My experience of 175 -15" and 195-16" alloys

[Jonny Wells]

My mini came with 15" 8 spokes originally on 175/65. I've just put on 16" 5 stars with 195/55.

With the 15" wheels it was easily possible to drive a fast corner balancing the car on the throttle. Press harder, the car ran wider, lift on and it tucked in. Great fun.

I've just put 16" 5 stars on. This ability is still there but at higher and much scarier speeds. The tyres grip much better but ultimately, it actually isn't as much fun as with the smaller 15" tyres as I can't bring myself to go even faster on corners to get the same effect.

The 16" do have the advantage of being a little more economical at motorway speeds though - they seem to run about 2mph faster.

Looking at the weights of the wheels for best fun driving, I would expect the 15" 7 holes are the best but they don't look all that nice.

I do like the look of the 5 stars though - makes the car seem very much more aggresive compared to 8 spokes.

jonathan

[Red & White Cooper 2]

Quote:

Originally posted by Jonny Wells
My mini came with 15" 8 spokes originally on 175/65. I've just put on 16" 5 stars with 195/55.

With the 15" wheels it was easily possible to drive a fast corner balancing the car on the throttle. Press harder, the car ran wider, lift on and it tucked in. Great fun.

I've just put 16" 5 stars on. This ability is still there but at higher and much scarier speeds. The tyres grip much better but ultimately, it actually isn't as much fun as with the smaller 15" tyres as I can't bring myself to go even faster on corners to get the same effect.

I've read the same in EVO magazine, but its interesting to hear it from a "real" owner, and one who has gone to the trouble and expense of replacing 15" with 16" and so is not simply justifying their purchasing decision.

Quote:

Originally posted by Jonny Wells
Looking at the weights of the wheels for best fun driving, I would expect the 15" 7 holes are the best but they don't look all that nice.

I do like the look of the 5 stars though - makes the car seem very much more aggresive compared to 8 spokes.

jonathan

It is also interesting how subjective opinions on the looks of wheels are. We all agree the Mini looks fantastic, but views certainly differ about wheels! I love the 7-hole wheels. They have a depth to them so they don't look like plastic wheeltrims, and the holes echo the circular design theme of many parts of the Mini. But if its an agressive look you want - I agree they don't look agressive. But neither does the Mini (with the possible exception of the S). The 8-spoke seem more popular though. I did think it was down to people ordering the Pepper pack and not realising you can still order the 7-hole wheels. But maybe most people do indeed prefer them.

Just two questions jonathan - is the ride noticably worse and do you have run-flats?

[MiniFEB29]

I love the 7 hole alloys, I think they look "mini" on my last car the first thing I did was put on aftermarket wheels but I just love these wheels, when they tyres go however I will put on wider (to keep same circumfrence) 55's prolly 195.55.15 toyo proxes, and I just love to hear the pirrelis I have just now squeal round corners

[Jonny Wells]

Is the ride noticeably worse?

No I don't think it is at all. Indeed becuase I spend most of my time at motorway speeds, the experience is a little quieter and probably marginally more economical. My car has the standard Cooper sports suspension and doesn't have ASC or DSC driver aids.

Do I have run flats?
They are the original fitment Dunlops on the 5 stars so yes they are run flats.

let me emphasise though that the 16" 5 stars really look great. I think it's becuase you see more of the brakes. An they are a hell of a lot easier to clean than white 8 spokes.

Since getting my Cooper I've learned a couple of other things:

Should have got the MFSW instead of my leather one.
Shouldn't have got the union flag and stripes put on by the dealer - I could have done this myself at a fraction of the cost.
Should have conuclted and joined mini2.com before doing anything at all!!!!

jonathan

[Jonny Wells]

Oh and another thing.

I think most people choose 8 spokes becuase they look very similar to the 12" mini lite alloys on original mark 1 coopers.

j

[acetonic]

When you replace those stock 16" runflats with some decent performance tyres, as I have done, I think you will be amazed at the difference. It might even seem more fun than the 15's were.

I put on some Yokohama AVE ES 100 on my MINI and the ride quality and handling are much improved. These are strictly summer tyres but they handle great in the rain. THis winter I'll get some 15" rims and winter tyres.

[GregF]

Quote:

Originally posted by acetonic
When you replace those stock 16" runflats with some decent performance tyres, as I have done, I think you will be amazed at the difference. It might even seem more fun than the 15's were.

I put on some Yokohama AVE ES 100 on my MINI and the ride quality and handling are much improved. These are strictly summer tyres but they handle great in the rain. THis winter I'll get some 15" rims and winter tyres.

Are they 195/60/15 or 205/55/15? I'm trying to decide. Thanks.