hello forum

thanks for reading my post i am a new member here.

i'm expecting my first mini in feburary, will be shopping for a used 2006 mcs model because i really like the looks (int and ext) and the specs of that year model. (although i am not sure if 2005 model is exactly the same or not.. are they?)

as for my first mod i am thinking about upgrading the wheels but i've seen 15, 16, 17, and even 18 in sizes (i think 18 looks a bit too oversized on minis imo). i want to know if there are pros and cons for each size, or if it really doesn't matter at all... your comments will be greatly appreciated.

thanks in advance.

andy.

 

Personally I think 17" are just about right for the Mini 18's and up make the ride to harsh. although I am thinking of going to 19's the 06 is the same as the 05. as far as comfort I like the 16's but most wont work with large brakes! light wheels make a HUGE difference on the mini vs stock and go with non runflats!!!

 

thanks for the info, i think i will settle with either 16 or 17.... would you mind showing me later when you install your 19" wheels? i'm very curious to see how it will look!

also if you don't mind me asking... what should be the average mileage on the mini for a used 05-06 model? for example anything above xxxxx miles on a used 05-06 msc is too much... also what are some of the things should i look out for when buying a used mini with high milage? (maybe suspension, or breaks...)

 

Mileage depends on how you push it. At the track, I get around 12 mpg. On trips, I get around 33-35 mpg, with the cruise on. In town or just out running around, I get 27-30, but then, with the price of premium, I don't push it too hard, too often. When I do get the "urge" to let the ponies run, mileage drops to around 25. I run 16" v-spokes, with Kumho ASX all seasons, in a 205-50-16. At the track, I have 15" holeys with Falken Axenis in a 205-50-15. Right now, in the Wintertime, I'm running Blizzak 185-65-15, which are just a tad higher then the 16s I run and they get me thru the snow and ice with ease even though the car has been lowered.

 

first off, welcome to nam

not sure where you're located...it would help. winter weather? pot holes? how do you intend to drive the mini is also important. first, ask yourself what's more important to you....speed? handling? or bling?
my first speed mod would be a pulley. my first handling mod would be some nice tires or an adjustable rear sway bar. bling is very personal. back to wheels...

wheels can add bling and speed/handling benefits....but to get it all, you usually have to spend some coin. if you're not worried about tracking your mini, wheel weight may be less important, and you can save $. larger than 17" will probably be a pretty harsh ride (that may not bother you?), but looks cool. i personally think 17" is just right for looks and performance. most track heads run smaller...i.e. 16" and some even 15". 16" will be less harsh than 17". run flat tires will add to ride harshness. there are some great threads here that show you what various wheel/tire/spring/etc combinations look like. tirerack.com also gives you an idea of what your car would look like.

good luck on your first mod.....but watch out, it's a slippery slope

my ave mileage with more mods than i remember is about 20 mpg (mostly city driving), i get about 9 mpg at the track.

 

welcome!
first mod huh!
be careful, once you start it never ends....

If you looking for looks, wheels are great! I would go with 17s myself... but i live where it snows alot so the roads are pretty bad.

I tend to go for speed over looks, so my first mod was a %15 pulley!
then exhaust, intake etc etc etc etc etc

good luck!

 

Here are the 19's they are currently on an R56

 

Hello everyone again,

After many months of paininful waitning and patience I finally copped my first mini :O I decided on 2006 Cooper S grey/black, will post pics soon!

I was wondering, what is the optimal time of waiting after you start your engine, until you start driving? I remember back in the days my friend had an RSX and everytime we got in the car he would wait a few minutes to warm up his car. A buddy of mine told me for newer cars you don't have to wait as much because all the fluids travel faster in new cars.

Also, should I let the engine run for a minute or two after driving?

 

etc etc etc etc is right!

 

Read your owner's manual. If it didn't come with one you can find them in PDF format online. I know for my 2003 MCS (R53) the book says to start driving immediately, even in cold weather. It also says go easy on acceleration for a bit, but don't just sit.