MINI2

Widgey · Apr 21st, 2008, 08:21 PM

16"s with 205/50s (non-runflats)
Comfy. Grippy.
I should have this setup on my car.
Doh...I have!

Silent1 · Apr 21st, 2008, 09:07 PM

I've got no experience with minis directly, but this comes from experience with my VX220

They're designed to run 17" on the rears and on the front it's 16"
As standard they come with 17" all round, when changing the difference i found was:
16" give a better turn in, but they also have more sidewall flex than a 17"
17" will give more understeer but to some people they look better.

RooniusMaximus · Apr 28th, 2008, 08:48 AM

It's interesting as I hadn't realised it would be so complex.

I think our Cooper is underpowered, so the last thing I want to do is make any slower, but I do want bigger wheels.

What type of wheels do people recommend (i.e. make) and what's a reasonable cost for 16" and for 17"?

humph · Apr 28th, 2008, 09:10 AM

If you want light weight alloys then consider some from the following manufacturers
- Team Dynamics - Pro race 1.2 are about 7-8kg
- Rota - All of their lightweight range a similar to above
- OZ Racing - Ultraleggera as the name suggests are super light

(Although these are far pricier than the other options)

Paul · Apr 28th, 2008, 09:37 AM

Volk wheels (Rays Engineering) I think are hard to beat on specs in terms of weight.. But they are expensive. Fact is if you want strong, light wheels you're going to have to pay for them (or bide your time on the second hand market), which again is a pro for 16s, as they're usually lighter by the default of being smaller, BUT they are rarer as most people like the fashion look of larger wheels.

Mini_me · Apr 28th, 2008, 08:45 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Martin L (original)

I insisted on 16s even though the 17s were part of the Chilli pack.

Ditto.
I even have 15" wheels for winter. Although these offer greater comfort they do suffer a little in asthetic appeal and outright grip compared to the 16s.

cooperbeatersmit · Apr 28th, 2008, 08:50 PM

17s all the way

andrewcregan · Apr 28th, 2008, 08:55 PM

15 = economy, reasonable ride, worst looks
16 = ride, reasonable econmy and looks
17 = looks, reasonable ride, worst economy

I went for 16s

SteveM3 · Apr 28th, 2008, 11:05 PM

16's are the sensible choice. If I had wanted sensible though I'd have bought a Golf

Posts001 · Apr 29th, 2008, 06:22 AM

I agree with PmP, had both 16's and 17's.

The 16's are good, but the 17" feel alot more stable driving around sharpe cornors

Iamamini · May 3rd, 2008, 02:09 PM

I decided on 16 because:
1. I wanted highest quality rims and rubber for a decent prize.
2. Although I agree that 17 looks cooler, I am quite sure 16 gives more comfort and less noise from the road.
I had 15 with 175/65 pirelli tyres and it was crap, noisy and not very good grip, even sliding sideways when turning at not so high speed. The new OZ with Nokian tyres 205/50 makes it like a new car: the noise is so much lower and the grip is much better. I think it looks nice too, but I agree it would look more aggresive with 17. If u want the best looks and got plenty of cash go for 17 without comprosmising quality. If u want best comfort/handling and save some money go 16 (light wheel with top quality tire).

WHITEY_ · May 3rd, 2008, 06:51 PM

what OZ wheels are they?

Iamamini · May 3rd, 2008, 07:17 PM

It is the brand new OZ Chrono.

