BMW M3 Forum (E90 E92)

BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Go Back   M3Post - BMW M3 Forum > E90/E92 M3 Technical Topics > Wheels + Tires Sponsored by The Tire Rack
  TireRack

KEEP M3POST ALIVE BY DOING YOUR TIRERACK SHOPPING FROM THIS BANNER LINK!
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      04-20-2009, 07:37 PM   #1
GregW / Oregon
Commander-In-Chief
2067
Rep
8,898
Posts

Drives: 2023 M2 Coupe, 2020 GLE 450
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Lake Oswego, OR

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
Compact spare wheel/tire solution

There was another thread running on this, but I thought I'd summarize here to make the info easy to find. Thanks to Tom Tarzian for a lot of the work on this. The goal was to come up with a compactg spare solution that would clear the stock brakes w/o a spacer and come as close as possible to the stock tire OD.

To clear the front brake requires an 18" wheel, or perhaps a heck of a spacer on a 17. The X6 has a 5" wide wheel that seemed to fit the bill. Only thing is its hub is slightly larger (74.1 vs. 72.6 mm), so a centering ring is the right way to go.

Finding a suitable tire was a challenge, because manufacturers don't seen to list info on compact spares, and most tire dealers are unclued. I eventually found a 135/70-18 as used on the Cadillac CTS, and was able to track down the manufacturer (Maxxis) and a local dealer (Les Schwab). It took about two weeks to order in.

I test fit the setup today, and it clears the front brake caliper by about 1/4", and seems just fine. The OD of the tire is just about 0.3" smaller than the stock fronts (a little more in the rear, of course), but seems well within tolerance, IMO. Tom had used a 125/70, but I thought that a little small.

Weight complete is 37 lbs. (47 bs. for OEM 19F). The stock lug bolts work fine.

So, here's what you need:

- BMW 36-11-6-768-861 black steel wheel; $155 list Edit 9/29/09: Kyoshi71 says this wheel is OEM, at about half the price: http://www.worldimpex.com/parts/bmw-...c_1533872.html.
- BMW 36-12-1-116-326 rubber valve stem, $5.35 list
- Centering ring, 74.1-72.6 mm; 1010 tire (mis-labeled 74.1-72.56 http://www.1010tires.com/hubrings.as...FU0wpAodcQqcmw); $30 shipped for set of 4 (you can sell extras)
- Maxxis T135/70R18 104M M9500N (#TP10655100), $85 + $10 shipping + $12.50 mount & balance

All-in-all, not inexpensive, but a nice bit of security to have in the trunk for trips, and about half the size of a full-size spare.





__________________

Greg Lake Oswego, Oregon, USA
2023 M2 Coupe - Brooklyn Grey/Cognac/CF, 6MT; 2020 MB GLE 450

Last edited by GregW / Oregon; 11-22-2016 at 09:47 AM..
Appreciate 2
      04-20-2009, 07:53 PM   #2
montreal red
chris
montreal red's Avatar
Canada
277
Rep
12,144
Posts

Drives: White Boat
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (31)

wow thats some good info... great alternative to carrying a full size... i usually bring along one of my winter wheels when i do very long road trips ... thats what i use as a spare.
__________________

Current: 2013 F10 M5 & 2016 Mini JCW
2013 GLK350 (gone), 997.1 GT3RS (gone), 2009 WRX STI (gone), e92 M3 (gone)
Appreciate 0
      04-20-2009, 08:08 PM   #3
Big Windy
Major General
Big Windy's Avatar
United_States
150
Rep
5,124
Posts

Drives: None
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Bay Area

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by montreal red View Post
wow thats some good info... great alternative to carrying a full size... i usually bring along one of my winter wheels when i do very long road trips ... thats what i use as a spare.
also a very creative idea!!

good info Greg...thanks for sharing!
__________________
Appreciate 0
      04-20-2009, 08:17 PM   #4
alpineweissM3
I love my beautiful wife!
22
Rep
628
Posts

Drives: e90 ///M
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Pittsburgh

iTrader: (0)

How much does it weigh?

