In the US, this option costs JUST $150 and comes with a space-saving spare tire. a jack and the container to house everything. The jack alone costs $125 in parts.
In This Article...
Do BMWs Come with Extra Tires?
It used to be a hassle, but getting a flat tire while driving could be readily fixed. At least temporarily, using the car’s spare tire.
You made a quick change by the side of the road and got back in the driver’s seat. However, for a variety of reasons, spare tires are less typical in new cars today.
Run-flat tires are the only spare tires found on BMW vehicles. The company has eliminated spare tires from its lineup of vehicles due to weight savings advantages and the low frequency of punctures.
Unfortunately, you will have to accept the run-flat option if you’re looking to purchase a modern BMW. However, when did BMW stop including spare tires in all of its vehicles, and what happens if you get a flat tire without one?
Run-Flats and Inflator Kit Drawbacks
Despite what AAA refers to as “modest reductions in fuel consumption” brought on by weight reduction, the percentage of vehicles without spare tires increased from 5% to more than 33% between 2006 and 2015 — and at a cost. Kits can cost up to ten times as much as a tire repair, and according to AAA, you might need to replace your tire inflation kit in as little as four years.
According to John Nielsen, managing director of AAA’s automotive engineering and maintenance, “automakers are confronting more strict fuel-economy rules, and the spare tire has become a casualty in the quest to cut weight and raise miles per gallon.” Because of improvements in vehicle engineering, weight can be reduced without leaving drivers stranded on the side of the road.
Run-flat tires, which are standard on the majority of BMW’s new car offers with few exceptions, are well-known for their use by the carmaker. Except for the X5 M and X6 M, all M-badged BMW vehicles come standard with tires and an inflator kit; run-flat tires are a free option for M performance versions like the M235i and X4 M40i. Also available as an option on the X1, X5, and X6 SUVs, as well as the 7 Series sedan, is a space-saving spare tire. The X1 is the only BMW model that offers customers the free option to replace run-flat tires with ordinary non-run-flat tires and a spare.
BMW’s Hector Arellano-Belloc said the company’s customers “enjoy the benefits” of run-flat tires. One such benefit, of course, is being able to drive to the closest convenient tire store rather than having to get out of the car and fix a flat at the side of the road.
A space saver spare, what is it?
Modern cars may have full-size spares, minispares with a restricted lifespan, or run-flat capabilities.
- The spare tire could be the same brand and size as the tires already on the car. The spare tire can be installed on either a matched road wheel from the vehicle or a basic steel rim. Since sport utility vehicles and light trucks have higher centers of gravity than other passenger vehicles, full-sized spares are typically offered for these types of vehicles. A “restricted usage” spare may also not be secure on a truck that is heavily laden or carrying a trailer. The full-sized spare tire’s size necessitates mounting it outside, frequently on an SUV’s back door or, less frequently, on the front hood.
- In an effort to cut costs, lighten the load on the vehicle, and/or conserve space, many automobiles come equipped with a “limited usage” spare tire, often known as a “space-saver,” temporary spare, “donut,” or “compact” spare tire. Temporary spares were first used in the late 1970s and are now standard on 53% of 2017 vehicles in the United States. Typically 7 kg (15 lb) lighter than a full-sized wheel, space-savers may really take up little to no room in some vehicles. After the space-saver has been installed, moving the full-sized wheel and tire can be challenging. Typically, the spare wheel is installed on a simple steel rim.
Due to their short lifespan and low speed rating, they are often smaller than the vehicle’s regular tires and can only be used for short distances. Additionally, electronic stability control and traction control systems won’t function properly because a donut is a different size from a standard wheel and should be turned off until the original wheel is replaced. [Reference needed] Spare tires that take up less space could potentially affect how well the car handles and brakes (particularly on vehicles without anti-lock brakes).
- Automobiles can come with run-flat tires, eliminating the need for a spare tire. Other vehicles could have a can of tire repair foam to patch up punctures, however this is usually ineffective for larger holes and useless in the event of a blowout.
- A spare tire is frequently not included at all with newer vehicles. The elimination of a spare tire improves fuel efficiency, lowers vehicle costs, and decreases production waste.
Why is there no spare tire on my BMW?
There’s a good chance your new BMW doesn’t have a spare tire if you bought it within the last few years. That’s because run-flat tires, which have a firm sidewall or internal reinforcement, are frequently used on BMW vehicles. Run-flat tires are used by other automakers as well, although BMW has earned a reputation for being a pioneer. Run-flat tires are intended to function after being punctured for up to 50 miles (80.4 kilometers) at a speed below 50 mph (80.47 kph), or until the driver can reach a safe spot. Once damaged, they must be replaced, which costs more and is more difficult to do than with conventional tires.
