Mini Countryman lease is up in 6 months...
#202
I drive a Subata.
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Ah, that's cool.
#203
Ex-OEM King
#204
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Sooo I was originally going with these wheels...They are similar to the 19's I had on my Countryman, but the CM was a 19", these are 18". The CB and Bolt Pattern are different for both cars, so I couldn't use the 19's on the hardtop anyway. About a year or 2 after having them on my Countryman, they came out with another wheel, it was a split 5 spoke. I thought it looked real nice....but not nice enough for me to want to change them, when the lease on the CM was up soon. So I only had the option for the same mesh spoke wheel for the Hardtop, or a 5 spoke. I went with the mesh again because I thought it was a little nicer/classier than the 5 spoke. A week after I get the mesh spoke wheels, I mount the tires and TPMS sensors on it, and the fockers at NM release an 18" version of that same split 5 spoke wheel I fell in love with
At this point, I still haven't mounted them on the car yet, and figured I could sell the mesh spoke wheels and order the split 5 spoke wheels. Like a fool, I ordered them.
These were the original mesh spoke wheels I bought, and I added the green center caps and wheel edge trim, it's going to match the lime green striping I'm planning on adding to the car.
![](https://farm1.staticflickr.com/475/20047313686_206b5624e6_b.jpg)
...and these are the split 5 spoke wheels:
![](https://farm1.staticflickr.com/284/20310340791_a836f2e8b3_b.jpg)
HOWEVER, the finish on the split 5 spoke wheels are a satin/matte finish, and a darker grey, whereas the mesh spoke is a gunmetal and gloss coated. The split 5 spoke looks so much more sinister/aggressive, suggesting I NEED to add some color to make it less aggressive looking. I'm getting very mixed comments on whether I should add the edge trim or not...what do you think? I was thinking so it doesn't look to be too much, I would just do the edge trim, and keep the OEM black MINI center cap instead of the green ones. I put the edge trim on, but it's not firmly in place, which is why it doesn't look perfectly round...just did it to show what it would look like:
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3710/19683367823_bb457e1eb7_b.jpg)
So? What do you think? I think w/o the strip, it's too dull. Here's a pic of the car tonight, but it was getting dark, and it's a horrible pic, I'll take a better one tomorrow:
![Rant](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/rant.gif)
These were the original mesh spoke wheels I bought, and I added the green center caps and wheel edge trim, it's going to match the lime green striping I'm planning on adding to the car.
![](https://farm1.staticflickr.com/475/20047313686_206b5624e6_b.jpg)
...and these are the split 5 spoke wheels:
![](https://farm1.staticflickr.com/284/20310340791_a836f2e8b3_b.jpg)
HOWEVER, the finish on the split 5 spoke wheels are a satin/matte finish, and a darker grey, whereas the mesh spoke is a gunmetal and gloss coated. The split 5 spoke looks so much more sinister/aggressive, suggesting I NEED to add some color to make it less aggressive looking. I'm getting very mixed comments on whether I should add the edge trim or not...what do you think? I was thinking so it doesn't look to be too much, I would just do the edge trim, and keep the OEM black MINI center cap instead of the green ones. I put the edge trim on, but it's not firmly in place, which is why it doesn't look perfectly round...just did it to show what it would look like:
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3710/19683367823_bb457e1eb7_b.jpg)
So? What do you think? I think w/o the strip, it's too dull. Here's a pic of the car tonight, but it was getting dark, and it's a horrible pic, I'll take a better one tomorrow:
![](https://farm1.staticflickr.com/291/20311787921_dd290011a9_b.jpg)
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00TL-P3.2 (08-05-2015)
#205
Team Owner
The car looks like it is ready for the track.
#206
Moderator
Really like the split 5s & think the green trim ring sets them off nicely.
Seen a few of the new Minis around here, think they look great (5Door too). Though, they're not so 'Mini' anymore.
Seen a few of the new Minis around here, think they look great (5Door too). Though, they're not so 'Mini' anymore.
#207
Ex-OEM King
I'd leave it as is without the trim ring and keep the black center cap. I'm not a fan of the green colors on the wheels but that's just me.
If you must do something, I'd either get them refinished in gloss gunmetal or gloss silver to add some contrast.
What about getting one of the spokes trimmed in green?
If you must do something, I'd either get them refinished in gloss gunmetal or gloss silver to add some contrast.
What about getting one of the spokes trimmed in green?
#208
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I'd leave it as is without the trim ring and keep the black center cap. I'm not a fan of the green colors on the wheels but that's just me.
