[AndyT]

Couldn't find this question anywhere else already - sorry if it is . . .

I have the 7-hole alloys specced on my new ONE.
I already have a black ONE with the 8-spoke alloys, so I'm well used to the ride of the 15s.

My question is whether I would notice a huge difference if I changed to the 5-spoke 16"s instead of the 7-holes on the next one?

Is there a significant ride/handling/performance increase to justify the price? are the tyres much more expensive to replace? do they last as long?

I think both sets look great, so looks aren't important, I'd just like to hear from someone who has tried both and has an opinion.

cheers.

[Dom]

I find the 16's give more grip and tyres are £100 a corner to replace... mine lasted 13k miles.

In my opinion, the 16's are well worth it!



Dom

[AndyT]

Cheers Dom, I kinda hoped that would be the general opinion.
The only other reservation is my wife's.
One reason we chose a ONE was because it had a hard enough ride, comfortable, handles great without being too harsh, which we feared the cooper might be.

Would the 5-spokes make it much harsher ?

I need my wife not to notice the difference, really, I just want more fun when I go out for a blast on my own.

[noahe]

The Regular Suspension/Sport Suspension/Sport Suspension Plus will make a much more drastic difference than the wheel/tire combo will make.

Since the One and the Cooper can have a Spare Tire fitted, a 16" rim with Non-Runflat tires would feel VERY similar. A Runflat tire would make small bumps more pronounced.

[Dom]

I've got the sports suspension plus so can't comment much, but I don't think the 16's are that much different to 15's in terms of bumpiness

[HarryHBMCC]

I've driven Coopers back to back with 16" X-lites with winter runflats and 15" 8-spoke all-season non-runflats (both with sport suspension) and the 15" non-runflats are a bit softer for ride but it still isn't a Buick with the smaller tires. She may notice a slightly harsher bottom over big bumps but I find it is still quite a comfortable ride. For grip and cornering I much prefer the 195/55R16s to the 175/65R15s but for acceleration the lighter non-runflat tires do feel noticably faster for the first few feet in first gear (the X-lites are only 2.5lbs heavier than the 8-spokes so the wheels wouldn't have much effect). Perhaps non-runflats on 16" X-lites would be the best but then you don't get runflats (which I like personally).

Harry

[Bilbo Baggins]

Quote:

Originally posted by HarryIndiBlue
I've driven Coopers back to back with 16" X-lites with winter runflats and 15" 8-spoke all-season non-runflats (both with sport suspension) and the 15" non-runflats are a bit softer for ride but it still isn't a Buick with the smaller tires. Harry

I would have to concur with HarryIndiBlue. I have a similar setup, 16" R84s with 195/55R16 all-season run-flats and 15" R81 7 holes with 175/65R15 non-runflat all season tires. The difference in the ride is subtle. The major stiffness comes from the Sport Suspension Plus.

You sorta get used to it, that and looking for smoother roads to motor on.

Dry traction is definitely superior with the 195s. I'll let you know about the snow traction of the 175s tomorrow as we are expecting approx 6"s of snow today/tonight.

[noahe]

Quote:

Originally posted by HarryIndiBlue
She may notice a slightly harsher bottom over big bumps but I find it is still quite a comfortable ride....

(the X-lites are only 2.5lbs heavier than the 8-spokes so the wheels wouldn't have much effect). Perhaps non-runflats on 16" X-lites would be the best but then you don't get runflats (which I like personally).

Harry

Exactly, the suspension dictates the behaviour of the car over bumps, the aspect ratio of the tires will translate more or less of the surface characteristics. The differences are subtle.

I believe the X-Lites are an S only option. You got yours as take-offs, so you're lucky.

I would prefer non-run-flats on a Cooper, if it was equipped with a spare. The lower weight and lower rolling resistance would eventually save money on fuel. All MINI's have the low-tire-pressure warning light, so the most common reason for tire failure is already drastically reduced - over or under tire inflation.

[AndyT]

thanks for all the replies, guys.
I think I can safely get the 16s without upsetting the missus.

Can't Wait!