Wasn't happy with the Tischer compact spare solution for my 335xi (http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462) as their E60 setup has a 135/80/17 tire, which has a 25.5" diameter, versus the 25" on all E90 tires. That concerned me with the AWD electronics. While the LeatherZ part (http://leatherz.com/Merchant5/mercha...etyConvenience) has the right size tire (125/80/17), it's narrow wheel (meant for a Z3) won't fit a 335 without a spacer. I bought the Bavarian Autosport E90 spare kit (http://www.bavauto.com/shop.asp), which fits perfectly and comes with an excellent tool kit (http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...=71&fg=95&hl=3) which has the best scissor jack I've ever used (fits firmly in the chassis block and has a thumbwheel and an actual ratchet mechanism) as well as a precalibrated torque wrench (96 lb/ft, which is OK for the steel spare). Looking forward to getting decent tires- will be posting my barely used Turanza RFTs for sale soon!
Other solution I found that BMW makes a 17" compact spare wheel for the European market, got one from my local dealer, and ordered a Continental compact tire to fit the wheel from Tire Rack. I found a scissor jack for $25 at AutoZone which is identical to the one used by E36's, and also got a wrench. Total cost was less than the ready-made kits. I feel one needs a spare, even with run-flats. Only problem is I hardly have any room in my trunk. The new Mercedes C's and E's all come with spares that fit in their trunks. I can't see why BMW cannot do the same.
Because they're stubborn and know better than everyone else. They happily tell you that runflats are the answer (to a question no one asked) and spare tires are a relic of the past. Period. Remember, this the same company that insists on putting a superfluous start button - requiring two separate steps to start the car. I had to drive up to Gainesville last week for a medical appointment. On the way there I saw an E90 328i with a flat tire on the side of the road. Thankfully he was close to civilization but if he had gotten a flat tire between Palm Beach and Orlando, he would have been screwed as there is nothing in that area and the exits are few and far between. Here's the tire from my 535i that I kept as proof that the tires are junk and you do need a spare (which thankfully the E60 still has, not so sure about the F10). My tire failed suddenly and when I took it off to put on the spare (HA!) I saw this nice little surprise.
[Here's the tire from my 535i that I kept as proof that the tires are junk and you do need a spare (which thankfully the E60 still has, not so sure about the F10). My tire failed suddenly and when I took it off to put on the spare (HA!) I saw this nice little surprise.[/QUOTE] All tires eventually fail. In my experience, at least in the US and Puerto Rico where I normally drive, most flats are caused by tire failures, either caused by defects such as you experienced, or from hitting a pothole, object, etc. Run flats with no spare are OK if you don't drive too far from home and only get a puncture, but won't work if a tire fails. Maybe road conditions in Germany are different than over here. A good solution may be to design cars for run-flats AND provide a full-size spare. Still, given the limitations of RF's, the old-fashioned way seems to be more cost-effective.
