I went for the 17" crowns with the sport suspension my 07MCS not to mention LSD and what not.

 

Huh. Still haven't seemed to find the answer I'm looking for....

If I plan to NOT get the sport suspension, do I go with the 16" s-winder or the 17" crown-spoke included in the sport package?

I don't really care so much, but want to know how much extra handling I get with the crown-spoke vs loss in ride quality if I went with the s-winders. So I get noticably better handling or noticably less comfort with the 17's?

 

you can get the weight of the s-winders right here on NAM:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=97035

16lbs 10oz - which makes them considerably lighter than any 16" wheel or larger that MINI offers.


If you want the best handling get the SS, LSD and 17" - it won't be THAT rough. Smoother than any pre-07 model.

For most comfort get normal suspension and either 16" wheel

For best acceleration get the s-winders.

 

Even though I am age 60, and have had spine surgery for stenosis, I still ordered my 07 MCS with the sport suspension and 17" flame spokes, along with DSC and LSD. I like the firm ride (why slow down for corners?). I wonder about my choice only when hitting potholes and the like. It doesn't hurt me, but I wonder about the beating the car is taking; just have to assume it was built for this. Couldn't be happier. Excellent car.

 

Maybe the 17s will give you a MPH or two better corner speed at 50 MPH on a good surface under racing conditions. If the curve is bumpy the 16s may work just as well since they are so much lighter. If you are tuned-in to your car you can notice this. So which would be better handling? There is no right answer anyone can give you.

Same goes for comfort. On a smooth road you could have 20s and be comfortable. Looks and cost is probably a better rational for deciding between the two wheels you mention if you are in the middle and can't get a test drive.

 

I just switched from 17" Crown Spoke wheels (come with the Sports package) at 22.5 lbs. and the Dunlap runflats to CenterLine RPM 17" rotary-forged wheels (<16 lbs.) and Michelin Pilot Exhalto PE2 non-runflats. There was a very noticeable difference in the ride. The lighter wheels and non-runflats are much smoother. How much of that can be attributed to the wheel weight, and how much to the tires, I don't know.

In the auto center where Sullivan's Tire is located, the paving has a surface similar to cobblestone. The difference over this surface was pronounced. I expect that is mostly the tires. However, I suspect the wheels get most of the credit for the reduction in jumpiness over larger roughness (construction area).

If you want to go for 17" consider getting 3rd party wheels that are lighter than factory wheels.

 

Yeah, I would really like to try the 16's vs the 17's, but nobody seems to have both on the lot. Drives me nuts.

I'm sorta leaning towards the 16's, especially since they would ride better and are much lighter. But I like the style on the 17's better.

It is hard to tell. The car I test drove had 17's, but they weren't the crown spoke, and they were ok most times, except when hitting mid corner bumps or pot holes or expansion bumps. It wasn't bad, but the car felt a little skittish. If the 16's would solve that, I'll go with them. But if I'm gonna get that with the 16's or the 17's regardless, then maybe I'll just get the 17's....

 

Although my commute to work isn't even close to yours the Sport package combined with the Sport Suspension option don't bother me one bit, actually I've had some "non car people" in the car and they thought the ride wasn't all that bad, but thats subjective though. I say GO FOR IT, make the car as fun as possible and enjoy the ride

 

So I'm guessing a complete, comprehensive list of the weight of R56 wheels has yet to be published. Pity...maybe one day. 7-hole wheels were Cooper-only but still quite popular with the MCS crowd.

 

I have Bridgespokes on my MCS. The tires are squishy, run flat all seasons, and they squeal like pigs in roundabouts. I am looking at the OZ Superturismo white wheels and the MINILite, both in 16 inch sizes.

MINILites... http://www.myminiparts.com/proddetail.php?prod=MLW16

http://www.myminiparts.com/proddetail.php?prod=MLWW

Just have to see what tires would be best (I should say stickiest and able to handle rain, because I really don't care how long they last) And of course, waiting for the white MINILites to be available for the R56.

 

Minilites have tended to be on the heavy side...not sure if it is still so.

 

Wow!!! 4 lbs difference!!
Could've never guess that by just looking at it...
I wonder how reliable are those #s from mini2 now..

 

I've ordered stock susp w/ 16 bridgespokes. I plan on light 17s like Robin did and will lower the car a little. Hearing from other posters, the switch to lite 17s with good rubber transforms the car, even with a stock susp. I'll use the bridgespokes for sno tires. Sounds like you could do the same thing and transform your car at the same time!

FWIW, I race cars and tho I like precise, I also like comfortable on the street. I'm pretty sure I'll achieve a nice balance with my planned upgrade.

Best of luck, there's really no wrong decision.

Mark

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by MotorMouth
No additional cost wheels
16" S-winders 16lbs 10oz
16" Bridge-spoke 20.9 lbs

This is for real.
Order normal suspension and
16" S-winders

These will work just fine. Even if you want to change them later there would be market for used S-winders since they are the lightest stock wheel for 16" presently. They would make for a great winter wheel. Then get a lighter 16x7 wheel and 205/55-16 non runflat tires for later.

 

minihune def has the right monetary and performance idea. Then there's this whole aesthetic thing......

 

The plan is a viable and reasonable one good for both shorterm and longterm.

Here's a variation on theme if aesthetics are important.

Order the S-winders for the lightness with runflats and sell them new.

Right away buy the 16" wheels of your choice early, hopefully something 16-17 pounds or lighter and put some good 205/55-16 Ultra High Performance Summer or All Season tires on them. Now you're cooking.

The sale of the stock 16" wheels helps to pay for the new aftermarket wheels. Handling and tire wear will be improved and so will aesthetics.

Line up a buyer for the wheels soon. If the buyer wants the rims only then sell them and keep the runflats for your aftermarket 16x7 rims and use them up.

 

Minihune,

Spoken like a racer!

 

I wouldn't call the mini2 numbers unreliable - they've never posted the s-winder weight.

 

Mini2.com in the FAQ under tires had the weights listed for S-winders:
"R102 S-winder ET48 17.4lb (7.9kg)
from
http://www.mini2.com/forum/faq.php?f...q_faq_bolt_etc

That's why I was surprised to find it weighed less when checked recently.


A List of some OEM 16" wheels and weights for comparison
R83 5-star (aka Daytona) ET48 20.1lb (9.1kg) (Sport Pkg on MC)
R84 X-lite (aka Monza, V-spoke) ET48 17.6lb (8.0kg) (stock MCS)
R88 double-spoke ET48 19.6lb (8.9kg) (optional)
R90 cross-spoke (one-piece) ET48 20.9lb (9.5kg) (optional)
R92 7-spoke Fin ET48 19.0lb (8.6kg)
R94 Bridge-spoke ET48 20.9lb (9.5kg)
R103 5-spoke Blaster ET48 19.0lb (8.6kg)
R87 double-spoke ET45 16.5lb (7.5kg) (optional)

 

I had the opportunity to drive the s-winders on a base-suspension Mini S on the track last winter, and around the track grounds. Drove great, more supple than my MCS/Checkmate (sports), but certainnly not "soft" and at least as fast... loved the seats...

 

I can't say the S-winders are my favorite wheel either, but I wanted 16" wheels and knew I'd never really have aftermarket wheels as a line item in the budget. I got them because at the time I believed they were the lightest of the free 16" wheels (no sport package for me). It turns out this was true. I think the car handles great, even with the run flats (at ~37psi) and no sport suspension.

-my 0.02

 

I ordered bridges spokes also. The plan is to eventually convert them to snow tires and buy a set of after-market 17x7 that weigh around 17-18 lbs.