16" vs 17" factory RIMS

I tried searching for this but.....

I am torn between which factory RIMS I should go with. I have 15" (type 53) and looking at the 16" (type 45) or 17" (type 44). I know my handling will improve with an upgrade but will the ride suffer if I go with the 17's. Will the 16" ride be comparrable to 17's on a straight NYC road. I know cornering is a different story.

The other day someone park a Black 3.30 in front of my house with type 44's on. I must say they were beautiful. I would like to autocross in the local chapter (some day) but that will be once a month for a few months so I need your opinion on this topic. My concern is the harshness of the ride between 16's and 17's. Thanks.

i went from 16" style 54 to 17" bbs. the ride was a bit rougher but not tiresome or annoying at all. go with 17".

You gotta find a way to test drive one of each, if at all possible.

I drove E46 325i's with 17" and 16" wheels. I couldn't stand the 17" wheels -- I found them harsh and bumpy. Most people seem to like them though.

The ride will also depend on the suspension that you have on and if you're running 15" then you are probably on normal and not sports suspension.

You can try and test drive a 330 at you local dealer, it somes with 17" standard because of the larger brakes.

I love(d) my Type 44's and I would recommend them to everybody who wants to do something good for their car, but don't want to go 18" or 19".