[m@rk]

With all the talk of changing run flats for non run flats, the idea of a space saver has been raised a few times.

But there is something that bothers me so hopefully somebody can answer my question.

As I understand it a space saver is special for a number of reasons.

1. It is thin so takes up less space
2. Is it light in weight thus being easier to change.
3. The tyre has a special compound that does not deteriorate over time like a normal tyre and can therefore spend years lying in the boot unused and still be fine when it is needed.

I can also accept the speed limit that comes with such a wheel.

But why the range limit?

On all the space saver wheels I have seen, you are told not to drive for more than 50 miles and not exceed 50 mph. But why 50 miles?

Is the tyre bald after this?

In which case by the time I get to the tyre fitter I will need to buy a new main tyre AND a new space saver tyre

Or is it a heat issue in which case, if I let the tyre cool down, could I drive another 50 miles at 50mph?

Or is there another reason why these wheels have a 50 miles limit?

[Jon D]

I have owned 40+ cars and driven many more, but nothing has come close to my E92 330d M Sport on 19" RFT's. Yes, it crashes over the most minor road imperfection, but it handles corners with imperceptible body roll and consummate ease; that's what puts the smile on your face.
Notwithstanding the interminable tyre debate, I'm happily sticking with my car as per the factory set-up.
Oh, I nearly forgot - I get to keep all sorts of stuff in the well where the spare wheel would go.

[doughboy]

Originally Posted by m@rk

But why the range limit?

On all the space saver wheels I have seen, you are told not to drive for more than 50 miles and not exceed 50 mph. But why 50 miles?

My BMW space saver doesn't have a distance limit? just 80kph/50mph speed limit. Is is also not a special compound that lasts for year, spares have never been like that? They perished just like normal tyres and have to be replaced in time, used or not.

There is no reason why you should not do more than 50 miles on it other than an advisory limit to try and get your to fix your other tyre pronto. You can do 200miles on a flat runflat for petes sake!

But as there is no wheel well, you have to keep it in the boot, just lying there. Not a problem unless you need the extra 3 inches of height on some occassion.

Originally Posted by Jon D

Oh, I nearly forgot - I get to keep all sorts of stuff in the well where the spare wheel would go.

What wheel well? You couldn't fit a kiddys pushbike wheel in the limited space under the boot floor?

[m@rk]

Thanks doughboy

Many SS tyres state in the documentation that they are limited to 50mph (80kph) and should not be driven for more than 50 miles. Hence my question was why 50 miles.

I have now had my question answered.

It is not a technical limit. It is a legal one with safety implications.

A number of tests have shown that the handling and braking capacity of a vehicle with a SS tyre on is significantly reduced hence the stipulation that it can only be used as a temporary solution to get you out of trouble.

Also

In the UK it is illegal to run on mismatched tyres. Again the argument is that it is a temporary fix to get you out of trouble. According to the RAC website however. in some European countries however they do mandate an 80km limit.

So in theory you could drive for hundreds of miles on a SS wheel. There is a risk that the drive train would not be happy about it but that is very much car dependant (e.g. on a 4x4). There is also a risk that if you had to undertake an emergency manoeuvre, you would come unstuck. The law however simply does not allow for it.

Thanks

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by doughboy

What wheel well? You couldn't fit a kiddys pushbike wheel in the limited space under the boot floor?

The wheel well that's approximately the same size as a spare wheel - I'm not aware of any others and I didn't mention bicycles. I find it handy for storing odds and ends and it prevents them from sliding around in the boot.

[xenon]

Perhaps the e91 doesn't have a well, DB??

The e92 certainly does.

[creepy coupe]

Originally Posted by xenon

Perhaps the e91 doesn't have a well, DB??

The e92 certainly does.

I think it depends on your exhaust arrangment, because mine does, but it's nowhere near a big as the 320d E92

[m@rk]

Originally Posted by xenon

Perhaps the e91 doesn't have a well, DB??

The e92 certainly does.

Amazing.

They can't make room in the Tourer for a spare but can somehow make space in the Coupe

[xenon]

As CC says - the exhaust probably affects it. If you have the twin 335i/d setup then perhaps the well is reduced although it would be odd if the shell were different for different engine models, unless the boot floor is a separate component.

[greatbm]

Originally Posted by m@rk

Amazing.

They can't make room in the Tourer for a spare but can somehow make space in the Coupe

Non in a E93 also, roof motor takes up the space.

