I've gotten a few answers to this when I asked before, but I'm not sure if it was from Clubman owners, or just Mini owners in general. I'm going to look for a compact spare to keep with me as I get ready to replace the run flat tires. I've looked on the Tire Rack website and find several other cars with similar backspacing and the same lug pattern.

I have a couple other questions. Is the hole in the center of the wheel any concern when buying wheels other than Mini Cooper compact spares (Civic, Focus, VW)? Is it necessary to carry extra lugnuts, or do the ones that are on the Mini also fit with steel wheels which are the material the compact spares are made from? I'm planning on getting a similar kit I carry on my motorcycle: CO2 cartridges and adapter, plugs and slime. I've only had one flat on my bike and it cost me a $250 tow and two nights in a motel, since it was a total blowout on a Sunday morning and almost all motorcycle shops are closed Mondays.

I got all the parts needed to put the OEM compact spare in my clubman for $228.00 this included the spare, hold down threaded rod, hold down nut, and the replacement tray system.

Note: the OEM spare from MINI will not fit over the S or JCW brakes meaning you must move a tire/rim set from the rear to the front and put the spare on the back.

I have heard that others have used a Toyota or Honda spare and that some of them fit over the S brakes but have not heard about the JCW brakes.

As for the hole in the middle of the spare it is needed for two reasons and it must fit over the hub flange.
1. there is a hub that holds the OEM rims in place.
2. that is where teh threaded rod goes to hold the space in the boot.

As for the lug nuts the OEM lug nuts will fit the OEM spare but ohter brands of spares I would not know as I am not sure how they are made.

Mini also makes a Tire Kit. I am not sure what all it has in it but it does have an air compressor

Gunner... what year Clubman? seems to be inconsistent if you got the spare or not. I have an 09 Justa with 16" All Season Runflat.. and I DID get a spare tire.

Like the OP, I have an 09 Clubman S that came with the rough riding Conti run flats. I need to change tires and am going with Goodyear Eagle GT's, but will need to buy a spare since none came with my Clubman. Guess that the local Mini dealer will rip me for a spare tire.

Any ideas from anyone?

My wife has an '09 Clubman S with 17 inch aluminum wheels. It's got Conti run flats on it and she drove it today and complained it hurt her neck. She's older than dirt like me and has had her head thru two windshields in her life so her neck isn't in the best shape. There is not spare, but looks like a compact would fit nicely. Talked to local dealer today and he'll mount and balance tires I get from Tire Rack for $10 a wheel. He's always done my trucks and Lexus.

From what you have said you really do want to go to a non run flat tire. If the dealer is willing to chagne your tires for $10 each that is a good price. It will be recommended that you still run 38 psi in your tires but if you run them down at about 35 psi that will help the ride comfort as well.

Although that will be a softer ride, if it is not enough, then I would bump down to 16" tires where you can run a taller side wall and that will help even more.

Just be ware that not all 16" rims will fit around the S brakes. You will have to check out which do and do not fit over the S brake before ordering them.

I switched from 16" runflats to 17" non-runflats and the difference is considerable....even though there is less sidewall with the 17's, the ride was softer than with the 16" original equipment run flat tires. However, Schatzy is right (he always is) about going to 16" (non-runflat) tires to get the softest ride.

Also, regarding the size of the opening in the center of the wheel The term is hub-centric....meaning that the opening in the center of the wheel must fit exactly over the hub. If it doesn't, your wheel will not necessarily center over the hub. They make centering rings to correct for different sizes. Alex at Tire Rack is a source for help with this.

Replacing the run-flats on our Clubby S Thursday (With Yokohama non R/Fs). Bought a compressor and fix-a-flat. I'll take my chances just to get rid of those R/Fs. Replacing 3 of them in 2 years to the tune of $1000 was ridiculous. I bought 4 new "real" tires for $450.

Hollyross

Please report back on your impressions of the Yokos - also tire model and size would be helpful

Dennis

I obtained a spare for the Ghost from MINI MANIA. Here is a link : http://new.minimania.com/web/Item/NMW7610/InvDetail.cfm

I went with the Yokohama S.Drives in a 215/45R17 and the ride is softer than the OEM Dunlop Sp Sport 01's but still not as soft was when I have my 16" Dunlop Winter Sport M3 Run Flats on. But then again the Winter Sports only run at 35psi not the recommended 38 that they Yoko' as running at.

Now before you say reduce the tire pressure. I have and the ride is better but the contact patch is not the same as with the proper pressure of 38 PSI. The contact at 35 psi shows a center hump where the tire is not fully touching the pavement, so that would make for premature wear on the outer edges of the tire and also reduce the grip.

205/45/17 All Season Yokos non R/F. Will be fitted tomorrow.

Schatzy62

I see you are using a slightly wider tire than OEM - better handling/ride?? Any clearance problems? Discount Tire is the only local vendor here and I dislike doing business with them

I saw that too and thought it might be a typo, I would expect rubbing. I also question 16" wheels on an S Model? Something not right there... Why not use Tire Rack and have them shipped? $50 and 3 days. The big plus is NO state sales tax or FED excise tax. My guy here in KC mounts and balances for $15/tire.

No rubbing problems with the 215's and it is not a typo. Now going to a 225 my give some rubbing issues.

Rear no problem with clearance

Front only have about 3/8" between sidewall and strut, so it is close but not to close. with the 205 it was about 1/2" space.

Also as hollyross said your best bet is to go purchase from tirerack.com and then have them installed locally.

From a search based on you living in or near Lansing MI your best bet is to have the tires mounted at

Dragon Automotive
2330 S DORT HWY
FLINT, MI 48507-5206
(810) 233-0341

I know they might be a fair distance away from you but the equipment they have to mount and balance is some of the best in the world.

I personally travel 48 mile each way to have mine done just because the guy is such a stickler for it being correct.

Call them and make sure you tell them you are a "Direct Reffereal" from Tire Rack . com

I have a dealer, California Tire about 2 miles from me. He'll mount them for $10. Can't beat that. I will buy the tires at Tire Rack, as I have for years for my trucks and Lexus. Yoko, Kumho??? Still doing homework. Got a spare that will fit the hole in back.

Anyone know if different fonts are available on this website?

A bunch of people i know run the 215 width tires, not a problem. Again a lot of us up here in new england run 16 in on our S models for snow tires

I thought a 16" rim wouldn't fit on an S? Am I wrong there?
The new Yokos are fitted...quiet and better ride than the R/Fs. Best $500 I've spent in a long time.

The 16" wheels are standard equipment with the S, 17" are an extra cost. Our 2010 Clubman S has 16" wheels.

Also switched from run-flats to "normal" tires, and ride quality much improved. I bought a space saver spare from a Mini salvage yard, 15x3.5 wheel with the temp tire from a 2007 Justa Cooper. 2007 and up has the 14mm bolts holes, 2002-06 has 12mm holes that need to be drilled out. The Mini space saver spare fits exactly in the Clubman well with the removal of the foam insert. The spare will not clear the front brake calipers. A pre 2005 aftermarket Honda tire/wheel will fit but you need at least a 15" rim to clear even the rears. My nephew's 14" Honda space saver spare did not clear my clubman's rear brakes. The well under the parcel shelf is very small I think around 24" overall diameter.

Be sure to test fit your spare in the comfort of your garage, the side of the road is not the place to find out it doesn't fit. Also make sure that wheel 15" dia? will clear the rear disc caliper.