Do BMW 4 Series Come With Spare Tires?

If you’ve recently purchased or are considering getting a BMW 4 Series, you may be wondering what type of tires it comes with. Specifically, do BMW 4 Series come with spare tires?

The short answer is – it depends. Certain 4 Series models and trim levels include run-flat tires with no spare, while others come equipped with a spare tire kit stored in the trunk.

In this detailed guide, we’ll overview the tire situation across all BMW 4 Series models and years. You’ll learn:

The difference between run-flat and standard tires
Which 4 Series trims have spares vs run-flats
Where the spare tire is located in the 4 Series
If you can add a spare to models with run-flats
What’s included in the BMW spare tire kit
Tips for using and maintaining your 4 Series spare

Knowing your BMW 4 Series’ tire setup is crucial for emergency preparedness and maintaining your ride. Let’s dive in and settle the spare tire debate once and for all!

Overview of BMW 4 Series Tires

The sleek and sporty BMW 4 Series made its debut in 2013 as a coupe and convertible version of the BMW 3 Series. The model range has since expanded to include the 4 Series Gran Coupe 4-door and the latest addition, the 4 Series Active Hatchback.

Across all 4 Series models, buyers are faced with a choice between two main tire types:

Run-flat tires – These tires consist of reinforced sidewalls that allow driving up to 50 miles at 50 mph after a puncture. No spare tire is included with run-flats.
Standard tires + spare – These non-reinforced tires require the use of a spare when punctured. Certain 4 Series trims come equipped with a temporary spare stored in the trunk.

BMW’s rationale for not including full spares on all models is to save weight and cargo space. Run-flat tires allow slimmer tire profiles too. However, run-flats tend to have firmer rides and wear faster than standard tires.

Now let’s break down exactly which BMW 4 Series come with spares, run-flats, or give you a choice:

Do Current 4 Series Models Come with Spare Tires?

Whether you drive off the lot with a spare tire included depends on which BMW 4 Series model year and trim level you choose:

2023 BMW 4 Series Spare vs Run-Flat Tires

The 2023 BMW 4 Series lineup including the Coupe, Gran Coupe, Convertible, and Active Hatchback have run-flat tires standard across all trims. There is no spare tire or tire repair kit included from the factory.

However, you can swap out the run-flats for standard tires and add a spare tire kit as an option for 2023 4 Series models.

2022 BMW 4 Series Spare Tire Info

For 2022, run-flat tires again came equipped on all 4 Series trims. The only exception was the 2022 430i and 430i xDrive coupe and convertible which had standard tires and an inflator kit with sealant instead of a full-size spare.

2021 BMW 4 Series Spare Tire Details

The 2021 4 Series lineup saw the same tire configurations:

M440i, M440i xDrive, 430i, and 430i xDrive coupes and convertibles had standard tires and an inflator/sealant kit.
All other trims (440i, 440i xDrive) came with run-flats and no spare tire or kit.

2020 BMW 4 Series Run-Flat vs Spare

In the debut 2020 model year, run-flat tires were standard across all 4 Series trim levels with no spare tire kit option.

BMW did equip the 2020 M440i and M440i xDrive coupes and convertibles with an inflator and tire sealant kit, but no temporary spare wheel.

Based on the tire history, we can conclude that the majority of recent 4 Series models do NOT come with a spare tire unless you opt for specific trim packages. Run-flat tires are the default across coupe, convertible, and 4-door 4 Series.

Next let’s examine if run-flat tires provide the same functionality and reliability as carrying a spare.

Are Run-Flat Tires as Reliable as Spare Tires?

BMW believes run-flat tires offer enough puncture resistance and mobility post-deflation to negate the need for a spare. But many drivers prefer having the security of a full-size spare tire on hand just in case.

