Currently, I am running a full sized spare in the trunk. As you can imagine, there is not much room for anything else. Due to the size, I also removed the shelf/lid to allow enough space for the tire. I realize some guys on the forums here have the kits to repair the tire on the side of the road. I would rather have a tangible spare ready to go and ready to swap out.

I am looking to ditch the full sized spare and go with this OPTION from WayMotorWorks or find someone selling a spare here on these forums.

A – are there any other R53 owners out there than have this already? Do you have any pictures of the setup? Does the spare fit with the shelf/lid in place? I imagine the spare takes up less space than a full sized tire.

B – If so, how did you secure the wheel so that it does not move around? I am envisioning some sort of brace/strap that attaches to the back of the rear seats and pins the spare tire into place. But I do not know if that is possible.

I want to then pick up some sort of bag/case to house the jack and related items for changing the tire if/when needed.

I want to clean things up in the back of the trunk as much as I can. If possible, reclaim some of the trunk so that it can be used again for random items.

Thanks.

 

Option C, don't have a spare tire at all and get this. It's great and you use it to top up your tires. http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/...140512022643:s

 

Yeap I am using Option C+

One of the:

• Walmart Slime Green Kits with 12v pump (~20$)
• Tire Plug Kit (~11$)
• Road Side Assistance on my AT&T phone (~6$)

 

Interesting...

So $79 gets you the pump and a single shot repair. $28 for each flat there after.

Have you used this yet? Sounds like a temp fix until you get to a garage. 125 mile limit at 50mph.

I kind of like this approach. I haven't had a flat in over 5-6 years so its rare for me. This might just fit the bill.

Time to go watch the video link... Thanks.

 

This seems to work very well out here .


It fits anywhere .


Light weight .


Will not get hands dirty ( unless you want to help the driver )


Guarantee to be on within 30 min .





Now if you don't live in a thriving metropolis the other options mentioned above are all viable. One of the " benefits " of being in a more crowded area I guess is not having to really worry much about getting stuck with tire issues. Its a good reason that most local enthusiasts dump their runflats ASAP .

 

My R53 carries an OEM donut spare (in a zippered cloth bag with handles) normally snugly stuffed behind the driver's seat. When transporting 4 people, I place the spare in the boot where it fits below the parcel tray and does not shift around. I also have the Conti inflator/slime kit. I've never had to use either one.

 

That's what i use: extended AAA service (120 mi, i think, tow is covered), andI keep a close eye on tire condition.

 

Problem with ONLY this, is that you have to sit on the road side, BUT if you add just a couple options to your bag of tricks in less than 5 minutes you can be back on the road. THAT is why I have a Plug Kit, Pump with Green Goo, and the AAA membership.

Why wait 30+ minutes for a tow truck to tow you someplace to do something i can do myself on the road side in 5 minutes?

 

I think I would rather wait than screw up the balance of a tire with the green goo but if it was truly a emergency I would go that route. I've made several trips to Vegas and SF and always thought I should get a can of flat fix but never got around to it and luckily never had a issue. . If my wife drove the mini I think I would have gotten some and given her a quick course on its use .

 

And that is the dilemma I am presented with...

The wife is the primary driver of the MINI now a days. So whatever we decide on, it has to be something she is comfortable with doing until I can get to her location.

Is that a spare (yes she is a ninja at changing tires) or the liquid latex as a temp fix?

Good, I was hoping to have a discussion on this to get several points of view on it. Then make the best decision that fits our fact pattern.

 

I have the service kit ( not Continental) but if I go anywhere more than 50 miles from home I carry a space saver spare that I bought for $15 on Craigslist, it came off an 05 Honda Civic it is in new condition, placed it in the boot tilted at an angle so that the parcel shelf stays flat and is held in place by a cargo net from my other car, the net comes with rings and are held by the head rest tubes. I'll try to post a pic later

 

Of course there's always this option. Not so sure how well they corner though.

 

I can't speak about run flats but I've used plugs in standard tires for years without the slime and it works and lasts for the life of the tire without any issues.

I've never used slime in car tires only in a lawn tractor. It worked but it's not a high speed spinning tire.

I think a good compressor and the plugs should do fine as a permanent fix. Yes I've read all the warnings about the inside of the tire needing a professional seal but I'm calling BS based on personal experience using plugs for over 20+ years.

 

I went with the Dynaplug kit and a Harbor Freight 12v pump (not the $10 one that will inflate the tire to the appropriate psi in 3 hours!) that was $25 and I am all set. If it is a sidewalk and I am out of commission, I have AAA gold to tow 100 miles. If it is a LONG trip, I can throw a spare in the trunk for peace of mind.

 

Yup, plug kit and 12v compressor unless it's a road trip, then donut spare, scissors Jack, 19v impact & torque wrench in the car.
(My tire guy would disown me if I brought him a tire with slime in it.)

 

I think location and the local environment also comes into play . As we live in L.A I've advised my wife to call me or AAA and stay in the car for any auto issues .

 

Very true. The wife knows how to change a tire. But... Given the surroundings...

I think I am leaning towards the liquid latex kit for inner city transportation.

And still picking up a spare for the out of city (long) trips. That seems to be the best of both worlds.

In the unlikely event there is a flat, I am relatively close (work) to the house that I would consider stopping by to pick up the spare and get get her and the MINI.

 

Using that goo in tire might get your mechanic to hate you, especially if you forget to tell him that the stuff is in your tire

For me, I have standard tires (Falken Ziex) and a CAA membership (Canadian equivalent of AAA). Never had to get it towed due to a flat, but I do have a plug kit, a small 12v pump, a breaker bar with a ratchet head and the factory tool kit with the jack.

For your mounting solution, a guy in my local club is carrying a full size tire (18'') in the boot and I believe it's held by some plastic/rubber stap on the back seat.