If you must do something, I'd either get them refinished in gloss gunmetal or gloss silver to add some contrast.
What about getting one of the spokes trimmed in green?
If you must do something, I'd either get them refinished in gloss gunmetal or gloss silver to add some contrast.
What about getting one of the spokes trimmed in green?
![Smile](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Better pics:
![](https://farm1.staticflickr.com/348/20134596108_56e009bdd4_b.jpg)
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3815/20296379126_cb76f7122c_b.jpg)
![](https://farm1.staticflickr.com/257/20134596448_dc8ae8561b_b.jpg)
#209
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
Damn that looks good
![Thumbs Up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
#210
seizure force field!
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Looks great without the green accents now. They might tie in better if you add the side and roof accents later.
I see you're running 205's... If only MINI would develop optional wider arches to fit more agressive wheels/tires. I've read it has become increasingly difficult to fit wide wheels under there. My 16x8's on 225/50/16 barely cleared the strut (mostly because the Bilstein has a cutout right where the tire is for added clearance), rubbed the inside of the arches off and just barely miss the bodywork behind the arch during full compression.
I see you're running 205's... If only MINI would develop optional wider arches to fit more agressive wheels/tires. I've read it has become increasingly difficult to fit wide wheels under there. My 16x8's on 225/50/16 barely cleared the strut (mostly because the Bilstein has a cutout right where the tire is for added clearance), rubbed the inside of the arches off and just barely miss the bodywork behind the arch during full compression.
Last edited by v6cord2k5; 08-05-2015 at 03:16 PM.
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Shoofin (08-05-2015)
#211
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Looks great without the green accents now. They might tie in better if you add the side and roof accents later.
I see you're running 205's... If only MINI would develop optional wider arches to fit more agressive wheels/tires. I've read it has become increasingly difficult to fit wide wheels under there. My 16x8's on 225/50/16 barely cleared the strut (mostly because the Bilstein has a cutout right where the tire is for added clearance), rubbed the inside of the arches off and just barely miss the bodywork behind the arch during full compression.
I see you're running 205's... If only MINI would develop optional wider arches to fit more agressive wheels/tires. I've read it has become increasingly difficult to fit wide wheels under there. My 16x8's on 225/50/16 barely cleared the strut (mostly because the Bilstein has a cutout right where the tire is for added clearance), rubbed the inside of the arches off and just barely miss the bodywork behind the arch during full compression.
As for tire sizing, I always prefer to stick to suggested/recommended sizes. The last time I tried to get daring, I was rubbing like a MF...so i'll take the safe way!
#212
seizure force field!
iTrader: (1)
You wasted no time getting that thing looking great. Will you be blacking out the beltline, fuel door and front grille surround as well?
Yeah, it was definitely a gamble.. but after seeing my friends car on 16's with similar specs I was convinced I wanted to run the small wheel and beefy tire look. I haven't seen any other MINI's run RPF1's in the 16" size, everyone goes for the 17's or Konig knockoffs since they are the closest to OEM spec. I got my alignment done on stock wheels so I was more than thrilled when the Enkei's bolted right up and cleared everything with my desired camber settings from the get-go.
Yeah, it was definitely a gamble.. but after seeing my friends car on 16's with similar specs I was convinced I wanted to run the small wheel and beefy tire look. I haven't seen any other MINI's run RPF1's in the 16" size, everyone goes for the 17's or Konig knockoffs since they are the closest to OEM spec. I got my alignment done on stock wheels so I was more than thrilled when the Enkei's bolted right up and cleared everything with my desired camber settings from the get-go.
#213
Moderator
^ I believe his fuel door & door handles are carbon now.
#216
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The lime green wheel trim isn't permanently on...I pulled it off the other wheel I decided not to use, it still has some stick to it, but not enough to be permanent on a wheel. What do you think? I think just the trim, not the center cap, will work well once the lime green vinyl stripe effects are added to the car. I also added the aero wing, finally got around to getting it painted, but didn't realize the end caps (see top left corner of rear window in 3/4 car shot) that cover the bolts are not the same from the stock to aero wing. I just got one today from MINI parts, should have the other side on Monday.
![](https://farm1.staticflickr.com/389/20372285432_368de08086_b.jpg)
![](https://farm1.staticflickr.com/389/20372285432_368de08086_b.jpg)
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3748/19758164494_0ca5793f41_b.jpg)
#217
Moderator
Like the wing, and think just the trim ring w/ stock center caps.
Looking great.
Looking great.
#218
Moderator
Wheel trim? ![No](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/no.gif)
Everything else?
