15 or 16 inch wheels on R56 JCW?

[Dahanist]

Hi all, I'm thinking of ordering a '09 JCW this fall.
The very first thing that I would do is to change the wheels/rims.
I'm not a big fan of huge wheels, rather I like smaller wheels the better.
So, I was wondering what would be the smallest wheel size that I can fit on the '09 JCW.


a few more question if you don't mind..

I am also thinking of keeping the 17 inch size.
If I go for 17x8 with +36 offsets, would I be rubbing?
Not planning to lower the car or change the suspension in any way - want to keep everything stock (other than the wheels).
If +36 will rub, how about +42?
(It says rim depth is 56/+36, 50/+42, if that info is needed)

Or, should I keep the size as the stock, at 17x7?
In this case, +36 has rim depth of 44, +42 has 37.

(I assume +30 offset would not fit)

I want to have the maximum poke of the wheels as far as there is no rubbing.

Does wider wheels have more poke?
(I know that smaller offset gives more poke tho..)

I'm a newb when talking about the wheels, so any comment would be helpful.
Thanks.

[kevkbuk]

Sorry can't help, but the breaks will dictate the rim size and maybe the offset too. The breaks are going to be available as an upgrade for the MCS I believe so your dealer may be able to answer your question.

[SteveM3]

If you stick to OEM R56 16" wheels you know they will fit and clear the brakes. Everything else is guess work.

[Gman57]

On the 09 JCW the 16 inch wheels will not fit with the brakes. You will need to go 17 inch and at least a 42 offset. Factory wheels are 48 offset for 17s and 52 for the 18s

[ViscountCharles]

I can't imagine 16" wheels fitting - those front discs are BIG.

As for wider wheels, they offer more grip for braking/accelerating (more rubber in contact with the road), but at a price. The main disadvantages are more expensive tyres, more tramlining and steering kickback, more wind and rolling resistance and noise, less grip in slippery conditions, and when the sideways grip fails in sharp cornering, it will fail more suddenly, possibly catching the driver out (though that's only really a consideracion if you're racing).

See that little word stuck in the middle - tramlining? The MINI on 17" wheels really doesn't need *more* tramlining.