How To Remove and Inspect the Spare Tire: BMW Z3!

[@nowski186]

I've now had my Z3 for 20 years (time flies), thanks to your detailed video I now know how to retrieve my spare if needed. Keep up the good work...

[@MomentofZed]

Thank you so much and thanks for watching!

[@JanTerpstra-b5f]

My Z3 is from 1998 and I tried to remove the spare tire just out of curiousity. Your video is great! Thanks from the Netherlands.

[@MomentofZed]

Glad it helped!

[@walterreil4001]

Many thanks for your video. Your Z3 videos are excellent. Being very concerned by safety of the spare tire, not being able to get a new replacement tire, and not willing to drive on an extremely old spare tire on my Z3, my resolution was to fully remove the tire and entire carry-rack assembly, then plugged the two remaining holes in the body. So, the car is a little lighter and it no longer drags when driving up my steep concrete driveway. So, whenever I get a flat tire, I will have to rely on calling for a tow truck. No biggie.

[@MomentofZed]

Missed this too- the reality is that flats aren't as common as before- hope I didn't jinx myself! You could carry a can of fix--a-flat also.

[@willleger8057]

Thanks. Always good to know how to change a flat tire. Helps if your spare is holding air. Just got my 97 1.9L Z3 a week ago, and discovered your videos. I will practice lowering mine and get comfortable with the process. Previous owner explained it to me...AND said he replaced the spare - very hard size to find. He found out a Lexus had the same size and got that. He said the original disintegrates if used, due to its age. So at least my spare has been updated! Also has brand new Khumo tires. I updated the seat shims this weekend (3 hours total) new Bosch plugs, and will replace all fluids asap. I'm going to use Castrol synthetic high mileage (mine has 85k) 5w30, Redline MTL synthetic in the transmission, and Royal Purple 75w90 synthetic in the differential. I already bought the door handle gaskets and that looks like a quick easy fix.

[@MomentofZed]

Didnt know that about the Lexus, thank you! Door handle gaskets are super easy.

[@willleger8057]

@@MomentofZed I watched your door handle video, and did mine during my lunch break today. Totally disintegrated. Cleaned everything with windex and did back to black on the handles. All set now!

[@MomentofZed]

@@willleger8057 perfect lunch break project!

[@KQKQKQKQKQKQ]

Nice shout out to Ben at Tire Kingdom! 😎

[@CountryLivingWithTheHarnishs]

Great video i have a 1999 bmw z3 for 3 years now and i meant to find the spear tire years ago now i know where to look Thanks

[@MomentofZed]

Sorry I missed this when you published the comment- thank you for watching!

[@philclark6418]

I had to use penetrating oil on every nut and the spring clip. I never could have done this with the tools in the trunk. Too flimsy. The tire looked like new and I’m glad I checked it all out before getting a flat tire. I guess I better try out the jack too.

[@MomentofZed]

Definitely! Don't find out it's stuck or faulty in an emergency.

[@craigsievewright8003]

Hiya Mark. Great vid as ever!! I do suggest carry a can of puncture repair liquid. The spare should be 60psi but 45 is adequate. The valve extension - if you don’t trust it disconnect it and check the tyre every 3 months by taking it out. Remember - if you have to drive with the small wheel there’s no where for your puncture tyre to go other than on the passenger seat. Or your wife’s lap which won’t go down well. Hence the can of puncture repair gloop. All best - Craig 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@MomentofZed]

Craig: Thank you and all good points- I think I have a can left over from Old Blue I can carry. Appreciate your time!

[@EmetSurgical]

I tried the tyre "gloop" on a recent flat. Beware, it doesn't work on tires ;)

[@idahoflyfishingadventures5244]

A bit late on this one but the solution is to switch to a 16" wheel and put a 125/80/16 tire on it. It will be snug but it will fit in the tray. You can buy the wheel new and get new rubber (Kumho is commonly used). It should last another 20 years. - A lot of folks switch to runflats or the compressor/sealer kits since, as you demonstrate, removing the spare is such a pain in the rear end. I am still fond of the spare and will get around to replacing it after I run out of other projects. I too had to replace the valve stem as it had deteriorated but still have the original up in the tray.

