All About MINI Cooper Spare Tires

Here at MiniMania we carry a wide selection of MINI Cooper spare tires. Never take another trip without a spare tire on your MINI Cooper. Find the right MINI Cooper spare wheel for all MINI Models.

Do All MINI Coopers Have a Spare Tire?

Technically, no.  Some but R-Series MINIs do come with a full 15" spare tire.  Those include Cooper and Cooper S:
  • 2002-2006 R50 Hardtop
  • 2005-2008 R52 Convertible
  • 2002-2006 R53 Hardtop
  • 2007-2013 R56 Hardtop
  • 2008-2014 R55 Clubman
  • 2009-2015 R57 Convertible
  • 2012-2015 R58 Coupe
  • 2012-2015 R59 Roadster

MINI F55, F56, and F57 Models also have 15 Inch 5-Lug Spare tires as do t
he F54 Clubman and F60 Countryman.

But there are some S-trim and the John Cooper Works that DO NOT have any type of spare tires or space-saver tires. Instead, they have run-flat tires, which are designed to allow you to drive for a limited distance (up to 50 miles) at a reduced speed (up to 50 mph) even after losing air pressure. Run-flat tires have reinforced sidewalls that prevent them from collapsing when deflated. However, run-flat tires are not indestructible and may need to be replaced after driving on them with low or no pressure.

Where is The Spare Tire In A MINI Cooper?   

The location of the spare tire depends on the model of your MINI Cooper. For most models, the spare tire is stored underneath the rear of the car and can be accessed through the trunk floor panel. To get it out, you need to open your trunk, remove the floor panel, and use the tire tools that came with your car to lower the spare tire mechanism. For some models, such as the Countryman and the Paceman, the spare tire is stored inside the trunk under a cover.

What About Lug Size and Patterns?

The size and lug pattern of the spare tire may vary depending on the year and model of your MINI. For example, some R series models (R50-R60) use a 15 inch 4 lug spare tire, while some F series models (F55-F57) use a 15 inch 5 lug spare tire.

The Countryman R60 and Paceman R61 models use a 17 inch 5 lug spare tire. The spare tire is compatible with different wheel sizes as long as they have the same approximate overall diameter.



MINI Cooper Spare Tires for: R Series Models (R50-R60) 



If you switched from run-flat tires to standard tires, here is the spare designed for your MINI. This 15" | 4 lug Spare Tire uses the MINI factory Spare Wheel and we source the same size tire as offered on the early Cooper Spare.
This spare is compatible whether you have 15", 16", or 17" tires - they all have the same approximate overall diameter. See Parts Page for exact fitment on whether this tire can fit the front, rear or both. 

 MINI Cooper Spare Tires for: R60 Countryman and R61 Paceman



This 17 inch Space Saver Spare Tire is perfect for the larger MINI Cooper Countryman R60 and Paceman R61 wheels.  Balanced and ready-to-use.
NOTE: Unfortunately, this spare setup will not clear the JCW brakes, front or rear.  See Parts Page for exact fitment and specs  for this Spare Tire.

MINI Cooper Spare Tires for: F55 Hatchback, F56 Hardtop SE and F57 Convertible



This 15 inch \ 5 lug Spare Tire uses the MINI factory Spare Wheel and the correct size tire as offered on the early Cooper Spare. This spare is compatible whether you have 16", 17", or 18" tires - they all have the same approximate overall diameter.
This 'space saver tire' set-up uses the factory 15 x 3.5 ET28 spare wheel with a brand new 115/70/15 tire for guaranteed fitment. 5 x 112 Bolt Pattern.  For details see parts page.

MINI Cooper Spare Tires for: F54 Clubman and F60 Countryman



This 17 inch \ 5 lug spare tire uses the MINI factory spare wheel and we obtained the proper sized tire, mounted and balance it for you. It's ready to bolt-on!  NOTE 1: Use this Space Saver Spare on the REAR of your MINI. If you have a flat in the front, install the spare on the rear and move a good tire to the front. NOTE 2: This Space Saver Tire will not clear the brakes on the JCW models. For details see parts page.

