More Flare Than Your Average Mini: F56 Cooper S Featuring ARC-8 Wheels

Our customer Ajay (@ajaypjayaraj), reached out to us from the far reaches of India seeking fitment advice for his widebody F56 Mini Cooper S build. While we have featured R53 Mini Coopers in the past, the F56 generation is not something we have had a chance to work with until this point.

Ajay was dead-set on running 17” ARC-8 wheels to complete his unique Mini Cooper S project. With a plan to add custom fender flares to support a wider track, we worked with Ajay to ensure his new wheels would perfectly match his vision for a performance-focused fitment with an aggressive appearance.

The main challenge we faced when devising a plan for Ajay’s wheel and tire setup was the fact that the F56 Mini Cooper S utilizes a 5×112 bolt pattern. While 5×112 support is undoubtedly on our radar, Ajay had a goal in mind to finalize his build before the new year. In order to fit our current 5×120 wheels, an H&R hub adapter was going to be required. Knowing that the hub adapter spaced the wheels out another 20mm, we concluded that our 17×8.5” ET40 ARC-8 wheels finished in Hyper Black would be the best fit for the fender flare dimensions Ajay provided.

Upon receiving his new wheels, Ajay sent his Mini straight to a local performance shop to have a custom fender flare kit installed. After a few delays to ensure the highest quality work possible, Ajay’s Mini Cooper S emerged as everything he was hoping it would be.

Once Ajay had the opportunity to drive the car with the new setup, I asked him what his thoughts were. Ajay responded with the following:

“The absence of a tail with such a short chassis makes this car so nimble and fun to maneuver at any speed, then the sounds it makes, there’s a lot of drama which is a characteristic of Mini, altogether it’s a lot of fun and is addictive. There’s something about the Mini Cooper which could only be realized by experiencing it. I was never a Mini fan earlier, though I liked it among other cars. But once you experience it, it’s different… there’s this want that develops in you for it. It’s made for pure fun.”

If you happen to see a flash of yellow pass you by on a rural Indian mountain road, It might just be Ajay enjoying his Mini Cooper S to its fullest.

Wheel and tire setup:

APEX 17×8.5” ET40 ARC-8 Flow Formed Wheels in Hyper Black (https://www.apexraceparts.com/wheels/arc-8-wheels/17x8-5-et40-apex-arc-8-wheel.html) 225/45-17 Michelin PS4S tires H&R 5×112 to 5×120 Hub Adapters

Modifications:

Custom wider flared arch kit to accommodate wider track RK design Japan rear wing spoiler JCW aero kit with JCW pro front and rear splitters

KW coil overs Hardrace rear sway bar Front camber plates from Silver project Rear adjustable lower control arms from Silver Project

Remus valvetronic exhaust Forge oil cooler kit with Setrab cooler Aquamist water/meth system Burger tuning JB4

RECARO Sportster CS Performance edition sports seats Audison audio upgrade with DSP amp, drivers and subwoofer Defi gauges for boost, oil temp, oil press and exh temp Banks iDash 1.8 datamonster Giomic gauge pods for all Defi gauges Giomic & Cravenspeed sensor adapters Cravenspeed shift knob Cravenspeed flexpod gauge + phone mount Paddleshifters Aluminium paddles

Geirsen K.

Geirsen (pronounced “gear-sen”) has been a Product Expert at APEX Wheels for more than four years, specializing in VW/Audi and BMW wheel fitments. Prior to joining APEX, he worked for five years in various roles at a BMW dealership, including detailing, service, and BMW Genius. During this time he participated in multiple, corporate training classes in the technical and motorsport aspects of new BMW models. The first car he ever purchased, at the ripe old age of 17, was an E46 325i sedan. That car introduced him to the automotive enthusiast world and instilled a passion for driving that has continued to grow ever since. More recent rides include a Z4M coupe and a 2011 335i, both of which allowed him to further expand his driving skills at HPDEs. Fun Fact: After picking up a Tacoma in his home state of Washington, Geirsen now tows his boat to the river more often than he tows a car to the track.

Have questions about wheels for your VW/Audi, or BMW? Use our contact form and ask for Geirsen.