Some basic questions: changing from 17 to 16

[beej]

Hi wheelmasters, some questions for you!

1. Can you fit a full set of 17" wheels - with tyres on - in the back of a MINI with the seats down?
2. Does any change need to be made to the car when switching from 17" wheels to 16"?
3. (UK) Is it possible to turn up at Kwik-Fit (or similar) and pay them to switch over a full set of wheels? Might be much easier than me doing them one-by-one with the MINI-supplied jack

[JpMcC]

Answers

1: Yes, I have got a full set of 18" wheels into the back of my car with the seats down, just make sure and have a large rug or cardboard box so not to damage the interior

2: No: although you will need to have the new wheels balanced correctly and the runflat sensors reset

3: More than likley, It should only take 10minutes and I am sure they are not going to turn down a paying customer

Hope that helps Jp

[soopacoopa]

Hi Beej,

As jpsmini says, there is no problem with 17 inchers fitting in the back of the MINI. A word of warning though, don't leave them in there too long. My MCS was delivered with the S-Spokes in the boot, as I took delivery with the winter wheels, even though I had specifically told the dealer not to put them in the car. The result was permanent impressions in the foams of the rear seat backs and cushions. The dealer replaced them after I complained. It's probably wise to flat fold the rear seat without the headrests in place, as this was the main area that suffered on my car.

I'm sure it will be fine for a short trip.

Later, Richard

[Alan W]

I would remove the rear seats. It's easily done.

The rear seat base is removed by simply lifting up the leading edge at either end from inside the car.

The seat back or upright is removed by leaning through the hatch and undoing a single bolt (8mm hex head I think) that is at floor level between the split in the seats. Once the bolt is removed the clip it is retaining can be rotated upwards and each seat back removed in turn.

Give it a go and you will have a lot more room for the wheels and tyres and not risk damaging your seats.

Alan W