I have just ordered an SD Hatch (Mini Cooper) and do not want to do RFT so looking for the place to keep a spare wheel. The boot (what boot?! :D) is 14" long so thinking to get a 14" spacesaver if this would work as a spare with 17" wheels. Anybody ever tried and/or thought like me or am I the only one? Please advise!

Mike

How to Retrofit the Spacesaver Spare Wheel
link here:
http://www.mini2.com/forum/wheels-tyres-brakes/190458-how-retrofit-spacesaver-spare-wheel.html

...and yes 15" spare works ok with 17" wheels but check SD has space at rear under boot floor, as some models like Cooper S petrol have larger exhaust boxes and battery under boot area.

Thanks mab01uk, I have seen the thread about the retrofitting (great post indeed) but was wandering about 14" wheels instead of 15"? Theoretically should work but in practice ...

Mike

... 14" wheels instead of 15"? Theoretically should work but in practice ...

The wheels have to clear the brake calipers. Even a 15" space-saver spare can only be used on the rear wheels with some brake set-ups.

Got it now, thanks!

The boot is 14" long so thinking to get a 14" spacesaver if this would work as a spare with 17" wheels.
The 14" length of the boot does not mean a 14" wheel will fit, lying flat - unless it didn't have a tyre on it. All Mini wheels with tyres fitted have a diameter of about 24", so the only place it can go is either standing up in the boot, occupying about half the space, or on some models underneath the boot floor, as described by mab01uk in another post.

But really, why bother - how often do you actually get punctures? If you've ordered the car without runflats it will come with a pump and tyre sealer kit which will cover most eventualities and you can call out the cavalry for anything more serious.

I think we all need to start looking on a spare wheel the same way we look on the idea of a starting handle - what's one of those?

You are probably right Angib but old habits die hard ;), appreciate the reply!

If at all possible after getting a flat tyre (of which I have had several over the years), I much prefer to have the option to fit a spare wheel and carry on with my journey, rather than faff around with tyre sealants which don't always work for all punctures, or to wait around for some kind of vehicle recovery service to turn up either.

I know where you are coming from mab01uk and I am the same. Therefore will probably go for fifth 17" alloy wheel in the boot ;0

Why not try this method of mounting a spacesaver, post 22:
http://www.mini2.com/forum/wheels-tyres-brakes/190458-how-retrofit-spacesaver-spare-wheel-2.html#post3829104

I like this and my wife will say that this is exactly like me - get a brand new car and then do a DIY on it immediately :D

RealOEM (http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partxref.do?part=51717184110&showus=on&showeur=on&series=R56N) lists the MINI Cooper SD as a candidate for retrofitting the space-saver spare under the boot, so I'm not sure why you'd want to carry it inside the car :confused:

... lists the MINI Cooper SD as a candidate for retrofitting the space-saver spare under the boot, so I'm not sure why you'd want to carry it inside the car :confused:

Caveman, the SD that can have space-saver spare under the boot is COUPE. Mine is HATCH and this unfortunately does not apply. The reason is very simple - as with Cooper Hatch S - the double exhaust in the middle.

Then RealOEM is in error, as "R56N Cooper SD Coupe, Europe" is an LCI Hatchback model.

You are right Caveman, it does show on RealOEM as an option which makes me completely confused - I have asked three different UK dealers in Kent and was told it is not possible to fit it on either S or SD Hatch?!

Driving my Audi to hand it in as a part exchange to the Mini dealership on Thursday - will press them hard to check again :-0.

A new Mini Cooper D owner on here was recently told the same by dealer /salesman but on consulting RealOem and climbing under the car it was clearly possible to fit the spacesaver kit.........parts were later ordered and fitted diy using the retrofit guide on here.

I think many Dealers/salesmen types just take the easy option if they are not sure or can't be bothered to find out from someone with technical/practical knowledge of the cars.