Run flats & Space saver

M

marksdesigns

Active member
 SANDHURST, BERKSHIRE
ok - heres a question... so if we get new alloys - and don't have run flats anymore, do we stick a space saver in the boot - just in case? if so which do we purchase? maybe one from a E46? Next thing, if the alloys are 19", is it ok to run a 16" space saver?

whats the legalities on this? ... its late for a taxing thought like this eh...sorry! zzzzz

spare_exp.jpg

ahh. ok seen 'leatherz' have a ssaver, $269!!
spare_mz3.jpg
 
marksdesigns said:
ok - heres a question... so if we get new alloys - and don't have run flats anymore, do we stick a space saver in the boot - just in case? if so which do we purchase? maybe one from a E46? Next thing, if the alloys are 19", is it ok to run a 16" space saver?

whats the legalities on this? ... its late for a taxing thought like this eh...sorry! zzzzz
Click to expand...

I have this set up, 19'' with 16'' OEM spare for Z and 3 series. No problem.
 
In case others read this and make a mistake let me add comment:

The size of your replacement alloys of course does not matter, it's the size of your original wheel and brake set up.

In you case being a 2.2 then a 16" spare will fit, for those with later facelift and larger engined models specifically the 3.0Si then a 17" spare is required. the same for anyone who upgrades the brake or caliper size to the E46 330 spec.

Might seem to be stating the obvious but you'll also need a jack and wheel brace !!

Buy the wheel of Ebay and expect £30 to £50

There are no legal implications to swapping non RFT's or carrying a spacesaver, however of course for MOT if the tyre is in the car then it must be legal tread, inflated, etc. You must however inform your insurance.

As an alternative to spares and when the boot is full many of us also carry compresser and tyre gunk or the BMW mobility kit (as used on ///M's)

Hope this helps
 
Agree with CJ but there is perhaps a bit more to this and I would suggest there are potential legal implications to using non rfts and/or a spacesaver. The Zed was designed to run on rfts – yes I agree that non rfts may provide better performance, grip etc but the point is it was not designed to run on this type of tyre (and indeed I run PS2s). In the event of a puncture the construction of the rft and in particular the side wall is designed to carry the load of the vehicle for short distances at low speed. This is seen as a ‘safety’ aspect in terms of design and construction of the vehicle. In many instances nothing is going to happen if you fit non rfts and have a puncture however a catastrophic tyre failure with non rfts which may be seen or indeed identified as a contributory cause to an accident may well cause legal difficulties not in a criminal court but as a result of a civil claim. Now in the event of a normal puncture, and you are running non rfts and you fit a space saver type spare, then in terms of the original vehicle design you are once again stepping outside of the original design criteria. In 99.99999% of cases you will arrive home safely get the tyre changed and be back to normal. We do however live in a litigious environment and anything such as a change to original design characteristics will be thoroughly exploited in the event of a claim to increase any determined liability. The simple question that would be asked is, 'If this vehicle were running on the tyres it was designed or intended to use (runflats) then would this incident/accident have happened?' If you choose to change to non rfts and use a ‘spacesaver’ tyre then it’s a must that you inform your insurance company – get their approval in writing or at the very least record the date, time and person authorising their use then if your are unfortunate (and I hope nobody will be) to be involved in an accident the liability if one is found will be covered by your insurance company which perhaps makes their written agreement more important than a simple phone call to a call centre.
 
Points above are absolutely correct. Now if one is going to ride on 19'''s (that have such low sidewewall profiles), any important impact/pinch will tear that sidewall open, making the car undriveable even if it was a RF. So a 16'' (or 17'') compact spare is peace of mind indeed.
 
With a 2.2 you should be OK with a 16" space-saver as it'll clear the brakes no probs. In fact, the same goes for pre-facelift 3.0i owners as 16" alloys fit on these but only just (although not - as cj says - you've done a brake upgrade). I didn't know this at the time and hence bought a 17" spacesaver for my 3.0i when a 16" would've done. It's the newer 3.0Si that has the bigger brakes and requires the 17".

Also, the 17" spacesaver I have is marginally larger in diameter (tyre plus wheel) than the OEM 16" alloys with 225/50/16 tyres I currently have sitting in my garage, which themselves are a similar diameter to an 18" alloy with suitable OEM tyre size. I'd imagine it'll be fine even if you have 19" alloys.
 
a11y said:
With a 2.2 you should be OK with a 16" space-saver as it'll clear the brakes no probs. In fact, the same goes for pre-facelift 3.0i owners as 16" alloys fit on these but only just (although not - as cj says - you've done a brake upgrade). I didn't know this at the time and hence bought a 17" spacesaver for my 3.0i when a 16" would've done. It's the newer 3.0Si that has the bigger brakes and requires the 17".

Also, the 17" spacesaver I have is marginally larger in diameter (tyre plus wheel) than the OEM 16" alloys with 225/50/16 tyres I currently have sitting in my garage, which themselves are a similar diameter to an 18" alloy with suitable OEM tyre size. I'd imagine it'll be fine even if you have 19" alloys.
Click to expand...

I thought I'd made it clear that a larger spare is needed for both the facelift 3.0Si and any brake upgrades? Ah well thanks for clarification if I did not.
 
cj10jeeper said:
a11y said:
With a 2.2 you should be OK with a 16" space-saver as it'll clear the brakes no probs. In fact, the same goes for pre-facelift 3.0i owners as 16" alloys fit on these but only just (although not - as cj says - you've done a brake upgrade). I didn't know this at the time and hence bought a 17" spacesaver for my 3.0i when a 16" would've done. It's the newer 3.0Si that has the bigger brakes and requires the 17".

Also, the 17" spacesaver I have is marginally larger in diameter (tyre plus wheel) than the OEM 16" alloys with 225/50/16 tyres I currently have sitting in my garage, which themselves are a similar diameter to an 18" alloy with suitable OEM tyre size. I'd imagine it'll be fine even if you have 19" alloys.
Click to expand...

I thought I'd made it clear that a larger spare is needed for both the facelift 3.0Si and any brake upgrades? Ah well thanks for clarification if I did not.
Click to expand...

CJ, you did... :thumbsup:
 
whats the recommendation regarding space saver Vs goop in a can? Is it just a tossup?

sounds like if you get a flat, the goop might be fine to let you limp home, but will you need a pump too, or does the goop also provide air?

but what if you get more damage, like a blowout/tear? Are they more likely in a non-runflat and so would you be more covered by a space saver?
 
cj10jeeper said:
a11y said:
With a 2.2 you should be OK with a 16" space-saver as it'll clear the brakes no probs. In fact, the same goes for pre-facelift 3.0i owners as 16" alloys fit on these but only just (although not - as cj says - you've done a brake upgrade).
Click to expand...

I thought I'd made it clear that a larger spare is needed for both the facelift 3.0Si and any brake upgrades? Ah well thanks for clarification if I did not.
Click to expand...
Doh - right words, wrong punctation and order! Sorry :oops:

Should've read "although - as cj says - not if you've done a brake upgrade".
 
The whole spare or gunk and a compressor is down to choice.

Spare takes space and needs a jack and brace
Mobility kit is good as it's pump and goo. Alternative is a pump and goo as separate items. Light, easy to carry, etc. but no good for a major blowout and can mess up the tyre.

There is of course always the RAC/AA for a major issue. Given that flat tires are rarer than hens teeth these days then it's down to how much of a gmanle you want to take. Personally I carry the spare if I'm on critical long journeys like business the rest of the time it sits in h egarage and the Mobility kit is all set to go and RAC card in my pocket.

Of course if you wreck a runflat it's a £200 bill anyway if you drive it flat, or puncture the sidewall :thumbsdown:
 
Managed to get 17" space saver off eBay, don't like using the gunk hang quick fit say they will not repair any Tyre that Tyre weld or similar products have been used so new tyre
 
jonah1237 said:
Managed to get 17" space saver off eBay, don't like using the gunk hang quick fit say they will not repair any Tyre that Tyre weld or similar products have been used so new tyre
Click to expand...

i think this is correct for anywhere, and your supposed to tell then if youve used it.

only problem i can see with a spare etc is where do you put your 19" rim when you take it off. esp if you have a passenger?
 
domsz4 said:
only problem i can see with a spare etc is where do you put your 19" rim when you take it off. esp if you have a passenger?
Click to expand...

That's exactly why I carry both a space saver AND a puncture plug repair kit.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom