BMW spare wheel

Slipshaney

Hi Guys, have a bmw 3 series on run flats. No "well" in the boot to put a spare tyre - is there anyway around this???

Compudaro

Unfortunately not!

Seth Brundle

The only solution, were you to swap with standard tyres, would be to carry a can of that aerosol stuff to re-inflate your tyres but expect guff from your tyre centre from it. These aerosols won't fix sidewall rips, etc.

Slipshaney

thanks for the feedback lads...seems a bit silly to be honest

will just have to throw a space saver in the boot i guess

Seth Brundle

Will you be fitting standard tyres? If not then what are you worrying for?

Anan1

Slipshaney wrote: »

will just have to throw a space saver in the boot i guess

Are you unhappy with the ride on the run flats? If so, what size are the wheels?

Slipshaney

no not unhappy at all - i will eventually get rid of them though at 175 quid each to replace. Plus I would just feel safer haveing a spare in the boot - call me old fashioned!

Seth Brundle

What size tyres have you on it at the moment?
Decent tyres for a BMW aren't cheap anyhow!

Stevie Dakota

Hey 'old fashioned', I agree with you 100%. Recently had to get a wheel refurbed and could at least drive away on my spacesaver rather than abandon the car with them. Runflats are the work of the devil!

Anan1

Slipshaney wrote: »

no not unhally at all - i will eventually get rid of them though at 175 quid each to replace. Plus I would just feel safer haveing a spare in the boot - call me old fashioned!

The runflats are safer than normal tyres, I replaced a set of Continentals in 16" on a 3 series recently for €150 each. If you're happy with the ride, i'd keep them. You'll never need a spare on run-flats, and i'd be happier driving on a deflated run-flat than a space-saver any day.

Slipshaney

Thanks Stevie, I just think that its better to be safe than sorry to be honest.

As for the wheels - they are just standard 16"

Anan1

Slipshaney wrote: »

Thanks Stevie, I just think that its better to be safe than sorry to be honest.

As for the wheels - they are just standard 16"

Like I said before, safe is keeping the run-flats.;) You could always keep a spare of some sort at home for when you need to get a wheel refurbished, but bear in mind that the E90 was not designed to be driven on a space-saver, you'll most likely lose all electronic aids and the handling will be severely compromised. I'd call it dangerous, TBH.:)

Slipshaney

Thanks Anan - appreciate the help...and very good point

Seth Brundle

Leave them as they are...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVBzsvBKVQE

(bear in mind that the driver there is a former racing driver)

Slipshaney

thanks kbannon - good post

think i will get a space saver "just in case" though - I know the e90 is not designed for it - but I would prefer to have a spare

thanks to all for sharing their thoughts

One last thing - anyone recommend any good place for replica/2nd hand 16" alloys (just fairly standard 16s) - thanks!

Seth Brundle

If you are thinking about swapping rims then be sure to get correct ones (and don't just by a set somewhere). Things such as offset need to be considered as do potential ride quality/handling from them. Some replicas are just plain crap!
I would suggest getting a decent set of second hand rims from the UK.

Slipshaney

ya i reckon you are right - TBH I would love to get a genuine set (you would see them on most 3 series)

These are the set I have: http://www.gumtree.ie/dublin/94/38841794.html

These are the set I would like: http://cgi.ebay.ie/BMW-3-Series-E90-Double-Spoke-156-16-Wheels-Tyres_W0QQitemZ200329658672QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarParts_Acc_Wheels_tyres_Rims_Car_Wheels_ET?hash=item2ea4940130&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1301|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A2|294%3A50#ebayphotohosting

Not sure if there would be any conflict if I swapped between these?

Anan1

The set you have are standard on the ES, the set you want come with the SE. I don't think there'd be any problem with a straight swap, but you'd want to double-check with someone who knows.

Slipshaney

granted - thanks very much

i imagine it would be very pricey to order a set from bmw straight?

mickdw

Runflats are pretty unusable here in parts of mayo. (Well the 16" would be ok). Most take them off even before worn and replace with normal tyres and a space saver in the boot.
Yes they are handy but if you have to pay for a new (very expensive) tyre every time you get a puncture as bmw & most manufacturers recommend not to repair, they really are a non runner.
Is it so bad to carry a space saver in the boot?

Slipshaney

I agree with you Mick, I would be driving on poorish roads too so I reckon when the run flats are worn, I will replace with normal tyres.

Owen

Theres absolutely no problem swapping from the 16" ES to the 16" SE wheels.

Anan1

Slipshaney wrote: »

I agree with you Mick, I would be driving on poorish roads too so I reckon when the run flats are worn, I will replace with normal tyres.

The 16" are fine on bad roads, not any bigger, though. Run flats will also protect the rim much better than normal tyres if you do hit a big pothole.

Slipshaney

thanks for that ned - now all i have to do is find a set at a good price!! any suggestions?

thanks anan too - I will defo use the run flats as long as I can, and then make a decision on whether to keep them after that