M.O.S · Jun 6th, 2008, 05:39 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by WHITEY_ (original)

I know this has come up a lot in the past, but the threads always turn into a lecture and stray off onto other subjects. So no nonsense, I just want people's plain views, pure and simple. Keep in mind I'll probably be using my current 15's for the winter. I just want to know which will be the best overall option for my type of driving and road conditions - The roads around here aren't too brilliant and can guarantee a fair amount of potholes/drain bumps on pretty much every journey. I'm not a complete fanatic about weight as I don't do track days or anything, but I do like to use the mini's renowned handling now and again on a good bendy road. I like to give a bit of heavy right foot action here and there also, so I would like acceleration not to be compromised TOO much. I guess the aesthetic appeal outweighs performance, to an extent, but as I said don't want performance to be compromised too much as I do like to have a bit of fun with the mini. Oh and one other thing, I'm planning on superchipping the car in the near future. Gimme your opinions! Cheers

16s - more protection from kerbs and a smoother ride quality. Are you thinking genuine mini or aftermarket? I'd just keep to 15s - best for comfort and spend your money on something else!

Apr 28th, 2008, 08:45 PM	#26 (permalink)
Mini_me MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Böblingen Stuttgart Local Time: 11:32 AM Posts: 329 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Martin L (original) I insisted on 16s even though the 17s were part of the Chilli pack. Ditto. I even have 15" wheels for winter. Although these offer greater comfort they do suffer a little in asthetic appeal and outright grip compared to the 16s. Mini: Drive and feel alive.

Apr 28th, 2008, 11:05 PM	#29 (permalink)
SteveM3 MINI2 Master Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Malmesbury, Wilts Local Time: 10:32 AM Posts: 1,765 Offline	16's are the sensible choice. If I had wanted sensible though I'd have bought a Golf Some people are like a Slinky ........ not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you shove them down the stairs

May 3rd, 2008, 02:09 PM	#31 (permalink)
Iamamini MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jul 2004 Local Time: 11:32 AM Posts: 199 Offline	I had the same agony, choosing between 16 and 17. I decided on 16 because: 1. I wanted highest quality rims and rubber for a decent prize. 2. Although I agree that 17 looks cooler, I am quite sure 16 gives more comfort and less noise from the road. I had 15 with 175/65 pirelli tyres and it was crap, noisy and not very good grip, even sliding sideways when turning at not so high speed. The new OZ with Nokian tyres 205/50 makes it like a new car: the noise is so much lower and the grip is much better. I think it looks nice too, but I agree it would look more aggresive with 17. If u want the best looks and got plenty of cash go for 17 without comprosmising quality. If u want best comfort/handling and save some money go 16 (light wheel with top quality tire).

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
I like wide rims, can 17" or 18"x9" wheels fit?	My Mama's Cooper	Wheels, Tyres & Brakes	4	Jan 12th, 2004 09:06 PM
UPDATE: TIRES TYRES & WHEELS FIXED... D'Oh, - No, No!... Help: 17" to 15" Change	SugarBelly	Wheels, Tyres & Brakes	11	Aug 31st, 2003 11:32 PM
ACHTUNG !!!....... Ozzie "WHEELS" magazine reviews Cooper S	Basil	MINI in the Media	1	Apr 25th, 2002 03:30 PM
Help with "S" options - xenon, 17" wheels	swamos	General Discussion	8	Mar 10th, 2002 10:13 PM

MINI2

Fuel for your MINI obsession

For (almost) all things alloy, steel and rubber, plus upgrading your MINI's stopping ability

Apr 21st, 2008, 08:21 PM	#21
Widgey MINI2 Senior Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: SE England Local Time: 10:32 AM Posts: 515 Offline	16"s with 205/50s (non-runflats) Comfy. Grippy. I should have this setup on my car. Doh...I have!

Today
Sponsors	Sponsored Links Registered members do not see Google Ads posts, they can also post messages, pictures, and classified adverts. Register your free account today and become a member of MINI2 - MINI Forum

Apr 21st, 2008, 09:07 PM	#22 (permalink)
Silent1 Supercharger Noiseaholic Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: East Anglia Local Time: 10:32 AM Posts: 175 Offline	I've got no experience with minis directly, but this comes from experience with my VX220 They're designed to run 17" on the rears and on the front it's 16" As standard they come with 17" all round, when changing the difference i found was: 16" give a better turn in, but they also have more sidewall flex than a 17" 17" will give more understeer but to some people they look better.

