Any experience with space efficient spare wheel/tire?

[elrichmeister]

Looking into small space saving spare tire. 2 weeks ago I went into the canyons. On my way back my tire got a flat seems like a rock bit the sidewall. In the 10 years that i have been going up there this is my first time with a flat in the mountains. Im generally try to be pretty careful about the rocks, but i didnt see this one.
Luckily someone i was talking to during the meet noticed me and graciously gave me lift into town, what a life saver!

So now I'm paranoid about having a spare tire in the trunk when i do canyon stuff, I may not be so lucky next time to get a ride down the mountain, i was good 18 miles in with no cell service.

doing to some quick searches i found Modern Spare

https://modernspare.com/product/2000-2013-bmw-m3-spare-tire-kit-options/

seems like a good enough spare to have in an emergency, not sure if anyone has any experiences with this brand?

[elbert]

It's probably ok for a front tire flat, assuming it clears your brakes.
However I would not use it for a rear tire flat, as the difference in width/traction might destroy your diff.
If you run a square set up, you can put the spare on the front position, then move the full size front wheel to the back.

[elrichmeister]

It's probably ok for a front tire flat, assuming it clears your brakes.
However I would not use it for a rear tire flat, as the difference in width/traction might destroy your diff.
If you run a square set up, you can put the spare on the front position, then move the full size front wheel to the back.

Wow you think driving for a short distance would destroy the diff? I would really only want to use it to get down the mountain to get service and call AAA.

[bigjae46]

Wow you think driving for a short distance would destroy the diff? I would really only want to use it to get down the mountain to get service and call AAA.

Should be fine as long as you're not spinning the rear wheels and traveling long distances at high speeds. The spider gears in the LSD unit will account for any differences in wheel speeds left to right without engaging the clutch pack.

Two wheels traveling at different speeds...that's why you have a differential.

[PSUEng]

I own the factory temp spare setup with the steel rim and Conti 125/80/17 tire. On paper the tire diameter is 24.9" and my 19" factory size Pilot tire is 26.1". So, I would agree with elbert that it would be a good idea to use it only as a front wheel if at all possible provided it clears your brakes. I have the stock US spec front brake setup and last I looked into this, it would clear (I guess I should test fit it after all these years!). I can't say it clears a factory ZCP kit however, but I'm almost certain it would not clear a BBK setup on either axle. The spare you link to may be a different offset so you'll have to dig into the dimensions for sure.

[BlueBimmers]

Here's my full story. I found a donut that fits both my E46 Comp and my E39 M5. Never used on M3, has saved me twice on M5: https://chrisparente.com/2011/09/05/...for-my-e39-m5/

[elrichmeister]

Here's my full story. I found a donut that fits both my E46 Comp and my E39 M5. Never used on M3, has saved me twice on M5: https://chrisparente.com/2011/09/05/...for-my-e39-m5/

Looked at Bimmerzone spares, they dont have a specific one for E46 however there is e90, wonder if that would be compatible.

https://bimmerzone.com/collections/bmw-spare-tire/products/bmw-3-series-e90-m3-spare-tire-kit-emergency-spare-tire

The modernspare version is 18 inches so it should clear the front brakes, on their specs this wheel covers both e46 and e90 as year range is from 2000-2013.

[BlueBimmers]

Looked at Bimmerzone spares, they dont have a specific one for E46 however there is e90, wonder if that would be compatible

Strange, there used to be.

[Cubieman]

In post #3 on another thread is what I use, not sure if still available.

https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/main-forum/e46-2001-2006/70997-what-do-you-guys-have-for-skinny-spare-tire

P/N: 36116750007

[elrichmeister]

In post #3 on another thread is what I use, not sure if still available.

https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/main-forum/e46-2001-2006/70997-what-do-you-guys-have-for-skinny-spare-tire

P/N: 36116750007

Sweet thanks for posting this.
ECS tuning does sell this with a tire for 240, will most likely be ordering from them

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assembled-by-ecs-parts/17-emergency-spare-wheel-tire-set-genuine-bmw-kumho-tire/3611675000713580/

.
sizes for the rear tires are actually very close, i currently have 275/30/R19, and spare comes with 135/80/R17 are practically the same so it should be ok for short distances i think.