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Car Forum / BMW Cars / April 2007Two questions about the BMW E46
Hi everyone, About 4 years ago, I bought a new BMW E46, 320d. Now, 4 years later, I've had a look in the trunk below the floormat and I've noticed that I do not have a spare wheel. Nor do I have a little replacement tire. Is this normal? I did buy the M Sports package which comes with the 18" alloys & tires, but I'd at least expected a small replacement tire... My second question is about the toolkit that is attached to the trunk lid. If you open it, there are several tools in there, lodged in that little plank hanging from the trunk. Now I've noticed that there is a spare opening on top, with grips, so I suppose there should be some kind of tool there. Is there one, and if so, which one am I missing? Thanks in advance, Ikke Lacking a spare, your car should have the mobility kit which includes (IIRC) an aerosol can of sealant and a cigarette lighter powered inflation pump. The idea is to seal the puncture with the goop, reninflate and limp home until you can replace the tire. On the up side, most modern tires are pretty stout. Occasionally roadside debris (nails in a construction area) will cause a puncture or a slammed pothole or clipped curb can damage the sidewall. A spare would be nice, but evidently the 18x40x2xx won't fit in the same hole as the 17" variation. R / John > Hi everyone, > [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > > Ikke > Lacking a spare, your car should have the mobility kit which includes > (IIRC) an aerosol can of sealant and a cigarette lighter powered > inflation pump. The idea is to seal the puncture with the goop, > reninflate and limp home until you can replace the tire. Am I correct in assuming that this mobility kit would be stored in the same place in the trunk then? Because I've just had a look, and while there is actually a jack there, there is no tire, no mobility kit or box so something that could pass for such a kit... > On the up side, most modern tires are pretty stout. Occasionally > roadside debris (nails in a construction area) will cause a puncture > or a slammed pothole or clipped curb can damage the sidewall. A spare > would be nice, but evidently the 18x40x2xx won't fit in the same hole > as the 17" variation. The point to me is more whether or not the spare was once there - I've had an accident a while ago (someone hit my parked car), and I didn't trust the towing service one bit. So therefor I was wondering whether or not that's where my spare tire (and possible missing tools) were. To me, neither spare nor mobility kit are of any use, actually. In the event that I do get a flat, I just call a taxi and call the service department to fix it all and bring the car home. It doesn't cost me a cent and it's the quickest way home (or to whatever place I'm headed). Thanks, Ikke >Hi everyone, > [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > >Ikke Some models for some markets did not have a spare wheel supplied not did they have the limp home kit. If you feel you need one after 4 years get an old alloy from a wrecker and stuff that in the trunk/boot. <snip> > Some models for some markets did not have a spare wheel supplied not > did they have the limp home kit. If you feel you need one after 4 > years get an old alloy from a wrecker and stuff that in the > trunk/boot. Thanks for the reply. But in my case, the question isn't so much whether or not there should be one for the future, rather then was there on in my car in the first place... Ikke > <snip> > [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > Ikke And the answer was no, with thesport package an 17" wheels the mobility nonsense was substituted for a spare tire. So if your sleazy tow guy filched something it was the air pump.  Signature-Fred W > O...@nowhere.com wrote innews:oqen23d666vijusanrm7r19g330o2o9dvi@4ax.com: > [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > Ikke Ask BMW. Give them your VIN and they should know. I would have said yes, especially if there is a jack. Not all the holes in the tool kit have tools in them even from the factory and in any case they're more for show than anything as they're made out of cheap stuff. > Not all the holes in the tool kit have tools in them even from the > factory and in any case they're more for show than anything as they're > made out of cheap stuff. Changing a wheel without the lining up tool - and of course security bolt adaptor - would be tricky. FWIW, the tools don't look good but are made out of reasonable quality steel. Signature*A bartender is just a pharmacist with a limited inventory. Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW To e-mail, change noise into sound. > Hi everyone, > [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > > Ikke This may sound like a stupid question, but are you <certain> you don't have a spare? Under the mat and the floor panel is there just a big empty space, or is there a large black plastic tray? If the latter, try removing the tray and if you're in luck ... Chris. <snip> > This may sound like a stupid question, but are you <certain> you don't > have a spare? Under the mat and the floor panel is there just a big > empty space, or is there a large black plastic tray? If the latter, > try removing the tray and if you're in luck ... > Chris. First of all, Chris, there are no stupid questions. Keeping in mind that first statement, I'll be in that distant corner over there where I'll remain in hiding until the laughter fades away. It'll take some time, I fear... Thanks, Ikke PS: thank heavens I didn't post this on usenet... D'OH!!! > <snip> >> This may sound like a stupid question, but are you <certain> you don't [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > > PS: thank heavens I didn't post this on usenet... D'OH!!! Could have been much worse - just imagine going back to the dealer to complain that someone had stolen the spare. The really dumb thing is that you cannot fit an 18" x 8J wheel into that hole. On your second question - there are some tools that are dependent on fitted options (I seem to remember a handle to operate the electric sunroof if the motor fails; not sure if it applies to the E46), so you may have everything you need. There are certainly one or two gaps in my tray. If you want to post a list I'll be happy to check against my car. Chris. <snip> > Could have been much worse - just imagine going back to the dealer to > complain that someone had stolen the spare. Indeed, my appointment is tomorrow, so thanks again for saving me :) > The really dumb thing is > that you cannot fit an 18" x 8J wheel into that hole. True - so now I finally realise I have a spare, I can't use it! > On your second question - there are some tools that are dependent on > fitted options (I seem to remember a handle to operate the electric > sunroof if the motor fails; not sure if it applies to the E46), so you > may have everything you need. There are certainly one or two gaps in > my tray. If you want to post a list I'll be happy to check against my > car. Thanks for the offer Chris - I'll have a look in my car tomorrow and post a list of what I have. Ikke >About 4 years ago, I bought a new BMW E46, 320d. Now, 4 years later, I've >had a look in the trunk below the floormat and I've noticed that I do not >have a spare wheel. Nor do I have a little replacement tire. I took you 4 years to get-around to looking in there? Okay.... My 2000 323 has a full-size spare. <snip> > I took you 4 years to get-around to looking in there? Okay.... Why do you find that so strange? I've never had a flat tire, and even if I had one I wouldn't be tempted to change it, so I've never had a reason to check there... > My 2000 323 has a full-size spare. Thanks for the info, I've found my mini-sized spare by now. Ikke > <snip> > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > had one I wouldn't be tempted to change it, so I've never had a reason to > check there... Hahah. That's just too funny (and typical). So, lets just suppose there was a spare tire under the floor in your trunk. What do you suppose the air pressure would be in that spare tire when you needed it, after ignoring it for >4 years. Doh! Did you think the spare tire fairys would keep it pumped up? Signature-Fred W > So, lets just suppose there was a spare tire under the floor in your > trunk. What do you suppose the air pressure would be in that spare tire > when you needed it, after ignoring it for >4 years. My dealer checks it at every service and leaves a sticker on it with date and pressure. Or more likely just puts the sticker there. ;-) IIRC, they inflate it to above the normal. And I'd expect a new wheel and tyre to maintain that pressure even after 4 years. Signature*42.7% of statistics are made up. Sorry, that should read 47.2% * Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW To e-mail, change noise into sound. >> <snip> >> [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > > Did you think the spare tire fairys would keep it pumped up? Nope. But read again what I wrote: "even if I had one I wouldn't be tempted to change it". I've never changed a spare in my life. If I *had* a flat tire, I'd call the service department of my insurance, let them sort it out and call a taxi and be on my way. Ikke > If I *had* a flat tire, I'd call the service department of my insurance, > let them sort it out and call a taxi and be on my way. Wow. What a feeling of complete and utter dependance you must have. You also must live in a city and never venture out of its confines. In some (many) places in the world you'd be waiting a whole lot longer for that taxi than it would take to throw on a spare tire. ...assuming you are capable of turning a lug nut. Signature-Fred W >> If I *had* a flat tire, I'd call the service department of my >> insurance, let them sort it out and call a taxi and be on my way. [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > for that taxi than it would take to throw on a spare tire. > ...assuming you are capable of turning a lug nut. That's one way of looking at it. I'm perfectly capable of changing a spare, as well as maintaining the basics of a car - but I figure since I'm already paying for the service, why not profit from it? Ikke >> If I *had* a flat tire, I'd call the service department of my >> insurance, let them sort it out and call a taxi and be on my way. [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > for that taxi than it would take to throw on a spare tire. > ...assuming you are capable of turning a lug nut. Oh, and before I forget it - this is Europe, you'd struggle to find a place here where it takes a taxi more than 15 minutes to reach you :) Ikke > Nope. But read again what I wrote: "even if I had one I wouldn't be > tempted to change it". I've never changed a spare in my life. > If I *had* a flat tire, I'd call the service department of my insurance, > let them sort it out and call a taxi and be on my way. You must have time to burn and never leave the city? Signature*I never drink anything stronger than gin before breakfast * Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW To e-mail, change noise into sound. >> Nope. But read again what I wrote: "even if I had one I wouldn't be >> tempted to change it". I've never changed a spare in my life. [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > You must have time to burn and never leave the city? As I already replied