Help! Is the spare wheel just a 3 series one?

[spurs fan in a coupe]

Having some issues tonight!

Tyre flat, looks like I've got a drill bit in it!

Spare wheel rusted to pieces and tyre flat.

Not happy to drive on either so stuck at work waiting for a pick up!

Going to buy a new spare

Is the 3 series e36/e46 the same?

TIA

 

[GazHyde]

Micklaw found this out when he replaced his recently.

http://zroadster.org/forum/threads/z3-spare-wheel-size-space-saver.2670/

 

[hard top]

Not got shot of the gay car yet.....?......

 

[spurs fan in a coupe]

DOH



No HT still got the beast, just not had time to advertise.

Thanks Gaz, i'll check the size of my spare tomorrow when I recover my car from its state of disrepair!

 

[196806]

I think time will be kind to the visual appeal of the Z3 Coupe.

 

[spurs fan in a coupe]

Well I bought an e46 wheel from eBay for £10

Fitted to carrier today so should do me for a few years!


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What a PITA getting the spare down is!

 

[koolflyer]

It is a bit of a PITA getting the spare out, but after you have done it a few times it's not the end of the world. My advice is to practice and get used to the procedure on a good sunny day, and not on the hard shoulder when it's chucking it down! A lot of Z3 owners don't check the condition of that spare enough reading the various threads, in fact some are unaware that there is a spare lurking! Lower it from underneath and you might have a nasty surprise, I did, and found a rusted mess, which was an embarrassment to even take down to the tip! Found an 125/90R15 (exactly the same as my Z) on the Bay for £30 as new, I think from an E46 with internal spare wheel well, so not exposed to the elements. I have now placed the wheel in a black plastic bag before putting it back into its tray to protect it, however not convinced whether that's the right thing to do. Will it stop the wheel from drying out or attract moisture?

 

[GazHyde]

I have now placed the wheel in a black plastic bag before putting it back into its tray to protect it, however not convinced whether that's the right thing to do. Will it stop the wheel from drying out or attract moisture?

Interesting thought. I would assume it would attract moisture and then rust out possibly quicker as there is no chance for it to dry out.

I can't honestly think if there would be a complete solution for this. I carry a BMW mobility gunk kit as I think long term it's a bit more practical...

 

[koolflyer]

Yeah, have thought of that as a solution, just exploring all avenues. Think you are right, which was my concern, the plastic bag job may cause a damp/ wet enviro. thus speeding up the rust process. At present I think I will disguard the bag idea and let the air keep it dry. Also, I don't intend to take it out on wet salty roads in the middle of winter either. Thanks for your thoughts anyway..cheers.

 

[Don N]

Last weekend, I acquired a straight looking 1997 2.8 roadster. The spare tire tub will only come down a little. I was able to see that I actually have a spare tire, but I cannot get the tub down far enough to really check the condition of the tire. Any suggestions on how to get the tub down without breaking something? (me or the car).

 

[koolflyer]

Remove black plastic tray on right hand side, then undo the fixing nut and attached metal flange directly underneath it. This then releases the RH side of the metal carrier, now hold the the black plastic handle (which will be folded over in its fold away position), slide it down and over the LH (which is actually in the middle of the car) and undo that nut and it's attached flange, now hold black handle with one hand and pinch the two metal clips directly underneath, then you will feel the weight of the spare wheel......gently lower to the ground. Slide out spare wheel tray to expose probably on dead wheel and tyre??? Sounds moe complicated than it actually is. Good luck!

 

[Stormy_be]

The tub is fixed with 2 bolts on the front and the 2 fasteners on the bumper side.
So you should be able to get it out from the other side when you undo the 2 bolt (but it would not be practical on the side of the road when you are having a puncture)

About the tyre repair kit: it's only good when you have a hole as a puncture. If the tyre is "sliced", it won't do you any good.

Koen

 

[micklaw]

Our old spare tyre was as good as new when checked. Had never been used but the date stamp was 2000 so 13 years old . The rubber was rock hard. A lot of people spoke of old rubber going bang when used so opted for a new one

 

[Don N]

Thanks all! yes, I read the manual and figured out the cable pull thing. Certainly, that is a great example of over-engineering; but, the tub won't drop.

I'm taking it in for 4 new tyres on Saturday, so while it's lifted, we'll pry open the tub to see what's in there.

Your thoughts on the new tyres? Michelin Pilots would be nice. Toyo Proxes cost much less, but may be very noisy. (Ultra high performance 4 season, not summer tyres)

 

[Don N]

Remove black plastic tray on right hand side, then undo the fixing nut and attached metal flange directly underneath it. This then releases the RH side of the metal carrier,

Thank you Koolflyer! - this looks like the part of the procedure that I missed, and I don't recall seeing it in the Owner's manual.

 

[koolflyer]

Pleasure to help...cheers!

 

[Don N]

Pleasure to help...cheers!

I finally got out the spare. As expected, it looked unused and had no air. There was rust or dry rot, just some road grit in one spot from 17 years of accumulation. So, I cleaned it, put it back and pumped it up to 60psi. At least now I've had the practice for when I get a flat at midnight in the rain.

Also got four new Michelin AS-3's, a Maryland safety inspection that required a new serpentine belt, and de-rattled the car. Wow - good as new! Even the wife liked it, top down.

Next up - new license plates and all fluids (brake, trans, diff) changed. Based on the CARFAX records, the brake fluid is 5 years old.