Here are the main pros and cons of relying solely on run-flat tires versus carrying a spare:

Benefits of Run-Flat Tires

Allow continued driving up to 50 miles at 50 mph after puncture
Free up cargo space that would be occupied by a spare
Provide slimmer tire sidewall designs
Weigh less than standard tires + spare kit

Downsides of Run-Flats

Harder rubber compounds have firmer ride quality
Wear out faster than standard tires
More expensive to replace than standard tires
Can’t plug small puncture holes like in standard tires

Advantages of a Full-Size Spare

Provides total peace of mind in an emergency
Allows normal driving speeds and distances
Standard tires have better grip and comfort
Full spares are cheaper than run-flats to replace

As you can see, there are convincing arguments on both sides. Run-flat tires offer security in the event of a puncture, while full spares provide maximum capability and flexibility.

Many BMW 4 Series owners choose to swap out the run-flats for standard tires and add a spare tire kit. Next, let’s look at what’s included in a 4 Series spare kit if you choose to go this route.

What’s Included in the BMW 4 Series Spare Tire Kit?

For the subset of 4 Series models that come equipped with temporary spares instead of run-flats, BMW includes a tire mobility kit containing:

Compact spare tire – This is a “donut” style spare that should allow driving no more than 50 miles at speeds under 50 mph. It gives you enough mobility to get to a tire shop.
Lug wrench – Tool for loosening and tightening lug nuts when changing a flat tire.
Jack – A scissor jack to safely raise the 4 Series for tire changes.
Tow hook – Used to hook up the 4 Series for towing if needed.
Air compressor – Allows you to reinflate under-inflated tires to proper PSI. Helpful for getting the donut spare to spec before installing.

If you opt for the full-size spare tire kit on a 4 Series originally equipped with run-flats, you’ll get an actual full-size wheel and tire instead of the compact donut spare. This provides maximum driving range and speed if you get a flat.

Now let’s look at where the spare tire or inflator kit is stored within the 4 Series.

Where is the Spare Tire Located in the 4 Series?

On BMW 4 Series models equipped with a spare tire kit, the spare is cleverly stored under the trunk floor. Here are the steps to access it:

Open the trunk and lift up the cargo floor cover. This reveals the spare tire well underneath.
Remove the foam insert surrounding the spare tire. This keeps it protected and secure within the well.
Use the lug wrench to loosen the wing nut holding the spare in place. There is a bolt running through the middle of the spare to secure it.
Once unbolted, lift the spare tire out from the well. Be careful, it can be heavy!

When finished changing the flat tire, simply reverse the steps to secure the spare or flat tire back in its well underneath the false trunk floor.

For 4 Series equipped only with run-flats, there will be no spare tire kit present. The space under the floor houses the battery and other electronic components instead.

This leads to the next common question – can you add a spare tire to a 4 Series originally equipped with only run-flats?

Can You Add a Spare Tire to a 4 Series with Run-Flats?

One of the downsides of relying solely on run-flat tires is that you miss out on the reliability and convenience of having a spare on board.

The good news is that you can retrofit a spare tire kit to a 4 Series that came from the factory with only run-flats in a few steps:

1. Switch tires – The first step is to swap out the run-flat tires for standard, non-reinforced tires. This provides a more comfortable ride as well.

2. Purchase spare kit – Various aftermarket companies sell spare tire kits designed specifically for BMW models. Make sure to get the proper fit for your 4 Series year, body style, and tire dimensions. Expect to spend $300-$500 for a complete kit.

3. Install spare mount – For 4 Series that didn’t originally have the mounting hardware, you’ll need to have the spare tire holding bolt and wing nut installed in the well under the trunk. A BMW service tech can handle this during the tire change.

Once you’ve made the switch to standard tires and installed the spare kit, you’ll have the convenience of a readily available backup wheel in case of a flat. No more need to rely on run-flats or temporary inflator kits.

Do BMW 4 Series Come with Spare Tires? Final Thoughts

In summary, original spare tire vs run-flat configurations for the BMW 4 Series depend on the model year and trim:

Most models have run-flats only with no spare or inflator kit
Certain trims like the 430i include an inflator kit but no full-size spare
Adding a spare tire kit is a popular aftermarket upgrade for run-flat cars

Check your specific 4 Series production specs to see which tire setup you have. Run-flats allow mobility when punctured but most drivers prefer the security of having a spare, even if it’s compact.

Hopefully this detailed spare tire overview has helped shed light on what to expect from your BMW 4 Series! Let us know if you have any other tire or maintenance questions.