Does wheel size make any difference other than in the looks? Does the mini operate or handle any different with different sizes?

Thanks

 

The bigger the wheel, the thinner the tyre and the harsher the ride. 16s are fine for road use but you might want something else for track and autocross use. Or for bling.

 

Thanks,

 

Zeus, not so much wheel size diameter but width, sidewall size and thread pattern have more of an impact on handling and braking response. In the second generation MINI (R56 and R55 Clubman) I recommend opting for either 16" (If you are getting a Cooper Clubman) either/or 16"-17" tire/rim size in the Cooper S Clubman model. Reason being, the new cars have a higher belt line, the wheel arches are ticker and so the wheel wells. Anything below 16" doesn't look too good, at least to my eyes. There are advantages and disadvantages to 15" radial tires vs 16"and 17" factory runflats. If you live in an area with poorly maintained roads, opt for tires with thicker sidewall rating. For example, in the standard Cooper Clubman, the 15"tires are Continental Radials 175/65 R15. It is a skinny/tall tire very well suited to handle the abuse from potholes and generally crappy roads. Next up you have the 16" Goodyear Excellence Run-On-Flat (Second generation EH2+ technology) that come in 195/55 R16 V87 rating. This tire is wider and lower than the 15"radials in the base Clubman (Remember that in the Cooper S Clubman your standard tire choice is 16" all season runflats and 17"optional as standalone or part of the sport package). Next up you have either Goodyear or Dunlop 17" second gen runflats. These I believe come in size 205/45 R17. This is a wider tire and has a lower sidewall profile. keep in mind that the lower the sidewall profile, the better the looks but also the more vulnerable to pothole damage the tire and rim are due to less "cushioning" area between the 2. Hope this helps. Also, what type of driving will you be doing? 100% street? A combo of street/track? To me the happy medium is the 16" size, but most people prefer the bigger 17"(and even 18" size) for improved looks, better handling (Thanks to the larger foot print). Radial tires are cheaper and wear longer than runflats. To me the biggest downside of the runflats is that these tires do not last more than 30K miles with 4K mile rotation intervals, and they are more expensive. But runflats do provide an added safety margin and they do not experience the dangerous blowouts of regular radial tires.

 

Thank for the info. All of my driving will be street driving. I am not into racing it unless it is at a stoplight . I would prefer a radial tire that will last.

 

Are you getting a Cooper or Cooper S Clubman? People that have switched from the factory runflats, swear by the Kumho Ecsta radials. But I am not sure if you can get those in 16" rim size.

 

I have not ordered one yet but plan on it in the next six months. Right now I am still in the research mode and it is looking good.

 

Ahh good luck! let me know if you have any questions as I have over 100K miles combined under my belt. I have driven nothing but MINIs in the past 6 years.