BMW 328i Spare Tire: Everything You Need To Know

Have you ever gotten a flat tire while driving your BMW 328i and wondered about the details of the spare? Knowing the spare tire size, where it’s located, and how to change it can give you confidence in handling this unexpected situation. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know about the BMW 328i spare tire.

So you’re cruising down the highway in your BMW 328i without a care in the world. Suddenly you hear a “thump thump” and feel the car start to shake. You have a flat tire! Do you know if your BMW 328i has a spare tire, where it’s located, and how to change it? Read on to find out.

What is the Spare Tire Size for the BMW 328i?

When automakers include a spare tire, it’s often a “compact” or “space-saving” spare that is smaller than the regular tires on the vehicle. This helps save storage space and weight.

The BMW 328i spare tire is a compact spare with the size T125/80D17.

To understand what this means:

The “T” indicates a compact temporary spare tire
125 indicates the tire width in millimeters
80 indicates the aspect ratio (sidewall height as a percentage of the width)
D indicates the tire construction (diagonal or bias ply)
17 indicates the wheel rim diameter in inches

So in plain English, the BMW 328i spare is a narrower, shorter tire than the regular tires, which are size 225/50R17. This allows the compact spare to take up less space.

The main purpose of the compact spare is to get you off the road to a tire shop. It’s not made for long-term use. BMW states you should drive no faster than 50 mph and for no more than 50 miles on the compact spare. Exceeding these limits can damage the tire or even be unsafe.

Now that you know the BMW 328i spare tire size, let’s look at where it’s located.

Where is the Spare Tire on a BMW 328i?

On the BMW 328i, the spare tire is concealed under the floor of the trunk. Here are the steps to access it:

Open the trunk and lift up the carpeting and cargo floor panel. This will reveal a tire well.
Inside the well you’ll find the spare tire, a special lug wrench, and a vehicle jack.

Storing the spare under the cargo area rather than externally underneath the vehicle helps protect it from the elements and road damage. The cargo floor keeps it hidden from view for a clean look.

When storing items in your trunk, be careful not to overload the cargo floor panel. Excess weight could damage the panel or make it difficult to lift up.

Now let’s go over the complete process of how to change a flat tire on a BMW 328i.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing a Flat Tire on a BMW 328i

When you get a flat tire on the road, it’s important to know what to do. Follow these steps to safely change a tire on your BMW 328i:

1. Gather the Needed Tools

Before getting started, assess the situation and gather the items you’ll need:

The spare tire, lug wrench, and vehicle jack stored under the trunk floor
Wheel chocks to block the wheels diagonally opposite the flat tire
Gloves to protect your hands
A flashlight if at night or low light

Also make sure you’re parked on level, stable ground for safest jacking.

2. Chock the Wheels

With the car in Park and the parking brake engaged, place wheel chocks in front and behind the tire diagonally opposite the flat. This prevents accidental rolling.

3. Loosen the Lug Nuts

Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire. Turn them counterclockwise about one full turn. Do not fully remove the lug nuts yet.

4. Jack up the Car

Position the vehicle jack under a jacking point close to the flat tire. BMW specifies proper jacking points under the side rocker panels. Refer to the owner’s manual for their locations.

Jack up the car until the flat tire clears the ground. Make sure the car is stable on the jack.

5. Remove the Lug Nuts and Flat Tire

With the tire raised off the ground, fully unscrew and remove the lug nuts. Carefully pull the wheel off the lug bolts and set it aside.

6. Mount the Spare Tire

Pick up the spare and line it up on the wheel lugs. Hand tighten the lug nuts clockwise until snug.

7. Lower the Car and Tighten the Lug Nuts

Carefully lower the vehicle by turning the jack release valve counterclockwise. Once the tire touches the ground, finish tightening the lugs nuts securely with the lug wrench.

8. Stow the Flat Tire

Put the flat tire in the spare tire well and secure it. Place the tools inside. Close the cargo floor and reset the trunk carpet.

And that’s it – you’ve successfully changed your BMW 328i flat tire! Just remember to have the full-size tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

When Should You Replace Your BMW 328i Spare Tire?

The compact spare tire in your BMW is meant for temporary use only. Here are some guidelines for when to replace it:

Inspect annually – Check the spare tire tread and overall condition when you rotate the regular tires or perform other maintenance. Look for cracking, dry rot, or wear.
Replace if worn – Compact spares have less tread depth than regular tires to start with. Replace if the tread is worn down or you can see the wear indicators.
Don’t exceed 50 miles – BMW states not to drive over 50 miles on the compact spare. The tire could be damaged or unsafe.
Replace with OEM spare – When buying a replacement, get the same BMW OEM compact spare size and type. Don’t use a different size.
Watch the age – Even if it looks OK, tires degrade over time. Plan to replace after about 6 years regardless of condition.

By following these guidelines, your BMW 328i spare tire will be in good working order whenever you need it. Taking care of your spare is cheap insurance against being stranded by a flat!

Frequently Asked Questions about the BMW 328i Spare Tire

Here are answers to some common questions about the BMW 328i spare tire:

Can you drive faster than 50 mph on the compact spare?

No, BMW sets the 50 mph speed limit to prevent damage to the tire which is not rated for high speeds. For safety, obey the limit.

How far can you drive on the compact spare?

BMW states no more than 50 miles should be driven on the compact spare. Further driving risks tire damage or failure.

Where is the jack that comes with the BMW 328i?

The jack is stored underneath the trunk floor in the spare tire well, along with the lug wrench. Lift the floor carpet and panel to access them.

Does the BMW 328i have run-flat tires?

No, the standard BMW 328i does not come equipped with run-flat tires. Models with run-flats do not have a spare tire.

Should you still get the full-size flat tire repaired?

Yes, you should have it repaired as soon as possible and replace the compact spare back in the spare tire well.

Can you mount the compact spare on the front wheels?

BMW recommends only using the spare on the rear tires to avoid any handling issues from mixed tire sizes.

How much air pressure should the spare tire have?

The spare should be inflated to 60 psi, which is printed on the tire sidewall. Verify this with the owner’s manual.

Conclusion

We’ve covered everything you need to know about the BMW 328i spare tire. To recap:

It’s a compact T125/80D17 spare tire smaller than regular tires
The spare is stored under the trunk along with the tools
Drive no faster than 50 mph and for less than 50 miles on the spare
Replace when worn, after 6 years, or if damaged
Follow proper jacking points and safety steps when changing a flat

Knowing this information before you get a flat tire will give you confidence to handle this unexpected situation. With the right preparation, you can be back on the road quickly and safely. Always be sure to have your full-size tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible after using the BMW 328i spare.