Which wheels 17" or 19"

[Zopo]

I just ordered my countryman silver with black roof. I am looking at the black rims which the dealer offered me the 19" for around the same price as the 17". Currently it comes with 16" but prefer a larger size.

What do you think should I go for the 19" or stick with the 17"? The 19" would be rougher ride but would look hot. For the price difference Im leaning towards the 19" but worried the car will be a bit uncomfortable.

Can you help?

[RobbieA]

I have 17" on my Cooper SD All 4 and would not the ride any harder than this. I imagine that 19" would be brick like.

[Zopo]

Thats what Im worried about, but considering the price I was leaning towards the 19". Purely on aesthetics, but haven't had a chance to test drive to see how it feels.

[minicore]

I'd try and secure a test drive in a Countryman with 19" wheels before committing to them if you're adverse to the prospect of a harsh ride. If you're more interested in the aesthetics and don't particularly mind a reduction in comfort, I'd be tempted to go for it, safe in the knowledge that they'll look good.

Also remember that replacement 19" tyres will set you back more than comparable 17" ones.

[Flu]

Does anybody have experience with 19 X 8.5 wheels with Mich SS 225/35/19? I'm interested in getting this setup but I wonder if the wheel wells will rub. Thanks!

[KissmyS]

I am running 17's (R53 though) and it is quite a harsh ride - I have only had the car for a week and my previous car was a V70 so I was expecting the difference. When you are driving it like you stole it there's no issue, bumbling around town and driving 'normally' you notice the unforgiving ride - god knows what it would be like on 19's!!!

I also have a Fiat Barchetta (well modded toy), I am running it on 15's and it handles exceptionally well, a number of other guy's in the club are running 17"+, they look great but loose something in the handling (has been proven on the track!). . . .

Personally, I would go with the 17's unless you can get a ride in a car with 19's fitted and satisfy yourself there is no degradation in ride/comfort.

[Zopo]

Thanks for your help.
Its one of those funny things do you go comfort over style.

I was leaning towards the 19"'s but now it is a new day Im thinking it will probably looks as good in the 17"s and at least the ride will be a bit more comfortable.

Then again the JCW's look hot...

decisions decisions....

[Zopo]

I think Im going to order the 19" JCW's I just cant help it. Considering I only got the base model Countryman and not the S model it would probably give the car that extra edge. Plus the suspension is a bit softer on the Cooper so Ill take the risk.

Thats how I sold it to myself anyway...

[KenL]

Given that it is a Countryman, I think it will look good on big wheels. As long as they are not runflat tyres it should be OK, but get a test drive if you can.

Comparisons with R53 etc. are not relevant since it is a completely different car.

[Flu]

I have factory 17 X 7.5's on the car and I feel the ride is already pretty bad on un-smooth roads. So I figure, if the ride isn't good anyways, I might as well go for the looks.

IMO the ride quality also depends a ton on what type of tires you get. Going to the 225/35/19 would be insane if I got really hard rubber or even run flats. But going with Michelin's Super Sport might be okay due to the fact that the brand usually makes it's tires on the soft cushy side. Wishful thinking on my part, I'll report back to the board once I do this. Wish me luck!!

[Zopo]

Thanks for your help guys. Ive ordered the 19"s they do come with runflats Bridgestones. Ill see how they go if no good Ill have to change them I guess.

The guy at the dealer pretty much sold me the same thing by saying the difference in ride from 17" to 19" is minimal for the slight difference might as well go for looks.

Ill let you know how I go when I pick the car up on Thursday.

Cant wait!!

[Zopo]

Just picked up my new Countryman. Glad I went with the 19". Yes a little rough but not enough to worry.

I have Pirellis Runflats they aren't bad either. A little road noise on the freeway but I just turn the stereo up.


Just have to get my spare key configured for some reason it doesn't work.

Also my Ipod cable says it is not approved by the manufacturer, but they gave me the cord. So need to sort that as well. hopefully wont be a big thing.

Either way really happy. Ill post some pics shortly to show you all..

Thanks for all your help.