My 20 inch Mini Spare solution

With a few road trips coming up, I am not comfortable traveling with no spare tire. I am running non-run flat tires, and the possibility of finding a 20 tire on the road is not very good. The Mini Spare is the same height as my full size 20 inch tire. Add a BMW jack kit, and drop it in the rear storage area. I will use a ratchet strap to secure the assembly.
A big thank you to Vince at BimmerZone. I was speaking with him last week about this set-up. He noticed I only lived 30 miles from his shop. He asked if I wanted to stop over so he could check the fit. He met me there on a Sunday morning, installed the Mini Spare, and checked for the proper fit. Thanks again Vince!!
This application should also work with the F10 crowd. The tire does not take up much room at all.

Thanks Lars-GT for the mention

This spare tire setup that we used was the one for the E60 M5, because of the taller tire (vs. the regular F10).

For those GT owners (F07) who will need one, we will set up a page specifically for this tire. (the only problem is at this very moment the tire is out of stock, hard to find). Once we get more in, I will let everyone know.


THanks again Lars-GT!

Originally Posted by bimmerzone

Thanks Lars-GT for the mention

This spare tire setup that we used was the one for the E60 M5, because of the taller tire (vs. the regular F10).

For those GT owners (F07) who will need one, we will set up a page specifically for this tire. (the only problem is at this very moment the tire is out of stock, hard to find). Once we get more in, I will let everyone know.


THanks again Lars-GT!

What about a 19 inch version? Would it work for RWD sport GT (with staggered tires)? I'm ditching the run flats and like this idea for trips.

TIA
DLM

Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Bimmer App

If the wheel is designed for a BMW GT, it does NOT matter what diameter rim it is! The OD of the tire is the same, which is why you can swap from 18-19-20-21-22" wheels on the car and have your speedometer and odometer all work properly and the gear ratios stay the same. If you heed the TPMS warning, and have a small compressor, keeping the pressure up and not actually letting it fall too far (may take stopping periodically) the RFT can be repaired if it is repairable at all, and doesn't or at least shouldn't need to be replaced. It is only if you let it actually get to zero pressure (or probably less than say 20psi) for long or the location of the puncture is outside the tread area that you can trash the structure and it must be replaced.

If you heed the instructions, neither the RFT when flat or the temporary spare should be run for very long, or at higher speeds, so the inconvenience could be severe on a long trip. Most of the temporary spares limit top speed to about the same as the RFT instructions, and shouldn't be driven very far, either.

dmunz-I think the next size smaller tire will work for your car. I am also RWD sport package (but with 20 inch tires). I would check with Vince at Bimmerzone to be sure.

jadnashuanh-Per runflat instructions, once you drive on the tire, it needs to be replaced. I know quite a few people who have driven an impressive distance on a mini spare. I am aware of the factory recommendations (and I am not telling anybody to do this), but you can get further than you think with a mini. Your speed definitely will be dramatically reduced. This is for emergency purpose only.

The key thing you said is if it is actually run flat...having a slow leak that you stop and periodically refill is not the same thing. Since it is often impossible to detect internal structural failures from actually running it flat, most all will not patch them. Depending on the tire that you have, some DO allow it to be repaired IF it was only a slow leak that you kept refilling, but not if you actually run it flat. If you refilled as soon as the warning came on, you should be okay. Now, whether the tire shop will do it or not is another question altogether.

I've seen people pass me on the interstate running a compact spare, but they're just plain stupid! They are not designed for higher speeds and they are damaged by the heat. Because of their size, they are under a much greater load than the stock tire/wheel and the vehicle dynamics are crappy when installed...it's a tribute to their over-engineering that they don't fail when abused. Use wisely!

Yup, it does not matter if you have 19 or 20 in rims, the outer diameter remains the same. the spare rim itself is 18, but it does clear the calipers and brakes.

Originally Posted by jadnashuanh

If the wheel is designed for a BMW GT, it does NOT matter what diameter rim it is! The OD of the tire is the same, which is why you can swap from 18-19-20-21-22" wheels on the car and have your speedometer and odometer all work properly and the gear ratios stay the same.

Guys

We finally added this to the website, do take a look

http://www.bimmerzone.com/BMW_Perfor...F07GT-KIT.html

Thanks!

Vincent