FWIW the main reason we got the spare, is so we had the FLEXIBILITY of switching to non-run flats in the future --- certainty = 99.99%.

But even when we are still running run flats, a spare tire can come in handy because it DOUBLES our range to a repair shop and/or provides a replacement for a run flat that gets destroyed due to rough road surfaces (AKA gravel).

For people in major metro areas this is probably not very important. But for folks like us that live 50 miles from a smallish metro area, are often much further than 150 miles from 'civilization', drive a fair amount of back country (AKA gravel) roads, and tow a couple of tons of rock on occasion, this extra insurance seemed worthwhile :)

Funf Dresiig

Sure. But can you fit a full size spare? in the situation when you are not using run flats?

The 'space saver spare' is a very tight fit between the wheel wells. FWIW it LOOKS like the diameter of the spare is the same as a full size tire. but I have not measured it. There may not be enough height under the floor board to accommodate at full width spare.

Funf Dreisig

This is what I used for my Finace'


http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/7003/10195015.jpg

I am planning to switch to 20" non-run flats when I pick up my car. Obviously the BMW spare is not full size for a reason, but has anyone tried to fit a stock full size wheel/tire into that space? I wonder how much it sticks out.