Space Saver Spare Wheel

[robnaylor]

Hi, I get my new X5 in a couple of weeks and would like to have a space saver spare wheel. Although I am sure the run flats are fine  I tow a caravan and would like the security of having a replacement wheel should I need it. I think the extra weight of a caravan on the back might be too much for the run flats. Also would not wish to in the position of having to find a tyre repair garage whilst towing. Sorry my question is what compatible space savers are available for my set up, will other models fit as I see a lot of space saver spare wheels for the older X5 models for sale, I am having the standard 18 wheels. Thanks Rob

[X5Sport]

Have a look on RealOEM and select your car type on the site and then go to the 'Wheels' subsection which will show you the space saver available.  You can order a kit from BMW Dealers.  You will need to add a jacking kit too as none comes with the car.  The wheel will most likely be a standard 18" 'slim' steel wheel as was offered on the E70/71.

You should only use an OEM one as it will be the right specification and therefore approved for your vehicle.  Even more important as yours is under warranty and BMW will walk away if you fit anything other than the right bits.

You cannot use one if you have the 7-seater - unless you keep it in the caravan.  It will be worth checking with a Dealer to see if you can use the space saver wheel when the caravan is hooked up.  You may find that it can only be used with the car on it's own as it cannot cope with the extra loads from a trailer such as a caravan.

Richard

[sid10]

Hi I would recommend a full size spare wheel with a caravan I am not sure that you can tow on a temporary wheel , I have looked on a website for you www.vipalloywheels.co.uk
eg Style 446 tyre size 255/55/18 109H
                                      8.5j x 18 et46 centre bore is 74.1 mm
 
The tyre size is pretty much standard on all X5 E53 , E70 & F15 but the centre bore is different on the E53 , the offset is much the same on the E70 et48 , F15 et46 .
  Only other thing to check is that the spare wheel is also a Run flat as BMW do not recommend using none runflat & runflat tyres together .
  As for the Runflat being up to the job of towing dont worry as the tyres have a larger load rating than other models at 109h , the main benifit is being able to stop if you do get a puncture !
Hope this helped .

[Barry-C]

Hi , I felt much the same as you regarding run flats and caravanning, BMW actually market a spacesaver wheel with the jack, jack handle wheelbrace all fitted into a stowage contained within the back of the wheel.
I purchased the kit for my 2014 X5 F15, it fits under the boot floor and screws into a threaded hole already there. Have a look on ebay, there are some BMW dealers advertising  the wheels at discounted prices, which my local BMW dealer matched.

[robnaylor]

Thanks guys, some good advise and lots to think about. Cheers Rob