16 or 17 snows

one more question before I buy snows and wheels! For my new 2004 330 ci with sport suspension, premium and 18 inch wheels, I am considering buying 17" wheels/snow tires... but I have one question...I live in NY where we can get decent amounts of snow. In addition, we have lots of pot holes on the Long Island XPWY, GCP and several other roads I frequent. I am not a Mario Andretti type driver and I do not wish to worry about dented wheels, flats, etc. but I do want traction in snow and ice-which is more desireable: 16's or 17's? Please note my prior car was an all-wheel drive S4 and I live in a fairly hilly area. Thanks as I am planning to buy them tomorrow!

I'm from Long Island as well and I live in a hilly area (Melville)

The last couple of seasons I used BMW OEM type 79's (17 x 7) with a Contitouring All season tire 205/50/17 . . . this year I switched to type 44's which are a little wider (17 x8) and more aggressive looking but stayed with a Contitouring all season tire again though they are a little wider (225/45/17)

I figured I had absolutely zero problems with snow last year which was a crazy snow year so I am hoping that even though I went to a wider tire, I should be ok.

I really didn't want to go with a snow tire since I felt it wasn't needed plus I didn't want to give up THAT much performance.

If you want a really nice looking wheel that's not too expensive I think the Mille Miglia II-3 looks great and tirerack sells them. I came very close to getting them . . .

Here is a link to a fellow poster that has them

http://bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44790