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[Supracg135]

Im pumped to finally ditch the RF's - ordered Michelin Pilot SS tires for my 1 (on the performance 18" wheels). But Im too paranoid not to have a spare in my car at least for long distance drives.

I understand engine dynamics fine but if there is an area I am not well informed, its wheel and tire setups. I rarely drive long distance and if I do its never more than 4-5 hours. Any recommendations for size and model of spare tire?

Also for those of you who do have spares, are you just throwing it in the trunk or is there some equipment to stabilize it in there?

Cheers and thanks in advance!

[Dackelone]

I bought a winter steel wheel for a e46 330i - 7j x17
I then bought a cheap 205/50HR17 tire for my spare tire that I carry in my trunk. BMW sells a tool/jack kit for $150. Or just buy a cheap alloy wheel for a 1er and get a cheap tire for it. Hopefully you will never have to use it. But for me its peace of mind... when I sometimes travel thru two or three countries in one day.

[gregthegr8]

Originally Posted by Supracg135

Im pumped to finally ditch the RF's - ordered Michelin Pilot SS tires for my 1 (on the performance 18" wheels). But Im too paranoid not to have a spare in my car at least for long distance drives.

I understand engine dynamics fine but if there is an area I am not well informed, its wheel and tire setups. I rarely drive long distance and if I do its never more than 4-5 hours. Any recommendations for size and model of spare tire?

Also for those of you who do have spares, are you just throwing it in the trunk or is there some equipment to stabilize it in there?

Cheers and thanks in advance!

A couple of places sell a space saver spare kit, but it's like $400-500 which is insane. So, your best bet is to just buy a cheap rim, perhaps even a used 18" 1-series rim sold on the forum and slap a cheapo tire on there. That may run you about $100-150. That's what I did. I then bought the BMW trunk luggage mat thingy and a tire tote bag to keep things clean and tidy and kept it in the trunk for a few months. But, after finding out Michelin will tow you up to like 100 or 200 miles or something under their Michelin Plan, I now will only throw it in the back if I'm taking a long trip/drive.

[Eyeman]

I think I paid around $250 for my donut spare and cover from LeatherZ. You probably won't find one that cheap so you could also consider a regular wheel setup but of course it will take up more space and weigh more. I do not have a rear seat so I definitely have to strap my spare down properly. Once my mechanic did not when he was test driving my car and the spare flew forward when he braked too hard. I used a heavy duty adjustable strap that I hook into one of the metal hooks in the rear or the trunk and I also have a cargo net.

[ZIPNBYE]

http://www.bimmerzone.com/BMW_Perfor...82E88-KIT.html

[Olgeezer1]

Bit the bullet and bought a space saver from the dealer for about $350 Cdn. Cheap jack and tire bar from local auto parts store. Loose in the trunk but Covercraft car cover on top holds everything in place and still have room for groceries.

[prcsa77]

I purchased a jack and a 17" space-saver from a 5 series (?? year) a couple of years ago (Bavarian Auto Recycling, I think) these will clear the M sport brakes. It was less than $150 shipped.
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[Zombie1]

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E82-135...ire/ES2535349/

[corab]

To Olgeezer1: was your Canadian space saver spare wheel alunimum or steel

Thanks