I bought a compact spare which I will carry when traveling into remote areas. I still have run-flats, but I don't want to depend on them or my pump/sealer kit when not near major cities. To close the boot lid the right rear seat base is moved forward 1 notch, but it is hardly noticeable when sitting in the seat.

I'm looking for a nice cover for it.

 

Where did you buy it and how much did it cost?

 

Outmotoring (NAM sponsor); it is a 135/80-17 Kenda 60 psi tire on steel wheel with BMW sized 5-120 circle. It is about 26" diameter rough measurement so should have no affect on ALL4 system. NAM discount price $161.45, delivered to CA $200.
http://www.outmotoring.com/micro-spa...ountryman.html

 

Dave, I like the idea a lot, especially since I will be going to non run flat tires, at least in the winter. Don't compact spares like this usually come uninflated to save space? Will this work with 18" factory wheels? Thanks.

 

This is the uncollapsed type of spare, kept at 60 psi and rated for 50 mph. It should be fine for any CM OEM wheel/tire as they are all about the same overall diameter. If a flat occurs on a front tire, it is recommended that the full-size rear on that side be moved to the front position, and the spare put on rear position.

 

That's where it confuses me soooooo, one must have 2 jacks?

 

Loosen lug bolts slightly on both wheels on side of car with punctured front tire. Jack from the front jack point on side of the car until both wheels on that side are off the ground. Remove rear wheel and install spare at that spot. Remove front wheel and install the good full size wheel there. Lower and tighten all lug bolts firmly. Motor to a tire shop and hopefully get punctured tire fixed. Maybe repeat at the next tire shop if first one turns you down...

 

thanks for the great info DR61

 

Anyone know what is the reasoning For putting the skinny spare on the rear. is it for handling issues? Thx.

 

Dave, our car is at the VPC and we expect to take delivery sometime during the coming week. This will probably be the first thing we order for the car...thanks again for sharing! Have you found a cover?

 

Just guessing, but I would think steering would be weird with that skinny tire on one front wheel and the big fat normal one on the other. Also the car has 59% of it's weight normally on the front wheels.

There are lots of spare covers out there on the web for external truck spares, but I may just buy a pair of the Tire Rack's 'tire totes' and use one of them. However they may be sort of baggy for the skinny spare...

 

Awesome! Thanks for the info - just bought my '04 R50, which came with neither a spare nor the inflation kit (I have a portable compressor, so that's no biggie).

Will definitely have to get one of those before I take my vacation road trip in August...

Duncan :D

 

I bought a pair of the Tire Tote covers for the same reason - still have them in the box IIRC - might as well sell them. Decided the compact spare was too big in the back of a standard MINI.

 

It's front wheel drive so it's better to have the spare (if it's not original size) on the rear axle.