Changed 16" MCS wheels for 15" 7-holeys

[Mexibeetle]

We absolutely love the improved ride due to the increased sidewall flexibility and reduced wheel diameter... No noticable difference in handling.

I bought the brand-new set of wheels and tires for only $235 including shipping.

The best part is the weight loss. According to our bathroom scale, the old ones were 37 lbs. each and the new ones are 24 lbs. That's a total of 52 lbs. unsprung weight loss!

[obehave]

I take it the car handles and accelerates better as well?
Are they still run flats?

[MINIAC]

What tires are you running?

[GregF]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINIAC

What tires are you running?

Yes, I'd like to know, too.

Since the 7-hole wheel weighs 12 pounds, the tire must be 12 as well.

How did you find such a great deal for wheels, tires and shipping included?

[Mexibeetle]

The tires are the standard MINI Continental ContiTouring Contact all-season tires. They are non-runflat versions in the size 175/65-15.

It does appear to accelerate better. We can't tell any difference in handling in everyday situations. That would be different if we ran it on the track, but this is primarilly used a car for running around town and the roads are awful here in the area of San Antonio where we live. We'll probably replace them with a summer tire when they wear out. (May even do a little autocrossing to expedite the wear a bit!)

Where did I get them? I responded to a post to someone who was asking how much she should sell hers for. I'd been monitoring prices on eBay and told her what the recent sales prices were. Based on that post, someone e-mailed me and offered theirs. I didn't even have to pay for them until they arrived (his idea,not mine); it's nice to know people still trust each other these days!

I can't vouch for the weight savings being exact. Our bathroom scale isn't the greatest, but 52 lbs. is more than the equivalent of adding 3 horsepower (based on my calculations of about 15 lbs. per HP on the MCS) and it does feel noticably sprightlier.

[GregF]

Thanks for your reply.

I 'm glad you're happy with your new wheels.

Are you selling your sixteens?

[Mexibeetle]

I just cleaned them up, waxed and put 'em in the garage. I'd probably like to sell them, but would have to figure out how to put a value on and ship them first.

[Damo]

15"'s on a Cooper S