Flat tire - broken jack holder
 

Got my first flat in the X5... Somehow I picked up a really nasty looking nail that caused a 'slow' leak.
The good news is that the tire pressure monitoring system did it's job, and the spare tire compartment design is a real low back-saver! :thumbup: The bad news is that the little rubber/plastic piece that holds the jack in place broke off at it's left attachment point. :mad: (Apparently the strap for the spare tire sled was wrapped behind it, and removing the tire pulled it hard enough to break it)
So, as a result, I have two questions:

1) Does anyone know if the little jack holder piece is a replaceable part?
2) Is it worth taking the tire to a shop to 'plug' the nail hole, or should I just get some fix-a-flat and do it myself?

Thanks,

Don't know about #1. As for #2, it depends on the tire shop. Some shops won't touch it unless you agree that they can't let you leave if they take the tire off and it needs to be replaced. To actually fix it right, the plug needs to be inserted from the inside. The outside plugs still work, but the inside plugs are much safer. If the nail damaged a belt, they won't touch it either. As for fix-a-flat, NO. All you going to do is make a mess on the inside.

1-Dunno...
2-My '01 has patches in all four tires at this point of 46k miles.
I don't give them a 2nd thought. The patches will still be working when the tires
are finally worn out in another 20k miles.

You do Not want a plug job; any good tire joint can & will do a "patch" from inside the tire, If the nail hole is clearly within the tread width. Tell 'em to be gentle taking off and remounting the tire: they should use the teflon collar for mounting. And, be sure to recheck the lug bolts torque after a few days of driving: 101 ft lbs. It will help prevent brake disc warpage. GL,md

Thanks guys - I'll skip the fix-a-flat and have a shop patch it.

As for the broken jack holder piece, I guess I'll have to check with the dealer on that one...