Got stuck with a flat tire on a snowy zero degree day. That was bad enough, but my spare, which had always been tucked away under the trunk (2013 R56) was not usable. It seems the little screw thing that fastens the tire to the dust cover (inflator hose extension) had corroded itself to the threads. Consequently, I could not separate the hose from the cover and in trying to, messed up the valve/wheel air seal so the tire leaked. A AAA tow got me home. Then, two 160 mile round trips to the dealer got me going again (was still under warranty, but not roadside) with a new spare and cover. HEADS UP! Make sure your threads are loose enough to loosen with whatever tools you keep in the car. A bit of grease should prevent this from happening. This is likely not an issue in southern climes, but where you have snow, ice and salt, watch out!

 

It's also worth mentioning to check the air pressure of the spare too - it's no good if the spare is flat!

 

Yea , thats short hose end i hit it with grease every year , it likes to rust being back there , had it stick on my 2005 MCC, mine will need replaced this next time as the salt has taken its toll.


https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/31106783425/ES2676672/





+1 checking to make sure you can get the inner line and out cap off to top it off with air and to inspect the steel wheel, mine is pretty rusted and beat up as they tend to collect and hold salt.

 

What's this "spare tire" you speak of?

- R53 owner



(on a serious note, sorry for your troubles. Perhaps using some anti-seize instead of grease too)

 

lol

Its a R50 R52 Cooper, R56Cooper+ issue #JustaCooperproblem