Alloy wheels were standard on all MGF and MG TF models from launch. Up to mid-1999 the MGF was offered with just two 15-inch designs, both 6-inch wide: a six-spoke wheel on the 1.8i and a five-spoke design on the VVC. Optional 16-inch wheels arrived with the Abingdon LE of 1998, a six-spoke design visually similar to the base 1.8i wheel. In spring 1999 the 75th Anniversary models introduced the Multispoke 16-inch design (a Minilite-look wheel that the name implies).
Shortly after, in September 1999 with the MY2000 model year facelift, the base 15-inch wheel changed to an eight-spoke Minilite-look design. A new six-spoke 16-inch wheel was introduced specifically for the new Steptronic model, visually similar to the Minilite-look 16-inch fitted to the VVC. The two VVC 16-inch options (the six-spoke Minilite-style and the Multispoke) remained available as options.
From 2001 the Trophy 160 introduced 195/45x16 tyres at the front while retaining the 215/40x16 rear tyres fitted to earlier 16-inch cars, giving the Trophy a staggered front/rear tyre specification for the first time. The Trophy 160 wheel itself was a new 11-spoke alloy design.
Factory Tyre Sizes
On a standard MGF or MG TF, 15-inch cars run 185/55×15 front and 205/50×15 rear. 16-inch cars, except Trophy 160 and TF 160, used 215/40×16 all round until 2001; from 2001, Trophy 160 cars used 195/45×16 front and 215/40×16 rear, which then became the standard MG TF 16-inch specification. Note the staggered rim widths at the two sizes: at 15 inches, both front and rear wheels are 6 inches wide; at 16 inches, both are 7 inches wide. This is distinct from the MG TF 85th Anniversary and post-2009 MG Motor TF V, which introduced properly staggered rim widths, 6.5 inches front, 7.5 inches rear, with the 2009 Twist of Pepper wheel that became standard equipment on the 2010 MY MG Motor TF.
Tyre Mixing Warning
Mixing tyre brands or models front-to-rear on an MGF or MG TF is a recipe for handling problems. This applies to all four corners: the cars' mid-engine weight distribution (approximately 45% front / 55% rear) makes them particularly sensitive to tyre compound mismatches. Same-size fitment applies at the 15-inch size (where fronts and rears are different sections but same brand/model), but even here, mixing can produce unpredictable negative reactions. Tyre sizes may differ by axle; tyre brand and model must match across all four corners.
These cars need specific stiffness tyres to stay safe on the road. After the 2005 collapse of MG Rover and the loss of factory tyre recommendations, the Falken ZE310 is the recommended tyre for both MGF and MG TF in their respective original standard sizes and appropriate pressures.
Brake Clearance Consideration
The Trophy 160 "big brake" upgrade and the larger brakes on the TF 160 mean that some earlier wheel designs do not clear the brake calipers, the MGF Trophy 160 SE wheels and the TF 160 wheels will fit over the big brakes, but most other 16-inch designs will not. None of the 85th Anniversary / 2010 MY / MG Motor TF V Twist of Pepper wheels will fit over the pre-2009 small brakes, except as a general accessory for owners upgrading their brake specification to match.
Four Child Pages
Alloy Wheels covers all catalogued alloy wheel designs, original MGF 15-inch (6-spoke 1.8i and 5-spoke VVC), MY2000-onwards base 15-inch (8-spoke Minilite), 16-inch options (Abingdon LE 6-spoke, 75th Anniversary Multispoke, Steptronic 6-spoke, Trophy 160 11-spoke), and the 85th Anniversary / 2010 MY Twist of Pepper wheel in its correct staggered 6.5"/7.5" specification. Also covers bolt-on wire wheel adapters as an aesthetic alternative. Tyres covers correct tyre specifications for both 15-inch and 16-inch applications, the Falken ZE310 recommended specification, speed ratings appropriate to each model, and the staggered front/rear sizing considerations. Wheel Nuts, Caps, Clamps & Tools covers wheel nuts (standard and locking), wheel centre caps, wheel security clamps, and the tools associated with wheel changing and locking-nut operation.
Upgrades & Alternatives covers aftermarket wheel options outside the factory range, wheel upgrade kits, and wheel-related performance accessories.