How to Retrofit the Spacesaver Spare Wheel

[The Nun]

Quote: Originally Posted by mab01uk (original)

The spacesaver spare kit has always been available as an extra cost option when ordering a Mini new at the dealers......but few buyers bother to include it and more and more car manufacturers don't include spares even as an option any more.

All down to saving weight so they get an extra 1 mpg, looks good on the data sheets,
"Latest model, more economical than the previous one" is often said, but what they dont say is its because half the pieces are missing!
Then they can charge you a bit more for a spare wheel, jack, fixing kits etc,

I think I'll stick with my run flats.

[The Nun]

Quote: Originally Posted by mab01uk (original)

Tyre fitters and garages often put the wheels on with air-tools set far too high on torque.......always ask they don't overdo it or as said you can get stuck unable to remove a wheel by hand with the standard wheel wrench supplied.

The tyre fitters I use SAT always use a torque wrench on alloy wheels, and you need to make sure you tell them "Dont scratch them" too!! or you will be making a claim.
Some garages use the same air gun for tightening your car wheel nut as the juggernaut theyve just done before you too.

[bax2079]

Can I ask... what does the rear of the car look like with the space saver wheel attached? do you have a photo?

[harvey94]

Quote: Originally Posted by bax2079 (original)

Can I ask... what does the rear of the car look like with the space saver wheel attached? do you have a photo?

Picture thanks to mab01uk......

[UtilityGuy]

its a shame that this cant be done to a R56 Cooper S,

[bax2079]

That doesn't look too bad actually and probably not that visible from behind.

[mab01uk]

Spacesaver is virtually invisible from behind unless you crouch down on the ground to check........when did you last notice that the Mini driving in front did or did not have a spacesaver? Those without spacesaver have a large black plastic cover tray in the same place anyway.

[leethallee]

Hello Mab01UK, thanks for your post, just fitted a spare to the wifes car and your post was very helpful.

Lee