[@MomentofZed]

Thanks for the tip! Seems like a reasonable solution. I think many are just carrying a can of fix-a-flat as well. I'm old school about having a spare also. Never had run flat tires; hear they ride harshly.

[@idahoflyfishingadventures5244]

@@MomentofZed And run flats are more expensive. Since the $150 - $175 investment in a new spare will undoubtedly last another 20 years, you'll likely save a lot of money as you will probably go through several sets of the expensive run flats along the way.

[@bernadettepetrick4279]

Pablo, be careful not to damage those artistic hands by working on the car!!

[@MomentofZed]

I'm Marco, Pablo's the other one!

[@EmetSurgical]

I had a flat tire this past Friday. The tray hold nut was impossible to turn by hand. Fortunately, I had Vice Grips in the car. Suggestion, loosen and put a drop of oil on those ~20 year old threads.

[@MomentofZed]

A solid suggestion, was your spare good?

[@EmetSurgical]

@@MomentofZed Dried up like that peach you forgot in the back of your fridge from last summer. Fortunately, a friend lived nearby and came over to lend a hand. I ended up buying a set of 4 new tires - Qingdao Sentury Tire, a relatively unknown brand better known for being standard equipment on Boeing 737's. The car is my summer cruiser. I drive 4K miles a year mostly like a little old lady so they will be fine for me. I'm now looking for a decent condition donut spare. Do you have any suggestions?

[@MomentofZed]

@@EmetSurgical i eliminated mine. I couldn't find the size anymore. A viewer wrote me that there is a Lexus one that fits, but don't have details.

[@wehiv]

No spare tire on my 2000M ! You made me go look to confirm ! It comes with an electric pump with fixaflat built in !

[@MomentofZed]

Made ya look! Interesting- from the factory or previous owner?

[@wehiv]

@@MomentofZed the M with quad exhaust has no space for a spare. I thought it was a joke when I first saw video, there is absolutely no space for one. Car came with nice air pump with integrated fixaflat built into it !

[@MomentofZed]

@@wehiv At least you don't have the hated run flat tires! Makes sense though- there is only so much room back there- hope to someday find out first hand!

[@kezug95]

I removed the bolt/plate under the tiny storage tray, then undid the bolt below the handle. When I pinch that clip, nothing seems to happen. The weight does not cause any dropping of the tire carrier like in your vid. Plate must be stuck? Unsure, any tips?

[@MomentofZed]

Probably stuck, might try a second person to gently shake / pull on the cage from below. Carefully!!

[@kezug95]

@@MomentofZed I did have to gently pull up a little harder, not a yank, but a slow steady and continuous pull until it release. Its likely the first time ever being released. The tire is shot, and was loaded up with gravel/dirt from prior travels before I took ownership. So, I will clean it up for the time being > while I search for a replacement.

[@MomentofZed]

@kezug95 I've heard Lexus still uses that size not sure if it's true. Good luck!

[@johnshook4249]

Hi Mark, want to reduce your weight, just remove the spare and get AAA. My spare was in really shape, therefore those are the steps I took. Again, really good video, especially when you were looking under the car and the air was blowing in your face, very amusing.

[@MomentofZed]

Thanks John, appreciate it! I've got roadside thru my insurance as well. Just keeping options open especially on long road trips like the one I'm taking next month

[@ohyeahbabyitson]

What a ridiculous way for a person to have to deal with accessing a spare tire. Imagine having to do all this on the side of I45 in Houston.

[@MomentofZed]

@@ohyeahbabyitson I eventually removed it. Many of us do. I have another video about that.

[@raulrevillame1324]

Thank you

[@MomentofZed]

Thank you for watching!

[@angelsgraveyard2490]

heck yeah bro good video

[@MomentofZed]

Thank you! Appreciate it!

[@alepepperoni2563]

Lmao nice intro

[@MomentofZed]

Thank you and thanks for watching!