Looking for some new rims. Looks like a lot of people go for the Kosei K1 wheels based on their price and weight.

Any others in this price range that can match this rim for weight? Also, any word on strenght of this rim?

I really love the look of the S-Lites, though we all know the name is pretty misleading....

 

People like Kosei K1 Racing 17" rims for good price and light weight but there are many choices. Kosei K1 TS are lighter than K1 racing rims of the same size.

What are you trying to use these wheels for?
Street driving only, some track or autocross or driving events/school?

What finish are you looking for? Does it matter?

Kosei rims are OK on strength. Not bad but not strong as Forged wheels.
Many cheaper rims are likely gravity cast which makes them heavy.

If you are interested in cheap and lightweight your best bet are 15" or 16" rims. Some designs only come in certain sizes.

Would 17" rims be a requirement for you? Problem with that rim is that you'll be using 40 or 45 series tires only which are stiff.

When using 15" or 16" rims you can use many more sidewalls and still have the tire fit the MINI, lowered or not. Many good street tires are 55, 60 or 65 series. 40 series tires are not possible with 15" rims for the MINI. 16" wheels are most flexible with reguards to tire sidewall sizes but variety may be limited.

Here's a couple good examples of cheap and light 17" rims:
From Tirerack.com
Enkei racing NT03M silver
17x7.5 et +45mm 16 pounds $236 each
Kosei K1 Racing silver closeout!
17x7.5 et +45mm 16.3 pounds $179 each
Kosei K1 TS in light grey silver or orange finish
17x7 et +42mm 14.1 pounds $199 each
Kosei K3
17x7 et +42mm 16.8 pounds $199 in silver, or Emery Gold $229
Motegi Track Traklite (Forged)
17x7 et +42mm 15 pounds $280 each in anthracite or flat black (14 pounds!)
O.Z. Forgiata (closeout at $499 each) $649 reg price Polished with clear coat
17x7.5 et +45mm 13.8 pounds
O.Z. Ultraleggera
17x7 et +37mm 15.5 to 16 pounds each Black, silver or matte grey $265 each
SSR comps- Nothing
Sport edition D4 silver
17x7 et +38mm 18.5 pounds $99 on special


From Edgeracing.com
http://edgeracing.com/wheels/falken_wheel/
Hanabi rims in silver or bronze 17x7.5" et+42 16.94 pounds $120 each (cast alloy rims)
http://edgeracing.com/wheels/flik/
Flik Ftd in titanium or matt black
17x7 et +45mm 17 pounds $150 each
http://edgeracing.com/wheels/5zigen/
5Zigen Fn01r-c
17x7 et +42mm 15.5 pounds $165 each for silver, $188 or more for other finishes (bronze or hyper black)
http://edgeracing.com/wheels/enkei_wheel/
Enkei Rpf1 silver
17x7 et +43mm 15 pounds $230 each
Enkei Rs m silver
17x7 et +45mm 15.7 pounds $252 each

From Centerline at http://www.centerlinewheels.com/wheel_deals_list.php
Sometimes overstocked wheels are discounted down to about $139 to $169 per wheel or less.
http://www.centerlinewheels.com/whee...ehicle&data=32
in hi polished finish 17x7 Vikings or Piranha are $99 each. Both are about 15 pounds each. Forged.
http://www.centerlinewheels.com/whee...d=36&sw_id=262
http://www.centerlinewheels.com/whee...d=36&sw_id=264

 

I had a set of Buddy Club P1 SF, similar to the kosei k1 but with a lip.

17" at 17 lbs

Strenghth of the wheel is not bad.. but of course can't compare to FORGED wheels.

 

will these fit a 2007 mini?

 

I searched for the listed rims at tirerack.com using a 2007 MCS as my car.
So those listed rims should fit. Tirerack.com does check. Talk to alex@tirerack.com for more info.

The other vendors will vary with their fitment for the newest MINIs.
Some may fit while others don't fit.

Rota rims are also light and moderately priced for cast alloy rims.
Slipstream is common design good for lower weight and decent strength.
http://www.rotawheel.com/SLIPSTREAMPAGES.htm
17x7.5 et +48mm $625 per set many finishes est.19 pounds

 

Thanks for the info. I want to go 17" for looks. Just for street driving, but I think I would appreciate the weight improvements even in normal, spirited, driving.

My MCS is DS/W so I can go almost any finish. I would prefer a silver or gunmetal finish.

I'll check out the additional rims suggested. Thanks again for the help

 

in a 17x7 they were ~$130 each, and under 17 lbs...

Matt

 

The Kosei K1 TS are very light (around 14-15lbs) and inexpensive.

 

What about the OutMotoring wheels?

http://www.outmotoring.com/exterior_wheels.html

They are hella light and cheap. But, strength is another. Does anybody have any on road time with these.

 

My Sportmax 003 are forged....and in 17x7 with a 40mm offset I get no rubbing running a 215/40/17 on m7 springs. Oh yea...the wheels weight 13.8lbs on my scale.

 

Those 003s look interesting.

 

Where do you buy Rota wheels? I went to the Rota website, but I still couldn't find where....

 

www.jlbmotorsports.com has some of the best prices

 

18racing.com also sells the full line of rotas, as well as subydude.com

 

I have the Flik Wasps and are looking for a replacement. They seem to bend easy. I can't seem to keep one balanced, I was looking at the ASA EM9