What is a good size tire and wheel combination in the 16s?

I wanted to go with 17s but that looks like that isn't happening because I have read to many posts on bent rims and cracks in the rims.

I have decided to stay with 16s because I live in Jersey City, NJ (NYC) area and potholes and the roads suck.

The stock runflats are 195/55/16.

Can I go to a 205/55/16 for tires? What size 16s rims do I need?

I want a wider and a little more meat on my tire for the NYC roads.

I have a 2007 Pepper White MCSa Hatchback with Black Roof. I have Black Racing Stripes, JCW Grill Inserts, JCW CF Hood Scoop, JCW CF Mirror Caps, JCW CF Back Handle Lever, Black Mini Lites.

I want to get a Black Wheel with a Red Lip like Tenzo, Kyowa, or XXR Wheels.

 

I went with 205/55/16 Bridgestone RE960AS on my 04 MCS. It used to have 17's I went with 16 for the same reason you are considering. The ride is a lot different. Much much smoother. No tramlining, and tire noise is non existent. Of course I lost some handling do to the higher sidewalls but I feel it's a fair trade. It's a MINI after all, still goes like a go kart. The 55 series really fill the wheel well also. No rubbing though. I also don't scrape my driveway anymore when pulling in and out.
I am using X-Lites, 16x6.5

 

I am running 205/50-16 summer tires on 16" x 7" ET43 wheels. I actually like the way the 16" wheels look. I do intend on lowering the car later, and I think they will look even better when some of the wheel gap is gone. I may sell my 17" Crown Spokes and get some 16" wheels for winter.

 

I just went through the same decision process. I just ordered some 205/50 -16's to go on a set of 16" X-lites (16x6.5) rims. I drive NJ roads, but wanted a little less sidewall than the 55's. I know from riding my 15" snows this winter that they will be tons better than the 17' S-lites on the potholes.

 

How do you like the RE960? I put them on the 17" factory Crown Spokes. I put about 2000 miles on them before swapping out to summer tires on the 16" wheels. I am very impressed with the RE960. I found them quiet and thought they handled nicely.

 

I agree, very smooth and quiet. I had 17 Falken 512 and they were so noisy I couldn't here the exhaust. My wife commented that the engine was noiser after putting on the RE960's
Why they won't out handle a summer tire they do really good. Just have to learn to drive them.
I just put them on last week, so I can't comment about wear yet.

 

I'm leaning towards the 205/50/16 size. Keep it still looking low profile and easy on the ride.

Thank you all.