[GregF]

My Cooper came with silver 8-spokes, but I'm ready for some white alloys. I'm leaning towards sticking with fifteens and getting the 7-holes (R81), but am considering the X-lites (R84). I'll consider aftermarket wheels, but am hoping to pick up the MINI wheels used (cheaper). I'm in no hurry.

[GregF]

Yeah, thanks. The X-lites are only available in 16" (weighing 16 pds. ea.) which is why I'm leaning towards the 12 pd. 7-hole (w/ 195/55/15 or 185/60/15). If I go with the sixteens, I'd go 195/50/15.

[GregF]

I've been pleased with the ride of the 15" 8-spoke wheel and don't really see a need to move up to 16". Tire replacement for the 15" size seems to be cheaper, too. I also prefer the more distinctive look of the holey. But, if the price is right, or if I can more easily obtain the X-lite I'll consider it. I've never had a run-flat tire, and since I'm carrying the spare, I don't see the need. Please feel free to make your argument for 16" as I'm open for advice.

[vegan]

Well I have two sets of 15" holeys.
White for summer and silver with snow tyres for winter.
How's that for being an oddball.

[lightbody]

Having driven both I find that the car feels lighter on its feet and more nimble on 15" - reacting more immediately to both steering and brakes. Grips less on wet/greasy roads but I actually prefer it like that (it makes me behave!) and the ride is softer too...

[vegan]

Totally agree with you lightbody.
Having owned four classic minis, I wanted to try and get that same fun handling.
Nostalgia I guess.

[cooper4us]

I also own the standard 15" Continental tires with the silver finish 8-spoke rims. Like 'em a lot. The car has excellent handling, braking and the ride quality is ver reasonable. The 15" non-runflat tires are easy to repair and cheaper to replace. I am not convinced about the "advantages" of the pricer runflats.

When I ordered the car, I was having a diffult time deciding between the 7-hole and 8 spoke design. After much debate I went with the silver 8 spokes wheels (I hate white wheels, sorry but they look cheesy and are a pain to keep clean) and couldn't be happier. They emulate the look of the S-lites found in the MCS. Tires look bigger due to the spoke design too.

I don't completely dislike the 7 holeys, but my main caveats with them is that they look "nerdy" and also make the car look smaller. But the holeys are also the lightest tire/wheel combo (About 1 to 3 pounds lighter than the 8 spokes) and give the car a classic look.

To me anything above the standard 15" tire/wheel size is purely for show. I like the 16" 5 star wheels but regret that MINI forces you to settle for expensive runflats if selecting this type of wheel. The 17" wheels in a MINI are just plain stupid.

[GregF]

My Cooper was built around the same time and came over on the Tanabata. I picked her up in Lauderdale on 8/31. Come to think of it, that was the first time I saw a pepperwhite.