[Harmander]

So I'm thinking of switching to non-rft tires but I don't know what to do about a spare. Do I need to have a full size spare so x-drive won't get messed up or can I just get a donut tire. I'm guessing full size but that seems to be a bit of a hassle since it'll take up so much room in the trunk.

so what have you guys done about a spare in your xi's? (besides just having that repair kit thing).

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by Harmander

So I'm thinking of switching to non-rft tires but I don't know what to do about a spare. Do I need to have a full size spare so x-drive won't get messed up or can I just get a donut tire. I'm guessing full size but that seems to be a bit of a hassle since it'll take up so much room in the trunk.

so what have you guys done about a spare in your xi's? (besides just having that repair kit thing).

How often do you get tire punctures? And when you do, are they generally slow leaks which could be inflated with a 12v compressor?

Tom

[Harmander]

pretty much never. only problem I ever had was a nail in one of my rft's which wasn't bad at all since it didn't even cause any air leakage.

This is more of a precautionary thing so I'm wondering what other people do.

[Bavarian Tech]

I got a BMW Mobility kit, and AAA...

[Harmander]

I know most people just have the mobility kit and thats good enough but I'm wondering what I should do for having a spare if I want. Does it have to be the same size/diameter as the other ones since it's xi or what?

[fdriller9]

Doesn't the mobility kit come with that gunk stuff to "patch" a tire temporarily?

I've heard that stuff will damage TPMS sensors....although if it is an OEM kit, I'm sure BMW has come up with some alternative.

This is a very last resort option. You can keep a donut in the car and when you have to mount it in the event of a flat, you can disable your AWD system by pulling fuse 20 on N52s and 26 on N54s.

However pulling this fuse will disable DSC, DTC, EBD, ABS, the wheel angle sensor, the speedo, the gas gauge will fluctuate, and tons of shadow faults will be stored.

Also the wipers don't stop moving....you can't control the speed either.

I just use BMW Assist.

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by Harmander

pretty much never. only problem I ever had was a nail in one of my rft's which wasn't bad at all since it didn't even cause any air leakage.

That's why I carry a 12v compressor and plug kit - same as for my motorcycle which has neither RFT nor spare tire.

But if you have room for a spare and don't mind the expense, you might check this out:

http://www.bavauto.com/se1.asp?dept_id=323

Tom

[G-Man2011]

The spare tire kit is just as big as one of the take off stock wheels, just clean and secure one wheel. I'm always on highway and can't take a chance on repair kits. It all depends how much and where you drive, safety first!!!

[Slamaster1261]

To answer your question if the sparr has to be the same size as the regualar wheel. The answer is: the spare diameter has to be within 1% of the normal tires diameter. This is because of the xdrive or xi awd system could be damged if not within 1%. Idk how true this is because i havent tested it but its read everywhere ive looked.

[fdriller9]

You guys are aware that our cars don't come with a jack right? So you need to buy a jack too.

[sfhondapilot]

plug kit + compressor + space saver spare in the m3
space saver spare in the 335xi - and running on one plugged RFT.

[HellsBells]

Originally Posted by Tom K.

That's why I carry a 12v compressor and plug kit
Tom

+1

[robiii335xi]

Originally Posted by HellsBells

+1

If you live in NYC pothole central then you break tires instead of getting flats! a compressor is usless here.

[profanitypete]

Get the BMW Emergency Tire Kit from Tischer. It's listed for an E60, but it's the same diameter as our cars. Comes with the wheel, tire, jack, wheel block, and lug wrench for like ... 250-300 I think it was? Had a sidewall blowout (rendering a compressor/slime/patching in general useless) and have had this since just in case.

[cbcb]

I got one of these, does the trick.

http://www.bimmerzone.com/mm5/mercha...IM-SST-E90-KIT

Bimmerzone was very helpful by email, good place to buy from.

[AQ]

I switched to non rft.I got full size tire plus rim from tirerack.Oem jack from e-bay and lug wrecnh from walmart.You have to figure out how to secure it.Mind you it takes up lot of space in the trunk.

[GranTurismo]

the bmw emergency tire kit is one of the better options