Seriously, though, thanks for doing the legwork. I'm probably going to get this setup. I'm always a bit nervous driving on a dark highway late at night with only the M mobility system to rely on.
Appreciate 0
      04-20-2009, 10:30 PM   #5
GregW / Oregon
Commander-In-Chief
2067
Rep
8,898
Posts

Drives: 2023 M2 Coupe, 2020 GLE 450
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Lake Oswego, OR

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by alpineweissM3 View Post
How much does it weigh?
I added the weight info to the OP.
__________________

Greg Lake Oswego, Oregon, USA
2023 M2 Coupe - Brooklyn Grey/Cognac/CF, 6MT; 2020 MB GLE 450
Appreciate 0
      04-21-2009, 08:58 AM   #6
True Faith
New Member
0
Rep
25
Posts

Drives: E90 M3
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: WDC

iTrader: (0)

FWIW, the wheel can be ordered online from Tischer BMW (in MD) here:

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...72&catalogid=0

I used the 125/70 18 tire, as well--the Maaxis looks like a better solution, but if you have trouble tracking that down, Tire Rack sells the Continental 125/70 18 tire. It's hard to find online, but if you call them they have no trouble looking it up.
Appreciate 0
      04-21-2009, 09:15 AM   #7
gr8000
Major
gr8000's Avatar
Greece
72
Rep
1,172
Posts

Drives: E92 M3 - DCT
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Athens, Greece

iTrader: (0)

That's great for trips! I guess you also need to add to the kit means to lift the M3 enought in order to change the wheel.

Does anyone know where from I could get all this sent to Europe / Greece?
Appreciate 0
      04-21-2009, 09:57 AM   #8
GregW / Oregon
Commander-In-Chief
2067
Rep
8,898
Posts

Drives: 2023 M2 Coupe, 2020 GLE 450
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Lake Oswego, OR

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
European availability.

Quote:
Originally Posted by gr8000 View Post
That's great for trips! I guess you also need to add to the kit means to lift the M3 enought in order to change the wheel.

Does anyone know where from I could get all this sent to Europe / Greece?
Good point--I carry a 3-series jack and lug wrench.

You should be able to get the wheel through a dealer there, and Maxxis is distributed in Europe. You can contact Brad Barrett with Maxxis International USA (bbarrett@maxxis.com) for that info or who to contact.
__________________

Greg Lake Oswego, Oregon, USA
2023 M2 Coupe - Brooklyn Grey/Cognac/CF, 6MT; 2020 MB GLE 450
Appreciate 0
      04-21-2009, 10:07 AM   #9
gr8000
Major
gr8000's Avatar
Greece
72
Rep
1,172
Posts

Drives: E92 M3 - DCT
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Athens, Greece

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon View Post
Good point--I carry a 3-series jack and lug wrench.
I guess there is dedicated room for the 3 series jack to be kept rigidly fixed in the trunk? DO you have the part number of that handy?

As an alternative means to lift the M3, I remember seing in an old commercial (10 years ago or so!) a special "balloon" in the shape of a pillow, which gets inflated from the exhaust gasses. I know it sounds funny but I remember seeing it! If this works, then it saves a lot of space & weight!

Quote:
Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon View Post
You should be able to get the wheel through a dealer there, and Maxxis is distributed in Europe. You can contact Brad Barrett with Maxxis International USA (bbarrett@maxxis.com) for that info or who to contact.
Very helpful, many thanks
Appreciate 0
      04-21-2009, 10:27 AM   #10
gr8000
Major
gr8000's Avatar
Greece
72
Rep
1,172
Posts

Drives: E92 M3 - DCT
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Athens, Greece

iTrader: (0)

A couple of follow on questions (sorry that all this comes in bits & pieces):

1. Can the wheel & tyre fit securely in the trunk (eg by taking out the BMW OEM mobility kit and the soft material that keeps it in place)?

2. I am not sure I understand what the centering rings are for and where are they placed. A hint will be much appreciated!
Appreciate 0
      04-21-2009, 10:33 AM   #11
True Faith
New Member
0
Rep
25
Posts

Drives: E90 M3
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: WDC

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by gr8000 View Post
A couple of follow on questions (sorry that all this comes in bits & pieces):

1. Can the wheel & tyre fit securely in the trunk (eg by taking out the BMW OEM mobility kit and the soft material that keeps it in place)?

