Yes, I used the search feature but didn't see a definitive answer!

After about 26K miles, it's almost time for new rubber on my '05 MCS with 15" rims and Dunlop runflats. I'm considering conventional (non-run flats) tires and as such, I'd like to carry a spare in the boot, if practicable.

What brand and size (cheap) rim fits my '05 MCS with 15" tires? I'll consider a donut (temporary) spare rim and tire, or a "real" rim and tire, whichever is most practical. I don't normally carry anything in the boot, so I assume a tire/rim will fit.

Also, where is the best place to purchase the spare rim?

Thanks, guys!

--Mark in C'ville

 

A steel rim from a 2003 honda civic (15" model trim - DX?) will fit and work with no issues. Check your local salvage yard.

 

Sounds good to me.

Thanks, nabeshin!

 

OK, something is not right-
"it's almost time for new rubber on my '05 MCS with 15" rims and Dunlop runflats."

MCS comes with 16" runflats and 17" runflats optional.
There are no 15" runflats so I think you mean you have 16" runflats and want to get a spare and nonrunflats.

Spares can be comfort or full size. A compact spare is sold by MINI parts for the base Cooper. It will work OK. Or you can find a similar sized compact spare from the junkyard or on Ebay for cars that have 4x100 bolt pattern. This compact spare can be covered with a bag and kept in the boot area in case of a flat. Use the spare only on the rear if you can since handling and safety is best with a full tire on the fronts.

This means if you get a front tire flat you put the compact spare on the rear and move the good rear tire to the front where the flat is. This takes more time so be careful if in a traffic area or at night.

A full sized tire and wheel is also possible such as a 15" or 16" wheel with stock sized tire or similar. Alloy is lighter but steel is cheaper. Tirerack.com has easy to use alloy wheels of stock or similar sizes that can be matched with tires of close to 24.3" tire diameter.

Stock rims are 15x5.5" with +45mm offset. Spare wheel sizes can be 15x6 to 15x7". 175/65-15, 185/65-15 or 195/60-15 are fine for full sized tires.

16x6.5 is also stock sized. 16x6 to 16x7 is fine. 205/50-16 to 205/55-16 is OK with stock suspension.

If you have a MINI club you might find someone with a used tire you can buy cheaply to use as a spare and then get the rim to fit. Be sure to cover the tire when you carry it in the boot just to keep things clean.