F06 640d space saver - smallest size that will fit.

[HaplessBoyLard]

Evening all. I’m the very happy new owner of a 2015 640d GC in Mediterranean blue/cream leather with the 20” wheels. It’s a fairly well specced example with most of what I wanted. HUD, glass roof, comfort access, rear cam. The only thing it lacks that I’d have chosen is high beam assist. C’est la vie.

The previous owner ditched the run flats and I’m not keen on putting some back on it for the sake of my spine. For that reason I’m looking at picking up a 2nd hand space saver to carry in the boot. I won’t generally have too much kit in the car with me so the space isn’t an issue and it’s inevitable that at some point I’ll suffer a pothole incident given I live in rural Norfolk.

Does anyone know the smallest wheel size that will fit? Whatever I buy I’ll make sure it has a tyre diameter as close as possible to the normal wheels, but I was wondering if I could go as low as a 16”.

A 155/90/16 is only 0.7% different for example. I’ve no idea if I’ll even find something of that size in a BMW compatible rim, but it’ll be nice to know what options I have. I vaguely recall reading on here that someone had used a 17” space saver at some point.

Cheers.

[Collectingbrass]

I got mine (for my F32) from http://www.alloywheelsdirect.com/ and Chris was very helpful. You may need to get a jack, brace and bag from Ebay, you may also need to get a spacer to pack the slim wheel off the hub enough to clear the brake calliper, again Chris will know.

[rassi]

HaplessBoyLard said:

Evening all. I’m the very happy new owner of a 2015 640d GC in Mediterranean blue/cream leather with the 20” wheels. It’s a fairly well specced example with most of what I wanted. HUD, glass roof, comfort access, rear cam. The only thing it lacks that I’d have chosen is high beam assist. C’est la vie.

The previous owner ditched the run flats and I’m not keen on putting some back on it for the sake of my spine. For that reason I’m looking at picking up a 2nd hand space saver to carry in the boot. I won’t generally have too much kit in the car with me so the space isn’t an issue and it’s inevitable that at some point I’ll suffer a pothole incident given I live in rural Norfolk.

Does anyone know the smallest wheel size that will fit? Whatever I buy I’ll make sure it has a tyre diameter as close as possible to the normal wheels, but I was wondering if I could go as low as a 16”.

A 155/90/16 is only 0.7% different for example. I’ve no idea if I’ll even find something of that size in a BMW compatible rim, but it’ll be nice to know what options I have. I vaguely recall reading on here that someone had used a 17” space saver at some point.

Cheers.

To clear the brakes, the smallest will be 17”, and possibly 18”

[HaplessBoyLard]

Collectingbrass said:

I got mine (for my F32) from http://www.alloywheelsdirect.com/ and Chris was very helpful. You may need to get a jack, brace and bag from Ebay, you may also need to get a spacer to pack the slim wheel off the hub enough to clear the brake calliper, again Chris will know.

Thanks. I’ve emailed them for advice/pricing.

[HaplessBoyLard]

rassi said:

To clear the brakes, the smallest will be 17”, and possibly 18”

That’s what I’d assumed. After doing a bit of reading the 6GC was offered new somewhere with 17 inch wheels (which probably looks a bit daft), so I’d expected that might be the minimum size.

[B'stard Child]

My E82 runs 18 inch rims as std when I ditched the run flats I got a 17 inch space saver - if you aren't a million miles from me (also in Norfolk) you are welcome to try it to see if it clears your front brakes (the backs are never an issue)

[HaplessBoyLard]

B'stard Child said:

My E82 runs 18 inch rims as std when I ditched the run flats I got a 17 inch space saver - if you aren't a million miles from me (also in Norfolk) you are welcome to try it to see if it clears your front brakes (the backs are never an issue)

That’s very kind of you. Where do you live? I’m a few miles south of Norwich on the A140. I’d be happy to drive to you if it’s do-able.

[B'stard Child]

HaplessBoyLard said:

That’s very kind of you. Where do you live? I’m a few miles south of Norwich on the A140. I’d be happy to drive to you if it’s do-able.

Sent you a message

[Aluminati]

B'stard Child said:

Sent you a message

Proper fella

[B'stard Child]

Aluminati said:

B'stard Child said:

Sent you a message

Proper fella

It's probably gone into his spam but if he finds it we can sort something out

[E63eeeeee...]

Check the info card in the door reveal, but I'd imagine 17s will be fine. My 640d has tyre pressures quoted down to R17, I'd imagine the GC is the same. I'm running on 18s at the moment and they're well clear of the calipers.

[E63eeeeee...]

It's also just occurred to me that you don't gain anything by having a smaller rim, the space saver will still take up the same amount of space in your boot because the overall size will be the same.

Looks like this is the standard BMW one https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/394638628326?mkcid=16&a...

[HaplessBoyLard]

B'stard Child said:

It's probably gone into his spam but if he finds it we can sort something out

Got it, and replied. Cheers

[HaplessBoyLard]

E63eeeeee... said:

It's also just occurred to me that you don't gain anything by having a smaller rim, the space saver will still take up the same amount of space in your boot because the overall size will be the same.

Looks like this is the standard BMW one https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/394638628326?mkcid=16&a...

Cheers.

The size thing is more about availability. There’s tons of space savers for sale 2nd hand in smaller sizes. They seem to become a bit more few and far between once you go 18 or above. Looks like a 17 will probably work, but won’t hurt to test fit first. I don’t mind losing the boot space. I don’t have kids and all the stuff that comes with them to cart around and it’s usually just me in the car on my work commute.

[B'stard Child]

HaplessBoyLard said:

B'stard Child said:

It's probably gone into his spam but if he finds it we can sort something out

Got it, and replied. Cheers

Replied - in case that has gone into spam too

[hilly10]

I carry a 18” SS with the profile it brings it up to 19” It fits on my x3 it has M sport brakes and 20” wheels. I have used it and it is fine. The BMW tech who came out to me when my tyre was destroyed put a 17” SS and that did the job

Edited by hilly10 on Friday 2nd June 16:26

[B'stard Child]

Well the answer wasn’t a 17 Inch SS - close but the calipers on Matts car are chunky lumps and whilst a spacer (and longer bolts) might have worked the simple answer is 18 inch SS

Good to meet you Matt - was a nice day for a drive out - I’ll carry on fixing my crappy cars

[HaplessBoyLard]

Thanks again, Ian. Good to meet you too.

Nothing crappy about that fleet. Some nice toys there!

I guess the hunt for an 18” is on.

[E63eeeeee...]

Iirc there's quite a big difference between the offsets in the 1/3 series and the 5/6s, so not totally surprised by that result.

[Maralago]

I just bought a full size alloy from a breaker £100 with half decent tyre. Didn’t need the boot space which is big enough.