[doggy]

Thinking of ditching the runflats as many owners believe this improves the ride/handling balance.
Spotted an E46 space saver for sale - is this likely to fit? (115/90R16)
Currently running 225/45ZR17 Dunlops

[therealdb1]

Probably it is only temporary but most people don't bother they just rely on a can of gunk and a mini compressor carried around in the boot or their breakdown service.

Unless you regularly drive past a nail factory, punctures that are so bad you cannot get to the next place of assistance are relatively rare so only create an inconvenience now and again.

BTW. Once you have switched tyres you will never use run flats again.

[doggy]

Thanks for the info. I'll chew it over.

[P14kle]

Dont think the 16" space saver will fit on the front of a 330/335 due to the bigger size brakes..??

I have a 320d and have got an e46 spare in boot and it fits over my brakes, but as I said... Im sure the 330/335 run larger size discs and calipers on front..

[pmorg4]

It's very unlikely that the 16" space saver will fit over your brakes. I have a 17" space saver from an E46 (which was designed for the E46 330i having similar sized brakes to the E90 330i) which I keep in the boot. They are much rarer though so are harder to find and cost a bit more than the 16" version.

I also have the BMW mobility kit in my boot (tyre goo and a compressor) but there are plenty of instances where it's not a suitable solution so the space saver is a backup. I also have a full size alloy wheel that I will take with me if I'm doing a long journey and don't need the boot space. I don't want to be stranded 400 miles from home when there are no tyre shops open faced with the choice of either hoping against hope with tyre goo or trying to make it home on a space saver. I appreciate that recovery is always an option but I'd rather avoid that if at all possible.

[doggy]

Many thanks both for pointing out the issue with a 16" space saver not clearing the brakes. I did spot one ad for a 115/95R17, I'll try to find it again.

[Rich_D]

You'll need at least a 17" spacesaver to clear the front brakes on a 330i, I know for a fact.

I have a 17" spacesaver from an E60 for my E90 330d, it's a slightly wider tyre and has a better offset than the E46 spacesaver, but the E46 one does fit.

The E60 is a 135/80 R17 IS18, the E46 is 125/80 R17 IS30, so 12mm more clearance on the E60 wheel due to the offset.

They're available on eBay, but some people charge silly money.

[0l0dom0l0]

I have a 17 inch from an E60 as well. It sits in the boot and to be honest is a pain in the arse. I only drive around town and it constantly get in the way.

Should take it out and use it for long journeys only really.

[doggy]

Thanks again. I see what you mean about price - not forund one under £100 so far, but it's not super urgent so I'll keep my eyes peeled for now.

[Rich_D]

Seen some nasty old rusty ones fetching silly money!

Just setup a saved search on eBay and keep watching, I got mine off a private seller in an auction for £60 and it's like new.

[doggy]

Good suggestion, I've set it up thanks.

[doggy]

Eventually took the plunge, bought a 17" wheel with a 125/80R17 tyre in pretty much unused condition, thinking I'd done OK........

Went to use it today and it doesn't clear the front brakes. I've belatedly learned how to read the offset - this is an IS 30 and I guess needs to be IS 18 as Rich_D stated above.

My mistake. Would you look for another wheel or consider using a spacer given the temporary nature of a space saver spare?

[Rich_D]

Originally Posted by doggy

Eventually took the plunge, bought a 17" wheel with a 125/80R17 tyre in pretty much unused condition, thinking I'd done OK........

Went to use it today and it doesn't clear the front brakes. I've belatedly learned how to read the offset - this is an IS 30 and I guess needs to be IS 18 as Rich_D stated above.

My mistake. Would you look for another wheel or consider using a spacer given the temporary nature of a space saver spare?

Yeah, you found out the hard way that you need more offset.

I'd just get a hubcentric spacer for temporary use with a spacesaver, people use spacers long term with no issues so it will be fine.

[doggy]

Many thanks for confirming, spacers here tomorrow hopefully.

[Rich_D]

What size spacer(s) did you order?

[doggy]

10mm thick, 5 x 120 PCD 76.2 bore

(the space between the inner face of wheel and hub was about 6mm when I tried fitting it so 10mm should be adequate clearance)

[POBEP]

I recently got OEM 17" spare for my E90 335d.
This discussion prompt me to try in on.

My spare barely cleared front stock 348mm rotors/calipers.
But it fits and spins

[Rich_D]

Originally Posted by POBEP

I recently got OEM 17" spare for my E90 335d.
This discussion prompt me to try in on.

My spare barely cleared front stock 348mm rotors/calipers.
But it fits and spins

Yeah that's the same one I have

[Tambohamilton]

You just keeping it taking up space in the boot? There's not a different plastic bit for under the floor of the boot or something?

[Rich_D]

Originally Posted by Tambohamilton

You just keeping it taking up space in the boot? There's not a different plastic bit for under the floor of the boot or something?

It won't fit under the boot floor, I looked on realoem and there's no replacement insert for a spare.

They do zip up bags with velcro to store the wheel in and stop it sliding around, I keep mine in all the time and it doesn't take much space TBH

[Tambohamilton]

Genuine kits aren't *that* expensive...
https://shop.parks.uk.com/products/b...are-wheel-tyre
I'm slightly surprised. Still not buying it though

[Rich_D]

That's actually not silly money, surprisingly