It’s difficult to deny that offering run-flat tires helps automakers cut costs, but what if they install conventional tires on those vehicles while refusing to offer a spare? That might be nothing more than an attempt by the automaker to cut costs. This is why: A spare tire may be purchased for about $100 at a tire shop or a car dealership, and a quality jack and wrench would set you back a little more. It’s improbable that the automakers are saving more than $100 per vehicle given that they obtain these materials at a lower price.
Hyundai is frequently mentioned as one of the automakers driving this trend, although the company insists that weight reduction, not cost reduction, is the issue. Many of Hyundai’s vehicles come with a tire mobility kit in place of spare tires. A Hyundai spokesperson, Michele Tinson, provided an email explanation of the company’s approach.
The almost 25-pound weight savings is the key advantage of a tire repair kit versus a temporary spare tire, according to Tinson; cost was never a major deciding factor for Hyundai. “Automotive experts are always looking for ways to increase a vehicle’s efficiency, and weight reduction is a key component in assisting automobiles achieve higher fuel economy.”
In other words, fuel efficiency improves as the car’s overall weight is decreased. Tire retailer Tire Rack has found that reducing a car’s weight can reduce its fuel usage by up to 1%. This is also appealing for the automaker because average fuel consumption for the brand as a whole and marketing strategies for specific vehicle models both significantly rely on fuel efficiency ratings.
Does a spare tire come with a BMW?
On the open road, spare tires offer essential backup. Sadly, new BMWs do not come with extra tires. BMW equips their vehicles with run-flat tires instead. Run-flat tires can be driven on in a punctured state for as long as it takes to go to your house or a mechanic shop.
BMW gains a few benefits from removing the spare tire. Their vehicles become marginally lighter and more fuel-efficient as a result. Additionally, their business saves money by charging clients for spare tires.
Unfortunately, you will have to pay for any tire replacements for your BMW out of your own cash. Fortunately, Jerry can help you save money on your BMW auto insurance policy, helping you recoup part of that expense. Jerry saves its clients an average of $800 annually on their coverage and makes saving on auto insurance as simple as texting!
Is the size of a space-saving spare tire the same as the tires on the car?
Your spare tire is only intended for momentary, short-term use due to major manufacturing variances. Your spare tire normally has a smaller diameter than your four regular use tires, whether it’s a full-size non-matching spare tire or a tiny spare. The diameter difference could be as little as a half-inch to as much as two inches, while the width is typically much smaller than your factory tires. When the spare tire is stored, this will free up space within your car. The spare tire rim’s construction is less crucial than the rims used for everyday driving, so it may have a very different wheel offset or even be composed of lighter steel than usual wheels. The fact that it is smaller and lighter in weight makes it simpler to install when necessary, but it also means that it won’t be as stiff or able to withstand the same punishment that a regular wheel would on the road.
Do space savers work when driving?
Modern automobiles frequently come with “temporary-use” or “space-saver” spare tires that are lighter and smaller than regular spares. These tires often have a width similar to a motorbike tire. As long as they are in good condition and you adhere to the rules below, they are safe to drive on, but their primary function is to get you to a location where you can replace or repair the proper tyre.
Space-saving tires should only be utilized in dire circumstances; they are not intended for use on lengthy journeys.
When using a space-saving tire, drive slowly and at no more than 80 km/h. The handling of your automobile may change if one is installed.
Are space savers secure?
According to European law, a space saver’s top speed is 50mph (80kph). Even if some have higher ratings (such 80 mph), the speed limit is still 50 mph. This is the speed for dry weather; if it’s raining, drive more slowly. The longest distance you can travel on a space-saving tire is typically approximately 50 miles (80 kilometers), but if necessary, you can travel up to 300 miles (500 kilometers) at modest speeds on smooth surfaces. However, if you need to get to a tire shop to fix or replace your ordinary tire, you’d prefer to travel as little distance as you can.
Never install more than one space saving wheel on your car at once as doing so will reduce your cornering grip by 10% to 15% and increase your stopping distance due to the reduced amount of rubber on the road. If you have a space saver installed, you won’t be able to swerve as well to avoid a crisis.
Remember to also check the pressure in the spare or space saver tire when you check the air pressure in your automobile tires.
If you adhere to the warnings, such as driving at a moderate speed and staying within the designated driving distance, space saver wheels are completely safe.
Can a space-saving TYRE be reused?
After using a space-saving wheel for more than 50 miles, it is not advised to replace it because the grip is already reduced compared to regular tires. However, the auto repair who replaces or fixes your flat tire will be able to advise you on whether you need to get a new space saver.
Over 4,000 different spare wheels and space-saving wheels for a wide range of vehicles are kept in store at The Wheel Shop. You won’t find better deals anywhere other than at one of the UK’s top providers like us. Visit our Spare Wheel website to select a wheel for your automobile in 3 easy steps if you need a new spare!