E90 Spare Tire

rjc03001 · 08-06-2021, 07:57 PM

Hi, 2006 330xi here. I have read many posts regarding suitable spare tire methods to keep on the trunk and I am now more confused than before I started reading. I can either:

1. Buy an extra full size rim and mount a tire to it (my initial thought was to do this).

Important question: Are the rims on this car different sizes for the front and back and for the spare would it even matter? What size rims are compatible?

2. There is a spare kit that I believe is made for a 5 series that would fit. What is the exact part number to get if I were to go this route?

Fritzer · 08-10-2021, 10:49 AM

Two routes you can go with as a spare: full-size spare or space-saver spare.

A full-size spare would be an identical wheel and tire to what is mounted on the car. If you have a staggered setup(wider wheels in the back), you would want the full-size spare to be a front wheel.(18x8 instead of 18x8.5, for example) That way it will easily mount in the front or rear without issue. I don't believe any E90 came with a full-size spare, so it will take up a considerable amount of space in the trunk.

A space-saver spare(donut spare) is the small, narrow steel wheel that is much more compact to store under the trunk. This would have been the spare they provided when new in select models, or in the kit your are talking about. This tire will be speed and range limited due to it's small size. Call your local dealer's part department, and give them your car's VIN number and they will be able to give you the part number from the space-saver kit for the 330i.

Honestly, I've never ran with run-flats or with a spare, unless I go on a seriously long drive through the middle of nowhere. Then maybe I'll throw a full-size spare in the trunk just in case. But with you living up in the east coast with everything so much closer, I would just invest in a AAA membership. At most, a AAA membership and the space-saver kit. A lot less hassle.

mapleleaf1773 · 08-26-2021, 01:56 PM

I went with the full spare tire and used a tie-down strape to lift it up so the trunk space and the hidden compartment underneath is useable. It needs to be a tad tighter but works well, check it out.

PS - use a wheel choke wedge to hold it up so you can tighten the strap.

LoveSauceE90 · 09-24-2021, 04:42 AM

they make new spare tires now more similar to wheels than donuts. they're specifically for whichever model are can be driven up to 80mph I believe. $350-400 on Amazon with everything included and a sweet tote. hope this helps.

08-06-2021, 07:57 PM	#1
rjc03001 Enlisted Member 7 Rep 30 Posts Drives: 2006 330xi Join Date: May 2011 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	E90 Spare Tire Hi, 2006 330xi here. I have read many posts regarding suitable spare tire methods to keep on the trunk and I am now more confused than before I started reading. I can either: 1. Buy an extra full size rim and mount a tire to it (my initial thought was to do this). Important question: Are the rims on this car different sizes for the front and back and for the spare would it even matter? What size rims are compatible? 2. There is a spare kit that I believe is made for a 5 series that would fit. What is the exact part number to get if I were to go this route?
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08-10-2021, 10:49 AM	#2
Fritzer No one sleep in Tokyo 958 Rep 1,506 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 328i//1995 E34 530i Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: San Diego, California -> Austin, Texas iTrader: (3)	Two routes you can go with as a spare: full-size spare or space-saver spare. A full-size spare would be an identical wheel and tire to what is mounted on the car. If you have a staggered setup(wider wheels in the back), you would want the full-size spare to be a front wheel.(18x8 instead of 18x8.5, for example) That way it will easily mount in the front or rear without issue. I don't believe any E90 came with a full-size spare, so it will take up a considerable amount of space in the trunk. A space-saver spare(donut spare) is the small, narrow steel wheel that is much more compact to store under the trunk. This would have been the spare they provided when new in select models, or in the kit your are talking about. This tire will be speed and range limited due to it's small size. Call your local dealer's part department, and give them your car's VIN number and they will be able to give you the part number from the space-saver kit for the 330i. Honestly, I've never ran with run-flats or with a spare, unless I go on a seriously long drive through the middle of nowhere. Then maybe I'll throw a full-size spare in the trunk just in case. But with you living up in the east coast with everything so much closer, I would just invest in a AAA membership. At most, a AAA membership and the space-saver kit. A lot less hassle. __________________ 2011 E90 328i, 1995 E34 530i, 1992 E32 740i, 1991 E34 525i
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08-26-2021, 01:56 PM	#3
mapleleaf1773 First Lieutenant 423 Rep 411 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 328i XDrive Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: West Virginia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 328i XDrive [0.00]	I went with the full spare tire and used a tie-down strape to lift it up so the trunk space and the hidden compartment underneath is useable. It needs to be a tad tighter but works well, check it out. PS - use a wheel choke wedge to hold it up so you can tighten the strap. Attached Images
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09-24-2021, 04:42 AM	#4
LoveSauceE90 Spread the love. 3 Rep 12 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 328xi sedan Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Philadelphia, PA USA iTrader: (0)	"modern spare" they make new spare tires now more similar to wheels than donuts. they're specifically for whichever model are can be driven up to 80mph I believe. $350-400 on Amazon with everything included and a sweet tote. hope this helps. Attached Images
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