Apr 28th, 2008, 08:48 AM	#23 (permalink)
RooniusMaximus MINI2 Regular Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: High Wycombe Local Time: 10:32 AM Posts: 145 Offline	It's interesting as I hadn't realised it would be so complex. I think our Cooper is underpowered, so the last thing I want to do is make any slower, but I do want bigger wheels. What type of wheels do people recommend (i.e. make) and what's a reasonable cost for 16" and for 17"?

Apr 28th, 2008, 09:10 AM	#24 (permalink)
humph Back To My Old Self Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: In The Wind Local Time: 10:32 AM Posts: 2,395 Offline	If you want light weight alloys then consider some from the following manufacturers - Team Dynamics - Pro race 1.2 are about 7-8kg - Rota - All of their lightweight range a similar to above - OZ Racing - Ultraleggera as the name suggests are super light (Although these are far pricier than the other options)

Apr 28th, 2008, 09:37 AM	#25 (permalink)
Paul Trained Monkey My Classifieds Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 10:32 AM Posts: 40,529 Offline	Volk wheels (Rays Engineering) I think are hard to beat on specs in terms of weight.. But they are expensive. Fact is if you want strong, light wheels you're going to have to pay for them (or bide your time on the second hand market), which again is a pro for 16s, as they're usually lighter by the default of being smaller, BUT they are rarer as most people like the fashion look of larger wheels.

Apr 28th, 2008, 08:50 PM	#27 (permalink)
cooperbeatersmit MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Apr 2008 Local Time: 10:32 AM Posts: 6 Offline	17s all the way

Apr 28th, 2008, 08:55 PM	#28 (permalink)
andrewcregan Andrew ATC Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Cheshire Local Time: 10:32 AM Posts: 619 Offline	15 = economy, reasonable ride, worst looks 16 = ride, reasonable econmy and looks 17 = looks, reasonable ride, worst economy I went for 16s

Apr 29th, 2008, 06:22 AM	#30 (permalink)
Posts001 Me new car keeps Whining! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Somewhere Exciting!! Local Time: 10:32 AM Posts: 970 Offline	I agree with PmP, had both 16's and 17's. The 16's are good, but the 17" feel alot more stable driving around sharpe cornors

May 3rd, 2008, 06:51 PM	#32 (permalink)
WHITEY_ The White Stuff My Classifieds Join Date: May 2007 Location: Reading Local Time: 10:32 AM Posts: 70 Offline	what OZ wheels are they?

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

May 3rd, 2008, 07:17 PM	#33 (permalink)
Iamamini MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jul 2004 Local Time: 11:32 AM Posts: 199 Offline	It is the brand new OZ Chrono.

Jun 6th, 2008, 05:39 PM	#34 (permalink)
M.O.S MINI One Seven Join Date: Jun 2008 Local Time: 10:32 AM Posts: 1,622 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by WHITEY_ (original) I know this has come up a lot in the past, but the threads always turn into a lecture and stray off onto other subjects. So no nonsense, I just want people's plain views, pure and simple. Keep in mind I'll probably be using my current 15's for the winter. I just want to know which will be the best overall option for my type of driving and road conditions - The roads around here aren't too brilliant and can guarantee a fair amount of potholes/drain bumps on pretty much every journey. I'm not a complete fanatic about weight as I don't do track days or anything, but I do like to use the mini's renowned handling now and again on a good bendy road. I like to give a bit of heavy right foot action here and there also, so I would like acceleration not to be compromised TOO much. I guess the aesthetic appeal outweighs performance, to an extent, but as I said don't want performance to be compromised too much as I do like to have a bit of fun with the mini. Oh and one other thing, I'm planning on superchipping the car in the near future. Gimme your opinions! Cheers 16s - more protection from kerbs and a smoother ride quality. Are you thinking genuine mini or aftermarket? I'd just keep to 15s - best for comfort and spend your money on something else!