2018 Mini Cooper - 17" wheels?

[Pip1968]

In short my wife will be replacing her 2006 Mini Cooper with another newer 2018 Mini Cooper but it has 18" wheels. Her old one had 16" wheels so with that in mind I will be looking to change ther wheels to 17" or 16 " if possible (are the brakes and discs bigger??).

This one will be an approved used (I realise they may make a fuss regarding the wheel change) as was the last one. Is there anything we need to look out for on this year Cooper? I believe timing chains have been sorted on the newer models. It will be nice to spot anything obvious before we pick it up rather than having to book it in and return it afterwards.

I will see if BMW Mini will change the wheels before we buy.

Any assistance appreciated.

Pip

[bridggar1]

FWIW - I too have just committed to a 2018 Cooper - poverty spec but all have the same engine so not really too bothered. Good luck with the new purchase!

[Pip1968]

Can I ask what size are the wheels on your "poverty specification" Mini Cooper ?

Pip

[bridggar1]

Tiny tiny 15" things!

One thing I saw on a few cars to look out for is the erosion of paint on the b-pillar where the door seems to rub. Seems to be a common issue and not something to be overly concerned with as far as I can tell.

[DarkMatter]

bridggar1 said:

Tiny tiny 15" things!

One thing I saw on a few cars to look out for is the erosion of paint on the b-pillar where the door seems to rub. Seems to be a common issue and not something to be overly concerned with as far as I can tell.

Our 2017 Cooper is just beginning to show signs of this, we’ve had it from new and it’s never been damaged, so doesn’t cause us any concerns.

We have the Chili pack and 17” wheels (non-runflat tyres), I’d describe the ride as firm and jiggly! Possibly the standard 16” wheels may have slightly improved the ride.

[Pip1968]

bridggar1 said:

Tiny tiny 15" things!

One thing I saw on a few cars to look out for is the erosion of paint on the b-pillar where the door seems to rub. Seems to be a common issue and not something to be overly concerned with as far as I can tell.

I did not realise that you could even get a set of 15" wheels over the discs and calipers.

Will get my wife to look out for the B pillar issue. I take it that is withing the frame ie you cannot see it with the door closed.

Pip

[DarkMatter]

Pip1968 said:

Will get my wife to look out for the B pillar issue. I take it that is withing the frame ie you cannot see it with the door closed.
Pip

Correct, only noticeable when door is open.

[s-x-i]

For anyone having issues with the paint rub on the inside of the drivers door, you can buy some protective film to prevent this.

https://innovativepaintprotectionsolutions.com/pro...

I've bought some for our MINI but have yet to fit them. Should hopefully prevent any further damage being done.

[bridggar1]

Have just bought - thanks for the tip!

[Pip1968]

Well, we have at last picked up the approved used Mini Cooper (F56 designation as I only recently found out). Thankfully automatic door locking can be disabled from the onboard computer (hallelujah) and has been. Cue car jacking.

The central armrest seems to be on most if not all the 'Exclusive' models we looked at. Thankfully this will be removed and for some £40 or so you can buy a central console that does not have the holes in it for the horrible lazy car drivers accessory. Probably get my money back selling the armrest anyway.

17" wheels seem to be the smallest found on a standard F56 'Exclusive' but I have seen plenty of new Minis with smaller wheels. So that can be fixed at some point. The sales girl where we first tested one said they could not be changed to smaller wheels because they were "designed to go with 18"s" .......Hmmmmm, not really a technical reason to say "No".

Anyway my wife is fairly happy as it has Apple Play (although BimmerTech in the US could have fixed this for me) and Nav for me who detests controlling Apple.

Pip