2. I am not sure I understand what the centering rings are for and where are they placed. A hint will be much appreciated!
The spare tire won't fit under the trunk carpet; the space under there is far too small. None of the E9Xs have a spare tire well under the carpet, but the M and dual exhaust 335s are particularly bad in this regard (since the floorpan has been reshaped to make room for the giant mufflers on these cars).

Carrying the spare thus means you lose some trunk space. It's not too bad; I can still get all of my normal luggage in the trunk (on top of the spare).

I use bungee cords from to the tie-downs in the trunk to hold the spare in place. It's kind of cheesy looking, but it gets the job done. The jack and a lug wrench fit underneath the spare wheel; I've wrapped them in packing foam, which keeps them secure and prevents them from rattling around.

Horrible pics taken in the dark with my iPhone are attached.

EDIT: The centering rings go in the center of the wheel, in the large hole at the center of the lug nuts (the hub bore?). This hole is designed to mate with the hub on the wheel, in order to center the wheel properly, but since the X5's hub diameter is slightly larger than the E90's, the wheel doesn't quite center itself when you put it on the hub. The centering rings are literally just plastic rings that fill the (very narrow) gap between the spare wheel's hub bore and the hub of the car.
Attached Images
  
Appreciate 0
      04-21-2009, 10:46 AM   #12
SenorFunkyPants
Brigadier General
SenorFunkyPants's Avatar
United Kingdom
2510
Rep
4,381
Posts

Drives: 2019 M5
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: UK

iTrader: (0)

A far better choice of tyre is a 145/70R18 as fitted to Mitsubishi, its a slightly wider tyre which makes for a better fit to the rim.

std wheel front 18" has a diameter of 653mm
145/70r18 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 660mm = +7mm
135/70r18>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 646mm = -7mm

std wheel rear 18" >>>>>>>>>>> 669mm
145/70r18 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 660mm = -9mm
135/70r18>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 646mm = -23mm

Last edited by SenorFunkyPants; 04-21-2009 at 11:20 AM..
Appreciate 0
      04-21-2009, 11:03 AM   #13
GregW / Oregon
Commander-In-Chief
2067
Rep
8,898
Posts

Drives: 2023 M2 Coupe, 2020 GLE 450
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Lake Oswego, OR

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by gr8000 View Post
A couple of follow on questions (sorry that all this comes in bits & pieces):

1. Can the wheel & tyre fit securely in the trunk (eg by taking out the BMW OEM mobility kit and the soft material that keeps it in place)?

2. I am not sure I understand what the centering rings are for and where are they placed. A hint will be much appreciated!
1. No, the area is too small. Best bet is to put it on the forward area of the trunk floor with a bungie cord over. The jack will fit under the floor panel.
2. The centering ring reduces the ID of the hub hole in the non-stock wheel to make sure the wheel is more accurately centered on the hub than with the bolts alone.
__________________

Greg Lake Oswego, Oregon, USA
2023 M2 Coupe - Brooklyn Grey/Cognac/CF, 6MT; 2020 MB GLE 450
Appreciate 0
      04-21-2009, 11:07 AM   #14
GregW / Oregon
Commander-In-Chief
2067
Rep
8,898
Posts

Drives: 2023 M2 Coupe, 2020 GLE 450
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Lake Oswego, OR

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
Alternate tire size

Quote:
Originally Posted by SenorFunkyPants View Post
A slightly better choice of tyre is a 145/70R18 as fitted to Mitsubishi, its a slightly wider tyre which makes for a better fit to the rim. It has a 7mm larger diameter than the std wheel rather than the 135/70R18 wheel which is 7mm smaller (assuming my calcs are correct).
That would be a good size -- Any info on the tire make or where to obtain it?
__________________

Greg Lake Oswego, Oregon, USA
2023 M2 Coupe - Brooklyn Grey/Cognac/CF, 6MT; 2020 MB GLE 450
Appreciate 0
      04-21-2009, 11:33 AM   #15
SenorFunkyPants
Brigadier General
SenorFunkyPants's Avatar
United Kingdom
2510
Rep
4,381
Posts

Drives: 2019 M5
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: UK

iTrader: (0)

In the USA the Lancer Evolution has them.
Google with "T145/70r18" gives some good results.
Struggling to find the size in the UK though! grrrr.

