The problems with the 245/40-19 Goodyear LS2 were well known to me from this and other forums before i even ordered my car. But since there were really no options to change them, figured I would just see how it went - 300 miles to first bubble - that was in April with no replacements available. After a lot of conversation with my Goodyear retailer and Goodyear corporate, they replaced all four tires with conventional Michelin Pilot Super Sports. Huge improvement in ride and handling.
Then the issue of what if I get a flat? Ordered BMW Mobility Kit, which easily fits under the floor of the trunk. Signed up for AAA. Ordered the BMW jack and tool kit. Put a full size spare in the trunk - though not happy with the amount of room left.
I began a determined quest to find a compact spare that could work. It began as a fruitless exercise, compact tire manufacturers (Continental and Vredestein) pretty much wouldn't even discuss - somehow liability concerns prohibit them. Managed to get to management at BMWNA but no luck, nothing offered in this or I think any market and nothing planned. Phone calls and tens of email were all dead-ends.
Then I came across a thread about creating a spare from various parts for an E92 M3 by Tom Tarzian and GregW / Oregon here:
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=253769
Inspired by what they had come up with- I wondered if it could work for my F10.
Well it turns out that it seems to work with only a different tire than they were using in order to match the stock tires OD!
This is of course is not approved by BMW and I make absolutely no warranty or claims of fitness, but it seems to work for me. Did a couple mile test drive and all was fine.
Keep in mind that the reference thread started 2-1/2 years ago and some prices have changed and I'm listing some different sources as well.
Parts Details:
BMW 36-11-6-768-861 black steel wheel (this is for the X5/X6 compact spare); $88.68 list 70.94 plus $14.95 shipping at getBMWparts.com
BMW 36-12-1-116-326 rubber valve stem, $2.85 list 2.28 at getBMWparts.com
Centering Ring (centric ring) 74.1-72.56 mm many sources on the web; in plastic tirerack.com or aluminum justforwheels.com (had to buy four at $45.99- so three left).
Maxxis 155/70-18 26.54 112M TP10676000, 26.54 diameter- slightly shy of new OE tires- as regular tires are worn will match up, direct from Maxxis $139 delivered, go to estore on maxxis.com then automotive tires then compact spare tires. They ship from GA at least for east coast.
as an alternative, Tirerack has a Pirelli 135/80-18 at 26.5 diameter at $95 plus shipping.
mount and road force balance $20
So for $293.16 I have a compact spare that fits my 535i xDrive.
For a neater look and to cover the flat when it comes off, I ordered the Tire Rack Seasonal Tire Tote, a pair is $19.95
If I'm in an uncomfortable location, can always call AAA and get them to put on the spare but otherwise the BMW jack works well on a level hard surface in my test.
BMW Jack Set, MSRP $161.53 for $129.26 plus shipping at
http://www.bmwpartsforless.com/index...eries-interior This fits inside the spare wheel.
My Process:
I had posted a number of times to see if anyone with a X5/X6 could try their spare on a F10, also posted in the M3 thread if someone could try on a F10 but never saw a response. So after a few months I went ahead and ordered the wheel from getBMWparts.com They keep it in stock so it came quickly.
Tried the wheel on the front, it cleared the brake parts with no spacer needed, hub was too large but expected that, centric ring solves the difference. Checked the stock lug bolt lengths and they seemed fine, I can get my hand behind and they catch all the treads and go beyond just a touch but less than the OE 351M wheels.
For a tire, I called TireRack about what they had available, they stock a Pirelli 135/80-18 which is close to the stock diameter. From the M3 thread although a different size they referenced Maxxis, a 155/70-18 is a smige closer to the target in diameter and had a higher weight load rating. So went ahead and ordered the tire from Maxxis. I was going to order the centering ring from 1010tires.com but their website was not responding to taking the order. Googled and ordered from justforwheels.com. I wanted metal- though that's just me. Tirerack has them in plastic as well, I'm sure it's just as good and a lot less money. Used clear RTV silicone to tack the ring to the wheel.
FYI OE OD - 245/40-19 OD 26.72 inches, 245/45-18 26.68, 275/35-19 26.58, 275/40-18 26.66
Took the bits to the tire store for mounting and balancing with the Hunter Road Force - overkill for a spare but I've gone this far. Went lock to lock to check clearances, two mile test drive.
Strapped it on one side to one of the hooks in the back of the trunk.
I think that's it.
edit:
Since my project last summer, some things have changed over time and I've become aware of the following new information:
realOEM.com is listing a BMW part number for a spare and tool kit for the F10, it is 36112159862, however my checks at getBMWparts.com and BMWpartsforless.com does not bring up anything for that number. So not sure it is available in USA.
Bimmerzone is now selling a spare kit, they have packaged basically what I have done here though they've used the 135/80-18 as TireRack sells instead of the Maxxis 155/70-18 for those that don't want to go- à la carte.
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