[MiloMini]

Ok guys!

I think I still have the option to change my wheel size from 16” to 17” as the car won’t have gone into production yet.

Can anyone please tell me what the benefits are or should I stick with 16”?!!!

even with my limited knowledge I know that 17" are bigger than 16" wheels!!

Thanks

MM

 

[johnan]

As tyres for 17in wheels are lower profile than those for 16in wheels then I would expect them to give a harsher ride, but I don't know if it would be noticable compared to the 16in tyres.


I would also expect tyres for 17in wheels to be more expensive to replace than 15in or 16in tyres, but I am only guessing about that.

 

[patch]

If you are not into technical/performance related specs, it's mostly for the look. Usually bigger wheels give a better look.

 

[Hat]

17 will definitely give a harder ride than 16s but with this comes more direct handling due to lower profile of the tyre. replacement tyres will be more expensive. Another consideration is winter conditions, taller 16 tyres will perform better in snow and mud but the mini is a great car for those conditions generally.

Are you getting a cooper or s? I dont think ive ever seen an s with 16, probably because if you get the chilli pack on an s (uk at least), this comes with 17s as standard

 

[lsmith42]

Also, the larger diameter rims may increase your unsprung weight... if you understand that, then you'll understand... I'm sticking with 15s until I wear out these runflats, then I'll look into ultra-lightweight rims... will fit just fine when the car is lowered 10mm with the springs/struts.

 

[MiloMini]

Thanks for the replies all. I've bought the Cooper, decided against the S, and as such I had the option for a free upgrade to 16" and then £450 to 17".

I have added so many options to the car and didn't see the point of going 17". As snow can sometimes be a factor with me on the mountain I think I'll stick with the 16". Also decided against the runflats as I've seen so many people getting rid of them!!

 

[MintMark]

Are you getting a spare wheel?

 

[MiloMini]

Are you getting a spare wheel?

Yes Mark. I hadn't originally optioned for it but when I saw someone's spec I wondered what wheel space saver was and discovered before I placed the order!

 

[grayeul]

Are you getting a cooper or s? I dont think ive ever seen an s with 16, probably because if you get the chilli pack on an s (uk at least), this comes with 17s as standard

Here in the US... I have a MiniCooperS, and it comes with 16" wheels standard. The upgrade to 17" was $750. I stuck with 16", with run-flat tires.

 

[MintMark]

Yes Mark. I hadn't originally optioned for it but when I saw someone's spec I wondered what wheel space saver was and discovered before I placed the order!

Me too. I found threads on forums where people complained about punctures that the mobility kit couldn't fix. Plus apparently once you've filled a tyre with goo nobody will repair it.

I'm pretty sure the spare is on the outside underneath so we don't lose space in the back. I'm reasonably sure we won't get the mobility kit (but dealer said I would)... probably have the jack in the same space.

 

[MD1]

Me too. I found threads on forums where people complained about punctures that the mobility kit couldn't fix. Plus apparently once you've filled a tyre with goo nobody will repair it.

I'm pretty sure the spare is on the outside underneath so we don't lose space in the back. I'm reasonably sure we won't get the mobility kit (but dealer said I would)... probably have the jack in the same space.

Can you confirm that the spacesaver is placed on the outside of the car and not in the actual boot?? Anyone??

 

[MintMark]

We'll need a reply from someone who's got one to be 100% sure...

The dealer and I looked and there's a large plastic cover underneath on the other side to the exhaust and we thought it would go in there

The pdf owner's manual (from miniusa site) says on page 197 "The compact wheel is housed in a well on the underbody of the vehicle." It describes undoing the screw under the floor mat of the cargo area and lowering the well containing the compact wheel.

The cooper S can't have the spare wheel because of the central exhaust.

 

[MD1]

thanks for this - have emailed my dealer for clarification - will post ASAP

 

[MiloMini]

As far as I can remember it goes underneath the boot and doesn't take up any internal space. There is a tray with most if not all regular coopers but without the brackets you cannot store a tyre.

I also thin - correct me if I'm wrong - but those who have optioned run flat tyres do not get a space saver wheel either?

Glad I went for it now!! Apparently you lower it down - access from the boot.

 

[grayeul]

I also thin - correct me if I'm wrong - but those who have optioned run flat tyres do not get a space saver wheel either?

You are correct. I have the run flats, and there is no spare. I've never had this type of tire before, but they told me you can't tell when they are low by looking. You have to actually check the pressure, either with the onboard monitor - which I would assume will tell you when it is low, or by manually checking.

 

[Iznik]

Your TPMS will let you know when one is deflating. Your spine will let you know when they are at correct pressure! (I'm sure the mini is kinder than many BMWs though).

 

[taktahara]

Here in Japan, the sales of the first production for Japan started from April 14 and we do not have many choices at the moment.
I purchased one of the last cars in stock (Cooper S) with 16" as a standard.

You can order your choice but we need to wait for July production and September/October delivery to Japan.

I think you can change the wheels and tyres after while anyway.

 

[patch]

For info, in Canada they don't install TPMS on Mini Cooper. They use the ABS computer to compare the circumference of the tires and therefore spot a flat one. It will also spot an overinflated one.

Your TPMS will let you know when one is deflating. Your spine will let you know when they are at correct pressure! (I'm sure the mini is kinder than many BMWs though).

 

[johnan]

My last car was a Toyota which came with an electric inflater and some goo to mend the puncture.
I immediately bought a spare wheel as I had heard many bad stories of these kits with the goo either not working, tyre fitters refusing to work on a tyre to which it has been applied, emergency services not helping unless the car has a viable spare etc., and the goo only works on a simple single perforation on the tread of the tyre.
Also to replace the goo applicator cost about half the cost of a new tyre! Daft!


If you get the choice of a space saver spare, go for it!

 

[MD1]

too late for me as car gone past the point of changing - I too had a toyota with fix stuff and inflator and did have to use it but tyre was knackered and had to be brought home on the back of a truck - if I get in a muddle the MINI has roadside assistance so will just have to use it lol