16's versus 17's; big difference?
 

I'm looking into my options for snow tires for my new R56, and was thinking of getting a tire/wheel package. I know, it's early, but when my supermoto sells, I'll have cash burning a hole in my pocket!
Is there a big difference between 16's and 17's? The car has 16's on it now, and I really like the wheels, so I'd like to keep them away from the salt.
The car is going to stay stock for a couple years while I'm still in school, then the wife is getting a Mini Roadster and I'm keeping this one to play with.
Should I put the snows on my stock rims, and get a set of 17's with good summer tires on them next year instead?
Any thoughts?
And what about TPMS? If I get wheels without sensors, will the dash light stay on? It didn't when I put new wheels on my Tundra, but I'm not sure about Minis....

Unfortunately, the dash light will stay on. It won't hurt anything but you might be annoyed by it ?

Hard to help with wheels and tires, I have 17's on mine but I only drive it in the summer. good luck.

On my Gen1 it came with 15's. I moved up to 16's because of how it made the car look. It rode nicer, but I think that is also because the 16's were a better tire.

On my Gen 2 I have both 17's all season, and 18's summer. The car is lowered and has koni yellows. I think the 17's ride more comfortably.

Good luck

16" for the snow is the only way to go. Much better bite than the wider 17". Plus the taller sidewall helps with the ride and will save the car and rim from damage from those winter potholes. I went with 16" Bridgestone runflats on the stock rims and loved them. Ran quiet and the ride was good. With RFTs I won't have to change a flat in a snow storm. I use the Mini for going skiing so I want a good setup that would get me home at the end of the day. This worked. You can get stock 16" wheels on NAM for little money and they are stronger than the aftermarket wheels.

Thank you guys :thumbsup: