Im planning on selling the runflats and the white 16 inch r84's for a set of Flik Wasps or Flaken Circuit Spec (Gunmetal) rims. This if for a Hyper Blue 05 MCSA

Tire choises are between the Falken Ziex and Toyo Proxes 4[size=2]
Im also trying to decide between 17's and 18's.

http://www.edgeracing.com/2005/Mini/...ll)/wheel/111/
http://www.edgeracing.com/2005/Mini/...ll)/wheel/350/


Would love to hear of your opinions on these combos.. and whether i should go with 18's on a Cooper S.

~thanks in advance
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If performance is your #1 goal, going to 17 inch rims is not a great idea. 18" is going to be 100% looks/show. But if you are interested in customizing your ride and making it look sweet then 17s look the best to me.

Regarding the tires. I have some experience with the Falken Ziex tires, but i doubt my experience will apply to your application as you are going with such a large wheel.

I have an MC with SS+ and 15 inch stock wheels. I just recently "upgraded" my continental tires to the Ziex and was very UNimpressed. The sidewall seems too soft on the tire and the steering feel and initial turn-in are significantly diminished. Once in a steady state sweeping turn, they do grip quite well but the mushy steering feel does not inspire confidence. This may be completely opposite to what you may expeirnece with the large wheels as the sidewall (which is in my oppinion the weakest link in the Ziex) will be much much shorter and that should cut down on the flex issue that i am seeing. On the other hand, tread wear, ride and espeically noise are very good on the Ziex.

 

Most people that own Toyo Proxes 4 like them. A few owners of Ziex ZE-512 report they don't like the 512s. Tirerack has a full line of tires that will fit in a variety of sizes. Talk to alex@tirerack about Avon Tech M500 or M550 which are pretty good street tires at a decent price.

18" wheels tend to be heavy- what are you using your MINI for? The better balance of looks, ride quality, and performance would come from the 17" wheels but it is a personal choice. Try going for a ride in an MCS with 17 vs 18" wheels and see if you can tell a difference. In a stock MCS I would not recommend 18" wheels but with your modded MINI you have a choice.

So what is more important? You decide.

 

Alright, i agree with you all. Im opting out of the 18's. I guess 17's is the way to go based on my setup. But now i cant decide if i want anthracite, black or silver. The car is hyper blue / white, with chrome mirror caps, and currently white wheels (which im tired of cleaning all the time).

I also just found out about the BBS made R99's. They are slightly heavier than AFMt. wheels (21 lbs) but they are MINI wheels and of corse made by BBS which is a very reputable name. I kinda like the look too, they are somewhat close to OEM M3 rims. So many choices : ) but im not in a rush.. just impatient : ).