Consider big rims to be consumable items. As such, only high volume OEM rims are remotely practical because even twenty years from now you'll still be able to procure single used copies. Car and Driver managed to dent three of their test M3's rims in the moonscape that is Ann Arbor though, so small rims are certainly less hassle where roads are bad.

The general rule is: high tire pressure=more protection for the rim but higher chance of tire blowout on impact.

 

"i keep at least 50 profile unless the tires are 225+ width."

I completely agree - that's my experience with real roads also. 17-18" wheels are for auto shows and smooth track racing - pure wanna-be bling otherwise, and suitable only for those who pretend to live in "The Fast and The Furious". One of the most bogus auto movies of all time...

 

yeh, i think you need to be 40psi+ cold to be able to blow out a
performance tire on impact unless it was a pot hole or going over
something big.

hahaha "moonscape"

 

NAaaaaAAWWS!!! (Fast&Furious NOS)

the MCS feels very good with 205/50/16's.

 

I've got 39,000 plus miles on 17" BBS RGRs. I bent one rim hitting a huge pothole at...well, use your imagination. 37psi cold. The pothole looked like a crater. It resides at the intersection of the Taconic Pkwy and Interstate 84 in NY.

It's huge Other than that one, Ive hit some pretty good sized potholes without problems...as I knock on wood...