Spare Tire Kit for Your MINI Cooper R55 CLUBMAN



Clubman R55 (2008- 2014) Spare Tire Kit
include the Compact Emergency Spare Tire, the Tool Tray to fit the spare and Spare Tire Retainer (with optional tool kit)

See All Spare Tires and Accessories 

For all of our Spare Tires, Tire Tool kits and Storage Bags check out the list below or go to our MINI Cooper Spare Tires and Accessories Page.

 

How do I use the MINI Cooper spare tire?

If you need to use your spare tire, you should follow these steps:

- Park your car in a safe and level place away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights and apply the parking brake.
- Locate your spare tire and your tire tools in your trunk. You should have a jack, a lug wrench, and a wheel chock.
- Place the wheel chock behind or in front of one of the wheels that is not being changed to prevent your car from rolling.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire with the lug wrench. Do not remove them completely yet.
- Place the jack under the jacking point near the flat tire. Refer to your owner's manual for the exact location of the jacking points.
- Raise your car with the jack until there is enough clearance to remove the flat tire and install the spare tire.
- Remove the lug nuts and take off the flat tire. Put it aside safely.
- Align the holes of the spare tire with the studs on the wheel hub and push it onto them.
- Tighten the lug nuts by hand until they are snug.
- Lower your car with the jack until it touches the ground. Remove the jack.
- Tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench in a star pattern until they are secure. Do not over-tighten them.
- Put your flat tire and your tire tools back in your trunk.
- Check the air pressure of your spare tire and adjust it if necessary. Refer to your owner's manual for the recommended pressure.
- Drive carefully to a service center or a tire shop to get your flat tire fixed or replaced as soon as possible.

And if you have any question, please click ASK QUESTION.  We'll get back to you with an email ASAP.

 

Storage Bags 

Misc. Parts

R55 Spare Tires and Parts

R60 and R61 Spare Tires and Parts

F-Series Spare Tires and Parts


Video Transcript

Hi gang, its Brendan from Mini Mania, and today's video is just a reminder that Mini Mania sells spare tires. So, for those of you who had run flats on your car or you've maybe swapped over the run flats to the standard wheel and tires, we sell the spare tires that you don't have.

They're available these are original BMW Steel's, they are mounted and balanced. So this would be like an OEM factory type replacement.

We even have carrying bags so you know that you can get for your spares and you can throw them and right in the back of your hatchback. And they're available in all of the various bolt patterns and sizes for all generations of the new mini.

So, if you need one of these, you can go to our website and just type in spare tire in the search term on the new mini site. And that way, for those of you who don't have a factory spare, you no longer have to rely on a can of fix-a-flat or a wrecker to get you to your location and your destination just because you've got a flat tire.

Click the link to find a complete line of Spare Tires and Accessories for your MINI Cooper.

NOTE: Since posting this video, we've seen a lot of inquires on our mini mania forum about "Do mini coopers have spare tires?" and "Where is the BMW/MINI Cooper spare tire located?"  

So, to the first question - Do MINI Coopers have spare tires.? The answer is  yes, MINIs have a spare but MINI Cooper S models don't come with a spare tire. It does have a smaller diameter run-flat tires but not a true 15" spare tire.  (And to boot, no pun intended, run flat MINIs often don't have tire tool kits, making the experience of having a flat tire that much worse.)

The reason the MINI Cooper S models don't have spares is because BMW moved the battery  to the rear of the car to make room for the supercharger under the hood.  You can however buy a spare tire that will fit your MINI Cooper S. It's a normal 15" tire .  Here's a handy article that explains the different and pros and cons to a Mini Cooper Run-Flat Tire


As for where is your spare tire,  -  For regular BMW Mini Coopers the spare tire is located hanging underneath the rear of the car.  You can access it by opening your trunk and using the tire tools that come with your MINI, lower the tire from the inside of your trunk.