[DrGadget]

I have just been down this path. The most knowledgable 1addict contributor is Dackelone, and I tossed things around with him before acting. He has a 17" steel winter wheel and an alloy space saver, but he favours the steel wheel for reasons he can elaborate on. I have a spare M Sport wheel I can use for those long trips ... but the space it takes up and the weight is daunting.

I bought a jack/lug wrench/torque wrench/gloves system through bmw_direct's eBay store. They are first class, but only deliver to the UK. So you either set up a shipping agent, (e.g., SKYPAX) or do as I did and pick up from a UK address. I also bought a Mobility Kit out of Amazon US from a US dealer given BMW Australia's policy to gouge us. For the latter I use SHIPITO as the US agent. Make sure you spend the USD2.00 to have photos taken and then they insure the goods and distribution ... worth it.

Lastly, as I still had one near new runflat, and the others were reasonable, I sold them on eBay. The buyer was very happy. I run Yokohama ADVAN Sports 225/255 and love them. It is like I bought a new car. And before you ask, I have found 43 psi all round to be the best option.

P.S. Never, but never use plugs. Ask your favourite tyre dealer how they finish a tyre off!!