Hi,

Saw a few mentions of switching to regular tires, rather than runflats and using a spare donut from the MC.

A few questions:

1. Any idea on the cost of donut from Mini ?
2. Do they stock them or are they special order ?
3. What size is it ? 15" or smaller ?
4. If it goes into the trunk, how do you secure it and stop it bouncing around ?

Thanks

 

I got the 15" mini spare wheel from Classic MINI in Ohio. With the 20% NAM discount it was around $40 I think. They did not have tires in stock and it was ridiculously expensive from a dealer.

Tire size is something like 115-75...a search of spare tire threads should get you the exact info. It is a pretty standard size. I took the spare from my girlfriend's immobile Mazda and had the tire put on my new wheel. A junkyard...er...automobile recycling center, would be a good source for the tire.

I have mine wrapped in plastic and stowed behind my seat. Doesn't bump around or anything. You wouldn't know it was there even during spirited driving.

 

Might try checking the classifieds from the miata.net website. As an ex-Miata owner I know there were a lot of spare tires for sale from those who either needed the trunk space or were autocrossing/racing exclusively.

 

this may be a stupid question, but not knowing much about tires, I will ask it anyway:

I have an S on its way with 16'' run flats. If I want to get a spare for this... does it also have to be 16''? I'm assuming the answer is no since you're talking about a 15'' spare for your S and I don't think they put any 15'' tires on the S.

And buying this from the dealer is a bad idea price-wise?

thanks!

 

I think that it's in the $125-$175 range (total) for the donut tire and wheel from the dealership and, no, you don't need to size match the tire (check with Tire Rack before going to the dealership). I picked up a donut from a MCS owner who sold his car. It came with a bag from the "Bag Lady", who sews custom covers for the spares (and regular tires) which are very handy.

I pitch it in the boot for road trips and I carry the Slime compressor kit for day-to-day use. I lend it out to local club members whenever they ask.

Here is the Bag Lady's website: http://www.njbaglady.com/

 

That most likely won't work. I believe they won't clear the front brakes on a MINI.

 

I ordered a spare wheel from Classic. It is about $40 with the NAM discount, shipping was on the expensive side because it is a bit heavy (about $20+). The tire I order from TireRack, they have them backordered until Oct. 1. The tire is about $65 plus shipping.

 

No, there are no stupid questions. You would get the 15 inch MINI spare, but the thing to remember is if you need to use it it should be put on the rear of the MINI, not on the front driving wheels. Extended driving with mismatched sizes in the front would put serious wear on the differential. So, if the flat is in front, put the 15" spare on the rear and put the rear tire on the front.

I bought the genuine MINI 15" donut rim from my dealer for about $55.00 and then a tire for it from Tirerack. It just fits in the boot and wedges nicely behind my seat when on trips. I'm sure there are cheaper options, but as stated by others, they may not have enough clearance for brakes.

 

As pendergrast points out, the MINI spare (even the one from the dealer or from a MC) will not fit on the front of a MCS. If you have a front flat, you must move the rear wheel forward and put the spare on the back.

 

I got mine from a junkyard I found on www.car-part.com. It was both the wheel and tire. It looks like the only one on there now is $100 before shipping (Austin, TX). Search for wheels under BMW Mini Cooper. There is a thread here on NAM that talks about buying a new wheel and tire for $109. https://www.northamericanmotoring.com...ht=donut+spare.

I started a similar thread last year and a picture was posted showing the spare on the front wheel of the MCS, and it fits fine. You don't want to run it there though, for the reasons already discussed in this thread.

 

The MINI donut spare from a MC will fit the front of the MCS. I believe what Pendergast is saying is that it will be hard on the front diff. If you have an open diff it shouldn't be a problem. If you have a LSD it should only be used for a short distance. If you need to drive far, swap a rear wheel onto the front & put the donut on the rear.

 

MINI donuts from the junk yard are now around $125 before shipping . I just called about one a week or two ago .

 

Watch the marketplace & be ready to jump on it if you see one. I bought one from a nice fellow NAMer there.

 

Chevy cobalts have proper sized spares as well (15" rims and the hub is even the right size) might be cheaper, more readily available since its a doemstic brand (or if you're particularly unscrupulous you can liberate one from a rental car )

 

also check with your local Ford dealer, they usually have some sitting around.
(tire not the rim) and they will fit the MINI donut rim. This will also save you
some money.

 

CB 56.5 mm

Alex

 

I spoke to people at Tirerack and they told me that the tires are on backorder till December. Good luck.

 

talk to your Honda buddies if they can spare you their donut off their
01-05 civics.

i wasn't thinking when i traded in my old 04 for my new 06 civic....
should've kept that damn donut...