I am a new mini owner and I have a few questions as I try to sort out my wheel and tire options.
Here are some facts about my mini:
2007 Cooper S coupe (originally purchased in April, 07)
17" Crown spoke rims with original tires
Rubber valve stems
14 mm lugs

Some facts about my intended use of the car:
This will be my daily driven car. It will see some spirited street driving but it will not see any track time.

My goals:
RIMS: I would like to change my current rims to either OEM Webspokes or some type of aftermarket rims. I do not want to deal with any issues or headaches (i.e. improper fitment, TPM issues, brake rotor clearance, etc.).
TIRES: I will be in need of new tires soon. I would like a tire that feels comfortable on the road for daily driving but also offers respectable performance. Again, minimal headaches are important to me.
COST: While I do not want to overpay for something that i do not need, cost is not my number one issue. Rather, proper/quality fit and proper function are most important to me.

Given my current situation and my goals, here are my questions:
1) First, so that I know, is my car considered an R53 or R56?
2) One option I am considering is to swap to the original style Webspokes. Are the type of Webspokes that I should be looking for referred to as R98's or something else?
3) Will I have any issues with the TPM display functioning improperly if I change to Webspokes?
4) Will I have any issues with the TPM display functioning improperly if I go with an aftermarket rim? Should the TPM thing even be an issue?
5) What is the width of a stock mini 17" rim? Is it 7" wide?
6) Should I replace my current tires with the original type run flats or "traditional" type tires? I am OK relying on my AAA card in the event of a flat as long as I (a) can get better comfort/performance out of a "traditional" tire and, and (b) I can avoid (or bypass) any TPM display issues.

Thanks in advance for your help.
Jeff

 

1)R56
2)R98s, you will need a set with 14mm lug holes
3)No
4)No and No, up to 09/2007 MINIs use the wheel speed sensor for tire pressure monitoring.
5)Yes
6)Your preference, typically non-runflats give a better ride.

 

If you keep your stock 17x7" wheel size then you can use non runflat tires in-
205/45-17
215/45-17

If you get an aftermarket rim you can change to other wheel sizes-
16x7 with +40mm offset with 205/50-16 tires (more comfortable)
18x7 with +42mm offset with 215/35-18 tires (firm riding)

Moving to 16" rims is a possible solution if you can find a rim you like in that size. Webspokes are nice but expensive and heavy at about 22.3 lbs each.

16" rims are about 14 to 18 lbs each. Depends on design and materials.

Biggest advantage is with a 17" wheel you'll run a 45 series tire with a MINI due to fitment limits. Using a 16" wheel you have more choices-
For street use you can pick between 205/50-16 which is slightly less than stock tire diameter- this works with stock suspension or slightly lowered MINIs or pick 205/55-16 which is slightly taller than stock tire diameter so you'd use it with stock suspension only.

Both tire sizes give you a broad selection of tires good for street use.
In your case an Ultra High Performance summer tire would work for better handling and moderate tire wear not for cold weather or snow. Or you can choose Ultra High Performance All Season tires for a blend of good handling, good street manners, longer tire treadwear and use in any weather including light snow.

Even in the case of no snow in your area like me in Hawaii, I still can choose all season tires for rainy weather and for the longer treadlife.

 

Thanks for the informative replies.
One more question: What is the stock back spacing for 17" OEM rims?

 

This list from mini2 shows the stock wheels, weights, and offsets...
http://www.mini2.com/forum/faq.php?f...factory_wheels