Last edited by SenorFunkyPants; 04-21-2009 at 12:39 PM..
Appreciate 0
      04-21-2009, 12:16 PM   #16
GregW / Oregon
Commander-In-Chief
2067
Rep
8,898
Posts

Drives: 2023 M2 Coupe, 2020 GLE 450
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Lake Oswego, OR

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
T145/70r18 107m

Quote:
Originally Posted by SenorFunkyPants View Post
In the USA the Lancer Evolution has them and also Lexus.
Google with "T145/70r18" gives some good results.
Struggling to find the size in the UK though! grrrr.
Thanks. 2009 Evo shows same size. This calcs out to almost exactly 26" OD, which would be right between stock 25.8" F & 26.3" R sizes. I will contact a Mitsu dealer and inquire.
__________________

Greg Lake Oswego, Oregon, USA
2023 M2 Coupe - Brooklyn Grey/Cognac/CF, 6MT; 2020 MB GLE 450
Appreciate 0
      04-21-2009, 01:13 PM   #17
True Faith
New Member
0
Rep
25
Posts

Drives: E90 M3
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: WDC

iTrader: (0)

The G37 also uses the 145/70 18 size, apparently.

http://myg37.com/forums/brakes-suspe...-question.html
Appreciate 0
      04-21-2009, 05:25 PM   #18
SenorFunkyPants
Brigadier General
SenorFunkyPants's Avatar
United Kingdom
2510
Rep
4,381
Posts

Drives: 2019 M5
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: UK

iTrader: (0)

If anyone finds out the tyre manufacturers name could they post it up as I'm struggling to find the 145/70r18 tyre in the UK so I might have to call the manufacturer directly.
Thanks.
Appreciate 0
      04-21-2009, 05:47 PM   #19
GregW / Oregon
Commander-In-Chief
2067
Rep
8,898
Posts

Drives: 2023 M2 Coupe, 2020 GLE 450
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Lake Oswego, OR

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by True Faith View Post
The G37 also uses the 145/70 18 size, apparently.

http://myg37.com/forums/brakes-suspe...-question.html
Good find--confirmed this on the Infiniti website. It's standard in the G37 Coupe "Journey" model.
__________________

Greg Lake Oswego, Oregon, USA
2023 M2 Coupe - Brooklyn Grey/Cognac/CF, 6MT; 2020 MB GLE 450
Appreciate 0
      04-21-2009, 06:15 PM   #20
cpd
Registered
0
Rep
3
Posts

Drives: 2009 M3 coupe
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Arizona

iTrader: (0)

can maxxi solution work with 19's on other 3 wheels

gGreat information. Question - If you have 19 inch wheels at all 4 corners, can you still use this Maxxi spare solution? Or do the wheels have to be usin 18 inch wheels?
Thanks
cpd
Appreciate 0
      04-21-2009, 06:20 PM   #21
aus
Major General
United_States
888
Rep
9,031
Posts

Drives: Odysse
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Seal Beach, CA

iTrader: (10)

This should be a sticky in the DIY section, or in a DIY Master Thread.
__________________
Let me get this straight... You are swapping out parts designed by some of the top engineers in the world because some guys sponsored by a company told you it's "better??" But when you ask the same guy about tracking, "oh no, I have a kid now" or "I just detailed my car." or "i just got new tires."
Appreciate 0
      04-21-2009, 07:56 PM   #22
GregW / Oregon
Commander-In-Chief
2067
Rep
8,898
Posts

Drives: 2023 M2 Coupe, 2020 GLE 450
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Lake Oswego, OR

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by cpd View Post
gGreat information. Question - If you have 19 inch wheels at all 4 corners, can you still use this Maxxi spare solution? Or do the wheels have to be usin 18 inch wheels?
Thanks
cpd
For this purpose, the main thing that's important is the outside diameter. Both the OEM 18s & 19s have about the same OD. These tire are close to the same, so will work regardless of whether you're running 18s or 19s.
__________________

Greg Lake Oswego, Oregon, USA
2023 M2 Coupe - Brooklyn Grey/Cognac/CF, 6MT; 2020 MB GLE 450
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:37 PM.




m3post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST