E60 535d - non run flats but no spare - OPTIONS?

[RedRobert]

Hi guys

As the title suggests I have 19" 172's on my BMW 535d but not run flat tyres. I have no spare either.

Got a puncture today and was lucky enough to get it to my local garage for repair before it was too flat. Got me thinking on the need for spare wheel etc. The car came with 18" run flats originally.

So:
- could I take one of the 18" wheels I originally took off the car in the boot (me thinks the front wont fit the back and vice versa?)
- do those cans of stuff that inflate the wheel really work?
- should I try and get a space saver, wrench and jack (anything else I would need)
- should I go back to the run flats? Need back tyres now anyway but the front are still great.

Cheers
Ronan

[Welshbeef]

You cannot run a car with different sized wheels not width of the tyre but the circumference. Hence Space saver skinny wheels which look like push bike wheels.

I'd suggest you have two options. Firstly go to BMW to try and buy a space saver - OR buy the sealing foam instead and if it happens again use that then get it changed asap.

A puncture is very rare mind. Having said that I've suffered 2 this year but nothing in the previous 15+ years

[waremark]

When I had a puncture on my E46 M3 I used the sealing foam and it was successful.

[Welshbeef]

waremark said:

When I had a puncture on my E46 M3 I used the sealing foam and it was successful.

How many miles/months did it last before you have to change the tyre?
Im guessing you had to pull out the nail/screw first before using the foam (thinking if left in as the tread moves around it would just keep opening up the hole.

[RedRobert]

waremark said:

When I had a puncture on my E46 M3 I used the sealing foam and it was successful.

hi, do you use it when the wheel is flat or when you realise there is a puncture?

[gizlaroc]

Welshbeef said:

How many miles/months did it last before you have to change the tyre?

They get you to a garage to change the tyre, same as a run flat.

50 miles max at around 50kmh

[gizlaroc]

BMW do a kit that consists of a wheel, boot trim and all the tools for £160.

[john_p]

I was told that once you use the foam the tyre is ruined and has to be replaced.

If it's a minor puncture that can be repaired then this is going to cost you £150+ rather than the cost of a puncture repair .. which is going to be peanuts in comparison. Especially if the pair ends up being replaced..

[RedRobert]

Had a brainwave, weather it be good or bad...

That puncture I had was the first puncture for me in over 10 years believe it or not! Range BMW and you can buy the spare wheel set alright for £177.

Instead I bought a RING RAC600 tyre inflator that plugs into the cigarette lights for £20 on ebay. Figure the idrive will tell me when the tyre pressure starts to go and the pump will at least get me to a garage to fix any punctures. Hopefully won't have to use it for another 10 years though!

Thanks guys
Ronan