Noticed these on ebay and emailed the seller to see if he'd be willing to negotiate a sale out of auction, picked 'em up for a hair over $100/wheel. Called up Wesco tire and got some 205/50-15s. The wheels are polished Rota Circuit 8, 15X6.5 with a 38MM offset. So far no rubbing. Oh yeah, this is hands down the best mod I've done thus far, definately more noticeable than the intake/exhaust/springs. The car now handles better, rides better and in my opinion has a more classic MINI look. Before I forget, 15" Rota with Yoko tire weighs in at ~35 lbs. vs. stock S-lite with runflat which is ~49 lbs. Anyway, on to the pictures...
They sure give your MINI a very classik look...I like 'em!
What did you do with the S-Lites? (IMHO, the best lookin wheel out there).
What about the exhaust/intake?...wich ones do you have? (...since you didn't feel a big improvement...).
Sergio
Chili Red/W/W MCS. 05 Mitsubishi Evolution VIII >>> 12.08@114.8mph
Gotta tell you I do not like that look at all. They are too small, giving it almost a Geo metro kinda feel. But I am sure they are super light, and no doubt less punishing on the road. Hope you enjoy them.
sergio, S-lites for sale for $350 for the set with fairly worn front and very fresh rear Dunlop runflats. My sig states what other modifications are done to the car. While hte intake/exhaust did give a healthy gain (dynoed 155 at the wheels about a month ago) the overall driving experience wasn't as improved compared to the new shoes.
modman, no worries, can't please everybody. Only important thing is I'm happy.
MINIAC, thanks for the heads up on the MINI profile, I just filled it out
Main reason I went with this tire size is because it was recommended by more than 1 person who avidly auto-X their MINI on the NAM forums. I'm happy with my choice thus far, and since the MINI speedo is a bit ambitious itself, I'd say it's about spot-on now.
Those look trée cool. I've been a little alarmed the last few years with the proliferation of excessively oversized rims. Sure, I have the 17" S-lites, but that's because I was foolish enough to order the full Sport Pack.
My MCS looks a lot better proportioned on 15" 8-spoke rims (AE Series 169); the Rotas look similar.... just better.
Heh CW, I also got the full sport pack and regretted it afterward. I like the DSC and foglights, but in reality I would've only gotten the xenons from the package had I been a little wiser. 15s rule!
That photo just reinforces my belief - it's all about proportion. Plus it's just such a very cool and contrasting combo to see the green and blue beside one another.
About the sport pack: I'd love to know what braniac at BMW decided that "boat anchor" weight 17" wheels (thanks to Paulmon for the term; it's very appropriate) and foglights constituted "sportiness".
Sweet looking wheels !!
Gives a great look to the car IMO. I also have to agree, the Sport Package was a bit of a waste, but since it was either that or the full boat package(preimium/sport) I went for the lesser of the two evils.
Funny thing, I have my Kosei's on most of the year. But I dont wanna sell the stockers just incase of resale value later on *shrugs* stupid not having enough money *stomps off to rob bank*
Cooper S:
Now new and improved with Helix short shifter, Ghetto K&N HAI, Rota Circuit 8's w/ T1'S Proxies/Kosei K1 racing wheels with Falken Azenis(for Auto-X/Trackday), and H-sport springs. UUC rear sway waiting to install
Zamirz--
I like the look- sharp. I have been considering a similar change in going from 17's to 16's with 205/45/16, which will give me just slightly less reduction in overall tire diameter than you have now. Have you noticed any difference in your gear ratios? (with my stock wheel/tire size, I feel the RPM's are frequently too low in second when I come through a tight 90 degree turn)
innate, with the shorter tires and decrease in rotating mass the car is much more lively and I'm only going into 1st now when I come to a complete stop. I can leave it in 2nd and inch over speed-bumps (the downside to this upgrade ) and then get on the gas and the torque pulls the RPMs back up very smoothly without any hesitation, jerking or clutch-work necessary.
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Anyway, on to the pictures...
) and then get on the gas and the torque pulls the RPMs back up very smoothly without any hesitation, jerking or clutch-work necessary. 
