
BMW vehicles are not equipped with spare tires, except for a very few models that have spare tires placed under the floor of the trunk. Most BMWs do not come with spare tires because they use run-flat tires. The advantage of these tires is that even if the tire completely loses air pressure, the sidewall can still support the vehicle's weight, allowing the car to travel over 200 kilometers at a speed of 80 km/h. Types of car spare tires include: Full-size spare tire: The specifications of a full-size spare tire are exactly the same as the other four tires on the vehicle, and it can be used to replace a temporarily or permanently unusable tire. Non-full-size spare tire: This can only be used as a temporary replacement and should only be used on non-driving wheels. The maximum speed should not exceed 80 km/h. Zero-pressure tire: Also known as a safety tire, commonly referred to as a run-flat tire.

I remember one time when I was driving my BMW 5 Series to the countryside for a trip, and suddenly, the tire got punctured. I quickly opened the trunk to look for the spare tire. Under the floor mat, there's usually a small compartment where the spare tire quietly rests, accompanied by a jack and a lug wrench. If your BMW is a sports car or a newer model, it might not have a spare tire at all, instead using run-flat tire technology. In that case, the trunk would contain a tire repair kit or an air pump for emergencies. I find this quite practical, as it saves the hassle of carrying a spare tire and adding extra weight to the car. However, it's important to regularly check if those tools are complete; otherwise, they won’t be of much help in an emergency. When washing the car, just lift the mat to take a look and make sure the spare tire has enough air pressure. Overall, BMW’s design for the spare tire location is quite hidden yet convenient—once you remember the general position, you can access it quickly.

As a long-time BMW owner with over a decade of experience, I've noticed spare tire placement varies by model. For sedans like the 3 Series or 5 Series, the spare is usually under the trunk floor. SUVs such as the X5 may have it mounted underneath or on an external bracket. If you drive newer i or M models, the spare is eliminated entirely in favor of Run-Flat tire systems, with a mini tool kit in the trunk instead. This design saves space and improves fuel efficiency. While run-flats can limp you dozens of miles to a repair shop if punctured in remote areas, traditional spares require manual replacement. My advice: always ask your dealer about spare tire location or check the manual when purchasing to avoid panic during emergencies. Overall, BMW's approach is quite intelligent, prioritizing driving safety above all.

To put it simply, although I haven't driven my BMW for long, the most typical place for the spare tire is in the trunk. Lift the carpet there, and you can directly see the spare tire and the accompanying tools. If you don't see it, your model probably comes with run-flat tires, and there will be a can of sealant and an air pump in the trunk, which are more convenient to use. Take a moment to check its location regularly to ensure there's no rust or air leakage, so you won't run into trouble.


