Space saver spare vs full sized spare

[Runner]

Recently purchased a 2006 325 ci. Tire size 225/45ZR 17. Supposed to have a 

T 115/90 R 16 spacer saver spare tire but the car came with a full sized spare

size 205/55 R 16.  Will this tire fit and will it be safe to operate for a few miles until a new tire can be obtained?
 

thanks in advance for any opinions.

[Greydog]

Morning Joe

Welcome to the Forum

There are many out there who don't like the space saver spare wheel system thinking they looked unsafe completely ignoring the fact it was for emergency use and not daily use. So they moved to a more conventional spare wheel. As long as the wheel fits correctly ie: clears the caliper and suspension correctly it should be OK. If I was going to the cost of I would make it a match for the road wheels fitted, unless of course your car has a staggered set up the a compromise wheel is required.

Use a BMW Vin De-Coder and it will let you know what was OEM supply at build

Then if you check www.realoem.com a BMW online parts list put the last 7 digits of your Vin into the search box and it will call up your model and the combinations available

My fat wheeled X5 ( 275x40x20 front 315x35x20 rear) comes with a space saver wheel which looks like a bicycle tyre by comparison. In 18 years I have (touches wood) only had 1 puncture on the X5, due to the difference in sizes I have always carried a small compressor and a tin of tyre goo which saved the day (and tyre) with the puncture and actually lasted so well it was at tyre change that the fitter asked if I knew there was goo in the tyre 🤣 So my solution would be a small compressor and a can of sealant or tyre plug kit much cheaper than any wheel/tyre combo and can follow you car to car. BMW actually supply them now 

Remember all manufacturers moved to Space Saver wheels as a Cost saving then along came Run Flat tyre technology and they not only save the cost of a spare wheel but also a Jack and wheel brace (all passed on to the customer of course) 😅 

Dave