[creepy coupe]

Originally Posted by xenon

As CC says - the exhaust probably affects it. If you have the twin 335i/d setup then perhaps the well is reduced although it would be odd if the shell were different for different engine models, unless the boot floor is a separate component.

Just looked on real OEM and they share the same body parts, so it must just be the foam insert thingy that changes.

Which begs the question, why the difference?

[HighlandPete]

If anyone has a 'wheel' well in a 3-series that accepts a space saver, can I please buy it off you...? I'll fit it to my car which doesn't have one.

I've certainly looked, had all the gubbins out, measured, even looked to make some body alterations, but impossible to get the dimensions for a spsce saver.

HighlandPete

[creepy coupe]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

If anyone has a 'wheel' well in a 3-series that accepts a space saver, can I please buy it off you...? I'll fit it to my car which doesn't have one.

I've certainly looked, had all the gubbins out, measured, even looked to make some body alterations, but impossible to get the dimensions for a spsce saver.

HighlandPete

I have aone on order from my dealer, it has to come from Germany, when it's here I'll let you know.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by creepy coupe

I have aone on order from my dealer, it has to come from Germany, when it's here I'll let you know.

Is it too late to place a second order? We may get a discount, if they are sent together.

HighlandPete

[m@rk]

Originally Posted by creepy coupe

I have aone on order from my dealer, it has to come from Germany, when it's here I'll let you know.

I am sure there are a LOT of people who would be interested in this.

Do you have a part number or something? Any idea on price?

[creepy coupe]

Originally Posted by m@rk

I am sure there are a LOT of people who would be interested in this.

Do you have a part number or something? Any idea on price?

I don't have the part number to hand, but can find out, my dealer messed up and just order the wheel, so I'm awaiting the tyre before I collect.

The problem is they quoted £100 for the wheel and tyre, so now we're in discussion over who's going to pay for the tyre.

[m@rk]

Originally Posted by creepy coupe

I don't have the part number to hand, but can find out, my dealer messed up and just order the wheel, so I'm awaiting the tyre before I collect.

The problem is they quoted £100 for the wheel and tyre, so now we're in discussion over who's going to pay for the tyre.

I think we are at cross purposes here.

What you have on order is the spare wheel isn't it? Not the insert wheel well to go in the boot!

[creepy coupe]

Originally Posted by m@rk

I think we are at cross purposes here.

What you have on order is the spare wheel isn't it? Not the insert wheel well to go in the boot!

Yes sorry we are.

[HighlandPete]

Oooops! We are going in different ways here.

I was writing, tongue in cheek... BMW supplying 'wheel wells' that allow an 'underfloor' Space Saver fit.... I'll have one tomorrow. Biggest failing in the 3-series, is NO wheel well.

The new F10/11 5-series doesn't have one either, a backwards step, IMO, from the E60/1, which does have physical room for a space saver.

HighlandPete

[doughboy]

There is no way in any 3er that you can fit a wheel with the right rolling diameter under the boot floor.

E60 5ers have a proper wheel well because they are available with a spare as a cost option, 3ers are not.

Even in the E92 it has a kind of circular hole, but it is not big enough to fit that diameter wheel.

The E90 330i I had had a similar 'hole' but again even with the liner and gubbins removed still not big enough for a spare (diameter not depth wise)

The 335i/d models have a different boot floor 'insert' smaller recess fitted between the two silencers, just look under your car and see the acres of flat heatshield!, this is also accompanied by 40 litres less boot space in the spec of any 335i/d - which I only noticed after buying the car!

[Hotcoupe]

Originally Posted by creepy coupe

I don't have the part number to hand, but can find out, my dealer messed up and just order the wheel, so I'm awaiting the tyre before I collect.

The problem is they quoted £100 for the wheel and tyre, so now we're in discussion over who's going to pay for the tyre.

Originally Posted by m@rk

I think we are at cross purposes here.

What you have on order is the spare wheel isn't it? Not the insert wheel well to go in the boot!

Originally Posted by creepy coupe

Yes sorry we are.

Del what exactly have you ordered?

Is it a spacesaver wheel and tyre, if so is it a 19" spacesaver?

[xenon]

Originally Posted by Hotcoupe

Del what exactly have you ordered?

Is it a spacesaver wheel and tyre, if so is it a 19" spacesaver?

All spacesavers are on a 17" rim I think.