Does BMW Come With Spare Tire?
Are you wondering if modern BMW vehicles come equipped with a spare tire? Many car shoppers are surprised to find out that an increasing number of vehicles, including BMWs, no longer include spare tires. This article will provide a thorough explainer on BMW’s spare tire history, why the automaker replaced them, which models still have spares, and what to do if your BMW gets a flat.
A Brief History of BMW Spare Tires
Up until the early 2000s, BMW vehicles came standard with spare tires. Most had full-size spares, while some models had “space-saver” compact spares intended only for temporary use after a flat.
That changed in 2003 when BMW began introducing run-flat tires on certain models like the 5-Series and Z4. Over the next 3 years, spare tires were gradually phased out across the BMW lineup in favor of run-flats.
By 2006, the spare tire was gone from nearly all BMW models. The main exception was high-performance trims, which were instead fitted with a “BMW Mobility Kit” containing tire sealant and an air compressor.
So in a relatively short time, the spare tire went from a standard inclusion to being removed entirely from new BMW vehicles.
Why Did BMW Ditch the Spare Tire?
BMW wasn’t the first automaker to abandon spare tires, but it did lead the charge starting in 2003. The company cited several reasons for this change:
Weight savings – Removing the spare tire shed about 25 pounds from BMW vehicles. This helped improve fuel efficiency to meet tightening EPA regulations.
Fuel economy – The weight reduction directly translated into slightly better MPG ratings. In a market where every fraction of a MPG matters, this was meaningful.
Safety concerns – BMW claimed changing a flat on the roadside could be dangerous for motorists. Run-flat tires eliminate the need to immediately change a flat tire.
Added space – Eliminating the spare opened up more storage room, a feature vehicle shoppers appreciate.
Of course the cost savings was likely also a major factor for BMW. But nonetheless, weight reduction and fuel economy were touted as the primary benefits.
Which BMW Models Still Have Spare Tires?
Since spare tires were phased out across 2003-2006, BMW models built before 2006 have the best chance of including them. Specifically:
- Full-size spare tires were more common on 1990s and early 2000s BMWs. These allow full use until replacing the flat tire.
- Space-saver compact spares were offered on some models instead. These are intended only for temporary use after a flat.
For example, a 1996 8 Series we examined had a full-size spare, while a 2004 3 Series came equipped with a space-saver compact spare.
So there is still a possibility of finding a spare when considering older BMW vehicles. However, newer models even just 1-2 years past 2006 are very unlikely to come with any form of spare tire.
Modern BMW Flat Tire Solutions
With no spare tire, what solutions does BMW offer drivers today for an inevitable flat tire?
Run-Flat Tires
The primary solution is run-flat tires, now standard on most BMW models. Run-flats contain reinforced sidewalls that retain their shape even when fully deflated after a puncture.
This allows drivers to carefully operate their BMW for 50-100 additional miles at limited speeds to reach a tire shop or dealership for replacement service.
Benefits of run-flat tires:
- Continue driving after puncture
- Improved safety not stopped roadside
- Added storage without spare tire
Downsides compared to regular tires:
- Harsher ride quality
- More expensive to replace
- Reduced handling performance
So while run-flats allow continued mobility after a flat, they don’t drive or handle as nicely according to many BMW owners.
BMW Mobility Kits
On high-performance BMW trims that come with non run-flat tires from the factory, a BMW Mobility Kit is included instead of a spare.
These kits contain an air compressor and a bottle of tire sealant. In the event of a flat, the sealant can be injected into the tire to temporarily plug the puncture so it can be reinflated using the compressor.
This allows the vehicle to be carefully driven to complete the trip or get to a tire shop for a permanent fix. Mobility kits are single use, so the sealed tire will still need replacement.
What To Do When Your BMW Has a Flat
With run-flat tires, mobility kits, or no support at all, what should you do if your modern BMW gets a flat tire?
Run-Flat Tires
- Carefully drive 50-100 miles to tire shop at limited speed
- Get tire replaced since it is damaged after driving flat
Mobility Kit
- Inject sealant into puncture and use compressor to reinflate
- Drive carefully to tire shop for replacement
No Run-Flats or Support
- Call BMW roadside assistance or private company to change tire
- Use temporary space-saver spare if one was added aftermarket
So while run-flats and mobility kits allow you to limp to a shop after a flat, your BMW still needs professional service to replace the damaged tire and get safely back on the road.
Using Regular Tires on BMWs
Can you change out the run-flat tires on a newer BMW for standard tires? Absolutely. Many BMW owners choose to install regular high-performance tires for improved ride, handling, and availability.
However, there are challenges to consider:
- Loss of run-flat post-puncture mobility
- Need to carry a BMW mobility kit or tire repair kit
- Possibly store an aftermarket temporary spare
- Ensure all 4 tires are replaced, not just one
Additionally for leased BMWs, you’ll need to save the OE run-flats to reinstall before turn-in without getting charged replacement fees.
So regular tires can definitely be installed for a superior driving experience. But losing the functionality of run-flats means preparing for flat tire situations in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about whether your BMW comes with a spare tire? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
Do modern BMWs come with full-size spare tires?
No. As of 2006, BMW no longer offers full or even temporary compact spare tires on new vehicles.
Do performance BMW models come with spares?
Performance variants like BMW M models come equipped with mobility kits allowing a damaged tire to be temporarily reinflated using sealant. But no spare is included.
Can I purchase the mobility kit or a spare for my BMW?
Yes, BMW dealerships offer OEM mobility kits or temporary spares that can be added to models that didn’t include them. But check if space exists to store a spare before purchasing.
What if my leased BMW gets a flat?
With run-flat tires, carefully drive to a tire shop for replacement service per BMW’s guidance. If you installed regular non run-flat tires, use a tire repair kit and contact BMW roadside assistance.
Do I need run-flat tires on my BMW?
No, you can replace run-flats with regular tires for improved comfort, handling, and availability. But have a repair kit and recovery plan for flats.
Conclusion
While they used to come standard, a spare tire is no longer included with new BMW vehicles. Run-flat tires and mobility kits provide backup mobility solutions after a flat instead. So make sure you understand what type of tire solution your BMW offers before hitting the road, and how to handle a flat when it eventually occurs!
