I want to get a compact spare to carry as I have ordered a new S and will dump the run-flats. The dealer quoted me something like $270 for the wheel and tire and $70 to mount it. I asked if that was a compact spare or a full size spare wheel and was told it was the compact. That is nuts! Where can I get one at a reasonable price?

 

Mount it where?

 

I have an '02 S and the compact spare fits perfectly behind the seats. I am now getting an '07 and will do the same. I think the spare on the current car cost me just over $100 so the price quoted for the new car seems insane.

 

That is an insane price.

Look on Ebay for spares form cars with the same bolt pattern. Are the 07's the same as the previous years? If so, look at Miata spares or Civic spares for example. You should be able to find one for WELL under $100.

 

It appears that the part number for the emergency wheel is the same for the 2007 R56 as it was for the earlier R50's (2002-2006) so you could also get one from a junkyard that has a wrecked R50. That's how I got mine. They sometimes show up on car-part.com, a website that lists inventory in junkyards all over the country. You have to search for wheels under BMW Mini Cooper.

 

Yep, there are quite a few ways to get one and they will all cost you a fraction of $300.

 

I bought the compact wheel from MINI. Go to any Ford dealer and see if
they have any compact tires. I got a brand new one from the local dealer
for $30.00 - they usually just want to get rid of them. It is a perfect fit
for the MINI wheel and will save you big dollars. I keep mine behind the
passenger seat in a cutom made bag.