Ordered without spare tire regrets..

jamesr219 · #1 12-22-2009, 01:08 PM

Hello,

I haven't had a flat, but I am kind of mad I didn't get a spare tire. I don't have 3rd row seats and it just kind of scares me to be without a spare time. Can the parts be ordered to put a full size spare under the floor?

Anyone done this or have details? I just have the fear of being stuck in some small town needing to purchase a tire after run flat gives up.

-jr

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cmyX6go · #2 12-22-2009, 01:19 PM

I took my 2008 off the lot, it had the third row and runflats, so no spare. I had it two years without issues. I was nervous too.

I did however get the space saver spare on my 2010. I feel your pain.

e92law · #3 12-22-2009, 01:23 PM

Just buy a can of tire sealant and keep it in the trunk. I plan to do the same. How long would you really drive on the spare? Save the pain of changing a tire in the middle of nowhere and just use a can of sealant to get you to a tire shop for repair/replacement.

ABMW · #4 12-22-2009, 01:33 PM

Jr,

Doubtful you'll ever be 150 miles from a major metropolitan location. Contrary to popular misbelief, run flat tires can be patched.

Personally, I usually end up buying a new tire and use only patched tires in as a temporary solution. But, if you were in a small town, you have several choices.

A) Drive to a larger metropolitan area on the runflat tire. I know people who have gotten 150 to 200 miles with no issues, as long as your speed is kept in check.
B) Have the tire patched and then replace it, or use the patch for the life of the tire as many have.
C) Call BMW Assist via the SOS button and explain you're unable to find a tire for your car, and they'll assist.

Lastly, some of the best service I've ever received has been from small town garages, when when I've been in cars that have suffered meltdowns or ill timed failures. Keep in mind that small town service does not equate to unethical service.

Relax and enjoy your new ride or order the spare, if it's really bothering you.

X5 Meister · #5 12-22-2009, 02:41 PM

You can still retrofit it. There is an SIB on the topic.

jamesr219 · #6 12-23-2009, 12:35 AM

Thanks for your replies. You are likely right. How long would I really drive on a non-full sized spare. Likely right to the tire shop.

Thanks for keeping me in check.

ard · #7 12-23-2009, 02:27 AM

What makes everyone so sure that a tire store at "a major metropolitan area" will have THE tire you need?!?!?

If you are traveling, odds are you will waste a few $hundred on a temporary tire... or worse 4 matching tires... or you will need to wait a few days for the special order to arrive.

I too regret not ordering a spare.

A

E61Silver · #8 12-23-2009, 06:35 AM

I find that if you keep the tires inflated properly the chance of a flat that is total failure is low.

autoque · #9 12-23-2009, 06:53 AM

If it's not a full-size spare, you shouldn't go far with the temporary spare any more than the run-flat flat tire can. So the spare is just a weight penalty IMO.

jamesr219 · #10 12-23-2009, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by autoque

If it's not a full-size spare, you shouldn't go far with the temporary spare any more than the run-flat flat tire can. So the spare is just a weight penalty IMO.

I think that is the key point. The donut spare is really no better then a run flat with the added negative that you need to jack the car up and put it on.

I think the real problem is like the other poster said. Being stuck somewhere without the tire in stock. I think the best bet is a dealer which will likely stock them, but at high dollar dealer prices..

The problem comes with replacing the tires you need to go with run flats again which add cost or not go with run flats and then run the risk of being stuck without a spare...

-jr

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