I am new to NAM. I have 17in stock run flats which will be replacing in the future or I might use them for the winter. Could anyone give me a lesson on the pros and cons of different size wheels.

 

Smaller wheels such as 16" and 15" ride better. The 17" tires have a low profile (short sidewall) so they don't handle the bumps as well.

I have a nice set of 15" wheels with tires for sale:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...55#post1953455

 

For winter use most owners will use 15" or 16" wheels and more narrow tires to cut through the snow better/easier.

Before you make plans check with Alex@tirerack.com about winter tires for 17" wheels.

What year and model MINI do you have and what suspension? Any plans to change suspension?

16" wheels are a good compromise in wheel size that looks proportional for the MINI and give good tire size selection depending on your needs.

Higher sidewall profile like 50 or 55 series tires will offer more comfort but less handling and responsiveness. They are well suited to general street driving and commuting and for roads that are rougher and pothole filled. 16" or 15" rims allow for a larger range of tire sizes that will fit and be usable.

40 to 45 series sidewalls are stiff and handled well but can be bumpy on all but smoother roads. If you do hit a curb or pothole it's risky and you can damage your tire, rim, and suspension or shock towers in front. The faster you hit the pothole or the larger and deeper it is the more damage you risk. Generally 17" wheels are usually matched with 40 or 45 series sidewall tires in order to fit the MINI, look for tires about 24.7" tire diameter or less.

Lowering your car reduces clearance and limits the size of the tire you can use with any rim. 15" rims will fit the MINI but larger front brake calipers found in JCW front brake upgrades or stock 2007 R56 MCS will not fit as easily, still there are some aftermarket wheels of 15x7" that will clear the brakes and will work.

For more information talk to Alex@tirerack.com

 

Thanks for the information. I have a 2006 MCS which I added the JCW kit and suspension. Also added the JCW strut bar and a 22 mm H-Sport rear sway bar. Would probably like to use the S-lites for winter and new rims for summer instead of buying new rims for summer and winter.

 

For 17" wheels some choices for winter tires from tirerack.com (see Alex at extention 294 for more info) in 205/45-17.

Both Performance Winter tires:
Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25 RFT (Runflat) $155 each
Pirelli Winter 240 SnowSport $150 each closeout priced