my last S Works which looked fab too, but these are waaaaaaaay better

tell her they are essential

here's another pic attached, but I've got loads on Photobucket here- e180881/R56 MCS - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting and there other various pics in some of the other albums on there (Le Mans, The European Job, Saints FC, to name a few........)

I have a load on my pc too, but can't get to it at the moment

[drb5]

Sorry, missed the Photobucket bit.

I know the cheapo Ebay copies will be heavier and rim may not stand up to our winters, but if they were found cheap enough, those issues won't come into it.

[drb5]

Just had a quick look and there doesn't seem to be any copies.

[118]

yeah that is the only downside to them, they aren't exactly cheap

[supa-dupa-cooper]

Quote: Originally Posted by 118 (original)

yeah that is the only downside to them, they aren't exactly cheap

Tell me about it! If the R105's wernt so expensive the Dooper would be wearing those!

[Washy]

I have the R105s and SS on my S. I certainly wouldn't want it lowered as the aerokit front catches all the local speed humps as it is.

The wheels are ace though

[drb5]

The missus seen the 105's today and liked them.....another set which i'd considered, but didn't think she'd like them at all.

Think i'll need to be keeping an eye on Ebay and see what comes up. No hurry anyways.



Just read something about when fitting 18's you need to do something to your steering rack, which makes the turning circle worse. Is that right?

[118]

excellent

yeah there is a lock limiter kit which reduces your full lock for 18's - I have it on my R56 and had it on my last S, but don't find it really reduces it that much tbh. I know people that haven't bothered with it too though

[MINIAC]

215/35-18 will leave about a quarter inch (6.7mm) more gap than 205/40-18.