to Fred W, this is Europe - a taxi is always nearby. You'd struggle to find a place where a taxi is more than 15 minutes away. So it's faster to call the taxi, not to mention cheaper. Time is money, the taxi is free. Ikke > > You must have time to burn and never leave the city? > As I already replied to Fred W, this is Europe - a taxi is always > nearby. You'd struggle to find a place where a taxi is more than 15 > minutes away. Well I live in Europe and can think of plenty of places where a taxi is more than 15 minutes away. ;-) > So it's faster to call the taxi, not to mention cheaper. Time is money, > the taxi is free. But the insurance you pay for such a scheme costly? Personally I don't bother with even breakdown/recovery. And on the whole have saved money during the course of BMW ownership. Although my recent suspension collapse involved both changing a wheel and then calling out a breakdown when I saw what the problem was - and getting a taxi. ;-) Signature*Organized Crime Is Alive And Well; It's Called Auto Insurance. * Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW To e-mail, change noise into sound. <snip> > But the insurance you pay for such a scheme costly? Personally I don't > bother with even breakdown/recovery. And on the whole have saved money > during the course of BMW ownership. Although my recent suspension > collapse involved both changing a wheel and then calling out a > breakdown when I saw what the problem was - and getting a taxi. ;-) The insurance is indeed very costly (at 8 years, I will have paid the car twice), but that doesn't matter. I won't go into details, but it all boils down to this: even if I destroy my car myself, I get a new one. Instantly. Which is nice to know ;) Ikke > The insurance is indeed very costly (at 8 years, I will have paid the car > twice), but that doesn't matter. [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > Which is nice to know ;) <thread hijack in progress> Which requires one to ask, how many times have you totaled one of your cars? OK, maybe you don't have many cars, or haven't been a car owner all that long. So lets extend that question to: How many members of you family have totaled their cars. And how many years have you been paying those exhorbitant insurance rates that will reimburse you for your totaled car (minus the deductible mind you)? Auto Insurance is one of the biggest scams perpetrated on the general public of all times. And the kicker is, if you have a lien of any kind on the car your are *forced* to carry coverage by the lienholder. This is one big reason that I never buy my cars on time (I pay cash only) and generally don't buy new ones. Signature-Fred W >> The insurance is indeed very costly (at 8 years, I will have paid the >> car twice), but that doesn't matter. [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > Which requires one to ask, how many times have you totaled one of your > cars? I'm almost 30, have never totaled a car, and I have never caused an accident. Perfect driving record. This car has had one scratch so far, and three minor dings because some (insert swear word) banged it on the parking lot. > OK, maybe you don't have many cars, or haven't been a car owner all > that long. So lets extend that question to: How many members of you > family have totaled their cars. I've been a car owner for about 8 years, this car I've had for 4 years. One car only, by the way. My parents have never had an accident. I don't have any brothers, nor sisters. > And how many years have you been paying those exhorbitant insurance > rates that will reimburse you for your totaled car (minus the > deductible mind you)? Before I was 25, I payed double that. Since 25, this amount. Please note that my car insurance does NOT have a deductible - hence the high amount. In the contract, there is an extra clausule which ensures me that the car will be replaced without cost. That means that I get the exact amount I paid for the car, including the registration fee. Which unfortunately means that I'm a bit screwed since the E92 came out, since it's a bit more expensive :) > Auto Insurance is one of the biggest scams perpetrated on the general > public of all times. And the kicker is, if you have a lien of any > kind on the car your are *forced* to carry coverage by the lienholder. Auto insurance is required by law here - so I figured I'd just get the highest coverage available. This includes a full omnium, no deductible, and (don't know how to say it in english) full court expenses. The reason I'm a big fan of that latter part, is that you can't loose your license, whatever prank you pull on the road. Get cought? Send in your team of lawyers (all expenses paid), and get off with a fine. I'm not a native english speaker, I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean by that last sentence. > This is one big reason that I never buy my cars on time (I pay cash > only) and generally don't buy new ones. I'm a bit different: all cars I've bought were paid cash as well (I never loan money, except for houses), and I always buy new cars. Ikke > My second question is about the toolkit that is attached to the trunk > lid. If you open it, there are several tools in there, lodged in that > little plank hanging from the trunk. Now I've noticed that there is a > spare opening on top, with grips, so I suppose there should be some > kind of tool there. Is there one, and if so, which one am I missing? IIRC, not all tools are supplied to all markets. One such is the warning triangle. Signature*Sherlock Holmes never said "Elementary, my dear Watson" * Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW To e-mail, change noise into sound. |
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