I was just reading a thread about runflats vs all seasons...and it came to my attention that this larger MINI Countryman, if you get it in the S version does not come with even a mini spare? That is a surprise to me, if it is true.

 

It is true, I do not think any of the countryman come with a spare

 

Well, the non S hatchbacks and Clubman both do, so maybe the "justa" Countryman does?

Meanwhile, what do you S Countryfolks do, if you don't drive with runflats? Do you buy a can of fix a flat and keep your fingers crossed? I guess I'm just an old fashioned type that likes to have a spare - even a donut...and I hate the idea of using up my little extra load area in the back for a donut.

 

MINI never provides a spare with a vehicle fitted with runflats.

I have an '03 S and prior to installing my non runflats, I purchased a compressor and a Dynaplug kit. Dynaplug is for round punctures only. It's not for cuts, tears or sidewalls. It's certified for permanent repairs by UTAC (a European vehicle test laboratory) for punctures up to 16 penny nails and good for speeds up to 90mph.

http://www.dynaplug.com

PS: I would never use Fix-a-flat on my vehicles.

 

Never say never.

They give you a donut spare on the Cooper and Cooper Clubman. If you order the Sport Package, you get 16" runflats but you still get your donut.

 

That's cool, but I slash my tires always on the side... So donut in my booty

 

My 03' came with runflats and no spare just like my Countryman will. As soon as I tore through the runflats I replaced them with something much cheaper & much better performance.

I have a AAA membership (Don't all MINIs come with roadside assistance?) and my plan was to just call them if I have a problem and let them tow the car to somewhere to get it fixed. In the 7 years with the car, I've only had an issue once and that was a slow enough leak I got it filled at a gas station and drove the the tire shop myself.

For me personally, I don't feel like I need to worry about something that happens every few years. The tire pressure sensors warn me if there is an issue and usually only a catastrophic failure means the tire looses all the air at once.

 

First let me clarify that. A MINI S never came from the factory with a spare, standard.
For any newbies out there, a standard (Clubman excluded) MINI had the battery in the engine bay, an S had it in the boot where the spare would normally go. That is one reason a spare would not have been available in an S.
The Clubman S has runflats, and does not come with a spare, standard. You could order one as an option though.
The reason for a spare delete was for weight savings (performance in mind).

 

Yes, I understand that any of the MINIs that come with runflat tires. However, since the S Countryman is available with all seasons (which is what I would order it with), I guess I didn't really think about it not coming with a small spare tire. Silly me.

Yes, TPM sensors are great! Relying on roadside assistance if I had the bad luck of having a screw give me a flat, etc., just isn't my idea of fun. But perhaps I am just overly cautious.

P.S. Just did a double check and yup, you all were 100% correct. As of now the S version, even with all seasons, does not include any spare of any sort.

 

The S come with All Season run flats or performance run flats. You choose whether you want the All Season when ordering.

 

Are you sure they are all season runflats? I was awfully sure they were non runflats.

 

I would say its a 100% chance they are rf's. Otherwise they would need to provide a spare.

 

I'll have to clarify that. I just spoke to the administrative assistant there and she said that even with the all seasons the S still doesn't give a spare...and I believe she knew what I was talking about because she agreed that she thought it was kind of unfortunate. I'll report back.

 

My understanding is they are All Season run-flats if you choose that, or if you don't you get the summer tire run-flats.

 

All Season tires weren't an option for me. Maybe it was the sport package that made it not an option?

 

Yes, they are all-season runflats.

 

We'll look for your answer. If they are nons then the dealers will need to provide the BMW Mobility kit for free since they never told us when we ordered.
It's really not a big deal for us since we have the plug kit and compressor and I would be changing rf's to non once they wore out.

 

They are definitely runflats. The only non-runflats that MINI uses are the standard 15" tires on the Cooper/Cooper Clubman, which also have a spare tire. All 16" tires and larger are runflats. MINI offers all-season and performance runflats on all other models, so there is no reason for them to do otherwise here.

 

Right. Sport package includes 18" wheels. All-Season tires are not available from MINI for the 18s.

In the US, runflats are standard on all Countryman models.

 

I'm selling my Dunlop Sport01 RunFlats and have a better ride with
the Goodyear F1-A/S tires. Love the ride and the better wet traction & adequate snow traction.
Looked for a compressor to use on the MINI, Taurus, & minivan_bought the Viair 300p and it's and awesome compressor with 25ft hose, guage, case,
& nozzles for pool floats. The line of Viair compressors is sooo handy to keep your tires at peak especially since your Low Profile 45 & 40 tires drop 5-8psi
with a temp drop of 25F. I added the Dynaplugs for when I can pull the nail/steel piece in the tire.
You can keep a can of Fix-a-flat to save your butt without a compressor bu you risk messing up the pressure sensors. I prefer to keep the Viair as it's the quickest compressor and it is durable. The smaller 70, 80, & 90P models plug into your lighter socket but I prefer the battery clamped 300P I got as it won't blow any lighter fuses. Be sure to run the engine as you won't run the battery down and the comrpessor works in 1/2 the time.
Nice thing about the Viair compressors is you can maintain the tire pressure in all your auto, recreation, and mower tires+blow up pool rafts.

 

Kloin,

My thinking would be like yours, replacing the run flats with "traditional" tires.

Were these 17's or 18's? If you don't mind, how much did they set you back?

Thanks!

 

I got the 215/45R17 tires back in Dec. Goodyear had a $80 Rebate which was doubled to
$160 with the Goodyear card. Local dealer dropped price to $150 installed+balance+valves
and lifetime rotation every 4000 miles. So I got 1 free tire. Call me at 812-483-7117
And I'll fill u in!

 

I know you're not "supposed" to do this but in lieu of a spare I carry a plug kit and a bicycle pump even though I have run flats. I'm on my 3rd mini and I have been bailed out using a plug kit at least 4 times in 5 years. It is very convenient and does not take up much space. The plug is in and re inflated faster than if I changed over to a spare, no jacking, stubborn lug nuts, I don't even get dirty. To the purists, now you can drive straight to the tire shop for a new runflat. For non purists the TPM system works good enough to keep a close eye on any leakage in case some re-work is in order. It also opens your options to use a non-runflat (which I can't wait to do on both my current mini's). No Spare on the JCW Clubman or hatchback.

 

I will +1 Viair, I have the 380 for my tank and horn kit. I have had it on 3 different trucks and now it is getting transplanted to the car soon.

 

Thanks all for clarifying. Live and learn! I was clearly hanging on to that all season non runflat hope.