What Car? Q&A - Why doesn't the 1 Series have a spare?

Why does the BMW 1 Series have no spare wheel?
Richard

A: Like most other BMWs, the 1 Series is fitted with run-flat tyres, so it doesn't have to carry a spare.

As the name suggests, you can continue to drive on run flat tyres even when pressure has been lost (a warning light in the 1 Series will alert you if this happens).

Considering how small the boot in the 1 Series is compared with other small family cars (because of its rear-wheel-drive layout), it's no bad thing that it doesn't have to carry the spare.

You'll probably need to have the tyre replaced after the pressure's been lost, however, as this puts considerable strain on it.

There are also concerns about the stiffened sidewalls of run-flat tyres, which can have an adverse effect on a car's ride quality.