Anyone have a full size 18-inch spare in X5?
 

I know some models (3.0 or 4.4) came with a full size spare, but think most spares are 17-inch. Did anyone's sport model come with an 18-inch spare (or larger?) If so, what is the width of the wheel and what is the tire size?

To my knowledge all 3.0 and 4.4 came with 17" spare. The outer diameter is still the same. 17" tire means more rubber.

I am aware of the need to maintain the same diameter--brakes, odo, speedo, etc. However, I could swear I read somewhere that some sport models came with 18-inch spares. The donuts on the 3.0 and 4.4 are 18-inch, so I am hoping someone has a full size 18, too....anyone?

Will this wheel in 18x8.5 fit over the front brakes on the is?

http://www.cwc-oem-rims.com/Image/Rim/W59321.jpg

No, our 2006 X5 4.4 with sport option but it has a full size 17-inch wheel and tire.

It FITS!!!!
 

I could not find a space saver anywhere in a junkyard--tried several that specialize in bimmers, but no one had it. So I halfheartedly ordered a space saver wheel (@$195 :wow:) from a dealer, plus the chincy little 195/80R19 tire ($175 from TireRack). The wheel had to be shipped from Germany and I got tired of waiting for it to arrive, so took some measurements. Given that 235/65R17 fits in everyone elses X5, I calcluated that 235/60R18 should fit as well. This is also the same exact diameter and circumference as my snow setup (255/55R18 and within 1-2% of the summer 275/40R20 and 315/35R20). My only concern was then the width...

The wheel...hmmm. Taking no chances, I decided the snow setup's 8-inch wide rim posed the least risk. It is very tight in there, and I did not want to take a chance that an 8.5-inch width might stretch the tire a little to fit on the wider rim causing the load floor to touch the tire and rim. Turns out that was a very good call on my part. I cannot see exactly what is left for clearance between the top/face of the new tire & wheel, but I'd be surprised if it is any more than 1/4-inch. 1/2-inch would have been too much!

All told I ended up spending about the same (about $20 less, actually) than a new space saver would have cost me. I lost the little "tray" that comes underneath the load floor with the space saver, but I never used that anyway. Now I have the comfort and security of a full size spare for my 4.6is. :D :D :D

Here is the proof.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3301/...4c0d5becb4.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3514/...6b24c455b7.jpg

Yes, someone here has these for winter on his 4.6is.

Good to know...however, these are 8.5-inch width so probably would not work as a spare to fit under the load floor.

Thanks for sharing at this forum.
****
Mannu