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Took a road trip from SF to LA and got a flat...

2K views 12 replies 10 participants last post by  AllesklarBMW 
#1 ·
Decided to take the beast for a road trip after several months of ownership. Had a trip to LA from SF planned so decided to drive the M5. Got the oil changed, the indy shop that did the oil change for me looked things over and all seemed good to go, new-ish brakes and rotors. The only concern was tire wear. I knew when I bought the car that it would soon need new shoes, but I had enough tread to make it LA and back no problem.
Made it nearly to the top of the Grapevine with my fuel warning light on, and the computer giving me a range of 50 miles. It was a mere 10 miles to the next exit with gas, so I was not at all concerned. But, lo and behold, I ran out of fuel. I figure the uphill climb was giving my fuel level sensor a false reading. No biggie, pull to the shoulder, get gas, and get on my way. As I pulled to the shoulder still carrying some speed, I see something in my path, but as I approached it I couldn't swerve to avoid it as semis were thundering past just a few feet to my left...so braced for impact and hit the object at about 50 mph. Nothing seemed amiss after the impact so I just pulled over as far as I was able next to the guardrail and proceeded to contact roadside assistance. To make a long story short, it was 3am, and was difficult to contact a truck service, then they had our location 100 miles away. It took until 9am to get a truck out, then I realized when the sun come up that I had blown out the right front tire.
I was on my way for a pool tournament that started at noon, luckily the indy shop I had it towed to had a Delinte tire in the right size to throw on and send me on my way. The car drove beautifully with no pulls or shimmies or shudders.
I have since ordered Michelin Pilot Super Sports that are getting mounted next Monday.
I just might look into a small spare to take with me on my next road trip...or maybe just not let the fuel tank get below 1/2 :|
 

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#2 ·
Get a spare tire (donut) from BMW E60 and a wheel hub adapter with long studs. I have them in my trunk at all times... Spare tire was about $100 used on eBay and the adapter was something like $25 I can't remember exactly. The guy who sold me the adapter is a member here and we became friends :D Too bad he lives in a different state.
 
#3 ·
Thanks for the tip! I had seen some posts about a spare from X5 with adapter. I thought about using the brand new Delinte on an old rim...but a bit too big I think. I guess I could use a cargo carrier for luggage.
 
#6 ·
You don't need to spend that kind of money. I just bought a BMW spare wheel, part 36-11-6-768-861, which is the spare wheel (no tire) for I believe an X5, on ebay for $80. It has the same hub size as us. I am going to throw a Maxxis 135/70R18 tire on there for about $120 and come away with a $200 spare, plus $20 for the tire cover.

I got the part number from a thread on here, if I can find it I'll post up the link.
 
#8 ·
Thanks for the part number, been looking for something since a road trip I was on last month. My buddy and I were driving from Denver to Seattle, and in the middle of Montana his tire pressure started dropping (2015 F80 M3). We pulled over a few miles later and used his M Mobility kit, and it didn't seal up quite right and pressure continued to drop when we got back on the road :/
 
#10 ·
wow, glad you made it out safely! you had me feeling for you on the wait for the truck.

I owned an E46 M3 for 5yrs and always contemplated a spare... managed to get through 3 nails (all in pilot super sports).. without needing a tow. My next car (hopefully E39 M5 if I can find a good one) will be getting a spare as well. Interested to see what you end up with.
 
#12 ·
FWIW, many years before the current spare options were available, I did my own.

I got a 996tt inflatable spare. Had a hub adapter/ spacer made up. So the assembly bolts up (I have studs, not bolts). You do need a can of inflator since the tire is a collapsible spare. Not meant for long distances, but should get the job done. If I recall, it fit over the BBK (Stoptechs), but if not, simply switch rear to front (I have square setup) and spare on rear.

Collapsible spare takes up less room. Put it in a tire tote bag with any spare nuts required and the hub adapter. Never had the need to use it. :smile

Regards,
Jerry
 
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