This morning I re-read your post from October 2nd on this page, and with my moonwalk grey, black roof and mirrors preference, I agree with you about liking how the roulette tie in the black colors nicely. I’m about 80% roulette now.
I'd also agree that the black Cosmo wheels tie in with the black roof and look great. The Cosmos give the Mini a slightly more aggressive stance, imho. They can also look great on a black-on-black Mini as shown below:
Because in the US Power Spoke wheels are available only with the top, Iconic trim level, I would guess there are owners of lower trim-level SEs who would jump at the chance to get some slightly used Power Spoke wheels. A customer of my ex-MINI dealer ordered a set to put on his Signature Plus trim MINI Cooper SE, so I know those people exist. I love my Power Spoke wheels, but live in fear of curbing them because that Energetic Yellow stripe will be nigh impossible to repair. Then there's the possible hassle if that special tool required to balance them is really necessary (see photo my earlier post above). Be sure to report what the tire of the week was on the day they put the Power Spoke wheels on your SE. We've seen 17" Hankooks, Goodyears, and Pirellis so far and I don't believe any of the tires they've delivered are readily available in the US (so stay away from killer potholes).
I agree with what you said about people wanting the power spoke wheels. The whole reason I had them in my build in the first place is that my husband and two kids wanted them—they liked the look and thought it was cool that they were unique to that specific car. Ironically, one of my main causes for concern is also related to my husband. He has (and he admits) a horrible propensity to curb vehicles—almost always on the passenger rear tire. I will be driving it most, but not exclusively. My plan at this point is to take delivery with the power spoke wheels and live with them for a few weeks (carefully, ha ha!). I love everything else about the build on my vehicle, so wouldn’t want to trade. At least the wheels are something I can change if I decide that’s really important to me. At the end of the day tho, they’re just wheels. I’m super excited to be getting the car and I’m sure I will love it!!!
Solving the Mystery of the Power Spoke Wheel Balancing Tool In preparation for winter today, I removed the Power Spoke wheels from my MINI Cooper SE, replacing them with some slightly used Loop Spoke wheels. For weight-of-wheels aficionados, my cheap bathroom scale said a 17" Power Spoke with a Hankook Ventus S1 EVO3 tire weighs 38 pounds and a 16" Loop Spoke with a Hankook Ventus S1 EVO2 HRS tire weighs 36 pounds. In our last episode of "Balancing the Power Spoke Wheel" we saw the strange piece of plastic that MINI created to accomplish this task. It says something that the designers persuaded MINI their asymmetrical wheel was so wonderful that it was worth all the trouble of making a special tool to balance it. And worth all the trouble owners might experience if their tire store didn't have this device. Of course, MINI assumes all MINI owners go to their dealer for all their service needs. Here is a Power Spoke wheel with the asymmetrical wheel cover removed using the special wire hook that comes in the Puncture Repair Kit of Iconic-trim SE's that were ordered with the Power Spoke wheels. The wheel cover clips into the center hole and the round hole on the right. When I looked at the reverse side of the wheel cover, I discovered a sticker. It was obscured by brake-pad dust, but I wiped it off and it revealed that the balancing tool is nothing more than a weight that clips into the right hole. Evidently, it simulates the off-center weight of the asymmetrical wheel cover, making it possible to balance the wheel without the wheel cover being in place. Note that the sticker's third step is to remove the tool after balancing is complete. I wonder why the tool/weight is shaped the way it is? How many of these tools did MINI make to satisfy world-wide demand? How much does this piece of plastic cost? I'll have to call my MINI dealer. Is my Iconic MINI Cooper SE complete without having one? Does it come in both green and orange? Do I need one of each color? It's so hard being the custodian of Power Spoke wheels!
I plan to get the 16 loop wheels for their lighter weight, better ride, because I like their appearance, and because the step up to plus trim is a leap. I'll have them powder coated black on a moonwalk grey se with black roof and yellow caps. Also plan to do the s grill modification with a energetic yellow accent color.
That balancing weight (I don't think of it as an actual tool) looks like something one could make themselves with a 3D printer, just need someone to post a design file on Thingiverse. What does it weigh, maybe 12 ounces? I think it's
I'd be surprised if it isn't a 3D print-out. It has that look. I agree it should be easy to duplicate--once you know its weight. I'm not sure if they will sell it to non-dealers.
