'01 Z3 Compact Spare Tire Replacement

[Pima Roadster]

Have been in contact with the folks at T.R. but no good solutions offered. The dilemma is the original size for the compact spare, Continental T115/90R16, is no longer available. The steel wheel is marked as 16 x 3. Part of the problem is created by the limited storage space underneath the Z3 for the spare. Maximum diameter is about 24.9". A few years ago someone posted that the Kumho 125/80D16 was a possible replacement. However, when I reviewed the specs on T.R., the mounting rim was listed as 4.0". So the question I have is whether the 1" narrower rim, 3" vs. 4" a problem? The Kumho is not a radial as the original but it is my understanding that this is not an issue for a temporary fitment. Looking forward to all comments.

[SVD115]

Have you considered deleting out the spare and using an emergency tyre repair kit?

I've got a continental kit in my 2.8 but only when I'm doing a big distance drive, if I cop a flat semi local my roadside assistance can pick up the slack...

[KeysCoupe]

Check late model wrecks in the U-pull yards. Your tire doesn't have to be Continental. The Asian cars I think use this size for spares. You just don't want a tire more than 6 or 7 years old.
A slightly wider rim/tire combo would likely fit under the trunk of your Z3.
-Donny

[Pima Roadster]

@SVD115, thank you for the suggestion. I too carry the Conti Comfort Kit but guess what, it is no longer available. This was discovered when I attempted to order replacement sealant, again due to age, from T.R. a couple of months ago but the kit as well as the sealant is no longer available. I only want a spare in the event I manage to hit something on the roadway which might render the tyre irreparable. The spare will at least get the car off the highway & to a safe location. @KeysCoupe you are correct that the tyre does not have to be a Conti & that several manufacturers used the original size. Interesting that the full size Chrysler 300 2003+ had the same size but that spare could now be ten or twenty years old depending on the source. Chrysler parts says the tyre is NLA. Back to my original concern about the 3 vs. 4 inch rim width. My thinking is that going to a narrower rim width is safer than substituting a wider rim which is not the case here. Or I could go full stop crazy & have a wheel builder replace the 3" rim section with a 4" & mount the Kumho, cost be darned!

[Onizukachan]

Or buy the 4” rim off ecs or BMW parts?