thx

 

The minimum wheel diameter for the '07 and up hardtop MINIs is 16". However, it is unlikely you will find steel wheels in 16" or 17" unless they are more common in Canada then they are in the US.

In terms of tires Blizzaks are generally well regarded.

 

Go to Tirerack.com and get 16" tires and cheap wheels. Research Performance Snow tires and Studless Snow tires and decide what you think will suit your needs best. I would recommend either Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60 (what I currently have on my MCS) or the Dunlop SP Winter Sports (used these on my mkv GTI) in the performance snow category. Both are excellent winter tires.

 

I second the Tirerack. A set of 16" Blizzaks with mags (not steel wheels) and TPMS should be approx $1K before shipping.