Need new wheels

[sugar]

I'm at the point where I need new tires - so I figured I might as well take the jump and get new rims while I'm at it.

Anyone have any suggestions as to where I can look. I've checked out TireRack and DiscountTire.

I would love to get some custom colored rims, but not able to find much information on that.

[azminiman]

hey there, been a while

try these
www.xxrwheel.com

www.axiswheels.com

www.tswalloywheels.com

www.lensowheel.com/Brand.aspx

[sugar]

Let me throw this out there - what does everyone suggest:

New Rims + 4 New Run flats

or

New Rims + 4 new tires + Ordering a MINI spare

???

[Louie B.]

Let me throw this out there - what does everyone suggest:

New Rims + 4 New Run flats

or

New Rims + 4 new tires + Ordering a MINI spare

???

Option #3:
New Rims + 4 new tires + Roadside assistance

[sugar]

I have two roadside assistances - but they only do spare tire work for flat tires - so i'm stuck if I get a flat and don't have a spare.

[MINImama]

I ditched my run flats, but kept one, bought an extra stock rim from a fellow club member, and mounted the run flat on it. When I go on long trips, I throw it in the boot, just in case I have a blow out far from civilization...wouldn't drive on it long, just enough to get me somewhere safe, and then call roadside service.

[sugar]

I'm still looking around - I'm looking at: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Kumho&tireModel=Ecsta+SPT+XRP&partnum=045VR7KU31XRP&i1_Qty=4&autoMake=Mini&autoModel=Cooper%20S%20Clubman&autoYear=2009&autoModClar=&vehicleSearch=true

Anyone have any experience witht he Kumhos?

[sugar]

So I'm ordering from Discount Tire this afternoon, I'm going with:



with some Kumho run flats.

I'll post pics when I get them on.

[deemotored]

Sweet!

[IanAZ]

So, why are people so against the run-flats? Besides the fact that it's a little bit of a rougher ride that is.

[danjmcs]

So, why are people so against the run-flats? Besides the fact that it's a little bit of a rougher ride that is.

Cost was definitely an issue for us on the 05 MCS, especially if you put a lot of miles on your Mini and want to run a decent performance tire. The first generation run flats were brutally rough, in comparison to a non-runflat on the same 05 MCS. Considering we averaged 30k miles a year, putting a set of runflats at then, more than double the price, just wasn't realistic or cost effective. The OEM Dunlops it came with are still $300 each, they are insane.

I'm also convinced the stiffness of the early generation runflats contribute to the shock tower mushrooming on the R50s/R53s, they certainly don't help.

I have to say though, our 09 R56 with the Continental RunFlats is night and day to the 05, so they've definitely improved them a lot. I'd have no problem keeping runflats on our 09, especially since i have a second set of track wheels now.

Today though, Kumho and Yokohama both have less expensive runflats, for under $200 each, and I think as you see more cars come with them, volume will go up and the price will keep coming down.

[MINImama]

Run flats = more weight = reduced gas mileage
(even if it is minimal, when gas is nearly $3/gallon, every bit counts)

...among other things, such as cost, rough ride, noisy, inconvenience, etc.

[sugar]

Got one more question - since I'm going from 16s to 17s do I need to have anything done to make sure my speed is displayed correctly? Is there anything the dealership needs to do?

[th3118]

Even though you are getting bigger wheels, you need to get tires that are close to the same size on the outside diameter. Stock 16" tire is 195/55 is 24.4 " diameter. Stock 17" is 205/45 is 24.2" diameter. I run 215/45-17 that is 24.9", a little taller but close enough, and wider and more brands are availible in that size.

[sugar]

I believe i got 215/45/17 - but what you said makes sense. Thanks!