![No](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/no.gif)
Everything else?
![Yes](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/yes.gif)
#220
Team Owner
you planning to paint those fenders?
#221
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![Teef](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/teef.gif)
![](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3821/20233816786_dafcde0836_b.jpg)
Last edited by Shoofin; 08-07-2015 at 05:03 PM.
#223
Team Owner
Mini changed the materials on those fenders from previous Gens? i don't remember they were hard to paint before.
#225
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Only on the R56...Not sure about the 2010+ R56, but I recall that the aero kit option gave you painted arches. I had the Aero kit on my Clubman, it had painted bumpers, but the arches were black plastic....and also not so easy to paint.
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Marcelechka (08-12-2015)
#229
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So apparently the BMW dealer never took my name off the M3 that I ordered...and BMW just pulled it out of the order bank, so my M3 is now in 112 status (On Order), I think it's going to jump into production in September...Anyone know people looking for an M3? It can still be modified....
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Marcelechka (08-12-2015)
#230
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Or you can try to find people to buy your Mini...
![:O](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/embarrassment.gif)
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RPhilMan1 (08-13-2015)
#231
Rawr.
That'll look neat; although, I would tint / smoke the orange & red reflectors.
How's the feel of the F56 against the R53? From the R56 on, they've gotten larger in size and less attractive in appearance. I'm curious as to what the GP3 will look like?
How's the feel of the F56 against the R53? From the R56 on, they've gotten larger in size and less attractive in appearance. I'm curious as to what the GP3 will look like?
#232
Ex-OEM King
So apparently the BMW dealer never took my name off the M3 that I ordered...and BMW just pulled it out of the order bank, so my M3 is now in 112 status (On Order), I think it's going to jump into production in September...Anyone know people looking for an M3? It can still be modified....
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JS + XES (08-12-2015)
#233
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Not interested in the M3 anymore...maybe next time around. I'm still butthurt by the disappointment ![Sad](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/sad.gif)
On a positive note, here's a few pics I just took....Got aero wing end caps on, as well as the JCW side scuttle/markers, and removed badging and relocated JCW badge to the correct side, finished with the (real) CF door handle and fuel door overlay. I have the front grille, just waiting for the striping to be done before removing everything there, no point in removing it to put it back only to remove again once they wrap the chrome in black.
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5678/20331909460_3a92a46f85_b.jpg)
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5831/19899086763_3c8b9abdc5_b.jpg)
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5768/20333285789_f7d319734d_b.jpg)
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5669/20526366871_19596fd723_b.jpg)
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5787/20331961118_23ca5b74da_b.jpg)
![Sad](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/sad.gif)
On a positive note, here's a few pics I just took....Got aero wing end caps on, as well as the JCW side scuttle/markers, and removed badging and relocated JCW badge to the correct side, finished with the (real) CF door handle and fuel door overlay. I have the front grille, just waiting for the striping to be done before removing everything there, no point in removing it to put it back only to remove again once they wrap the chrome in black.
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5678/20331909460_3a92a46f85_b.jpg)
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5831/19899086763_3c8b9abdc5_b.jpg)
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5768/20333285789_f7d319734d_b.jpg)
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5669/20526366871_19596fd723_b.jpg)
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5787/20331961118_23ca5b74da_b.jpg)
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5757/20336913359_266b237b40.jpg)
Last edited by Shoofin; 08-12-2015 at 05:41 PM.
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RPhilMan1 (08-13-2015)
#234
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#235
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Shoofin (08-12-2015)
#236
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I haven't driven an R53 in a long time, I remember liking it, but also telling myself how poor in quality it felt it was built. I had an R55, then R60, and now this. The quality of the R is crap compared to the F. Like night and day difference. Sure it's bigger, but it's better made (in my opinion), quieter, faster, and (with stock suspension) offers a much more forgiving ride. I don't miss the R60 at all. I would compare it to the "love" I had for the R55. As for the look, I agree, but like most things you don't like at first, the look grows on you. The one thing I never loved about the F56 is the long front overhang, and the fact that they made the hood so much longer/horizontal than the R5X, but understandably for UK pedestrian safety standards, and to fit the larger 2.0T engine...
Last edited by Shoofin; 08-12-2015 at 05:33 PM.
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Marcelechka (08-13-2015)
#237
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![Ponder](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/ponder.gif)
#238
I drive a Subata.
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Looks great in those pictures!
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ttribe (08-13-2015)
#240
I drive a Subata.
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![pofl](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/pofl.gif)