tires and wheels Anyone know of a 5x14 wheel for use as a spare tire?

[yeewiz]

I've upgraded to e12 calipers and e21 hubs and rotors and 15" BBS wheels. I'm looking for a 5x14" wheel for my spare tire. I bought a 318 steel wheel which is 5.5x14 and heightwise just fits in the spare tire well. But if the width of the spare tire extends beyond the lip of the wheel, the spare tire plywood cover won't sit flush with the trunk floor. I think I need a 5x 14" wheel or is there a tire size that isn't fatter than the 5.5" wheel. Anybody with know of a wheel or tire that will fit? Thanks all.

[JohnN]

pretty, but hey, when is the last time you had a flat ??

Cheers!

John N

[yeewiz]

Thanks, I didn't think of that. That will work but then I have to change 2 tires. Actually, I've had several flats on my 5'er, and 1 on my 3'er. OTOH, all my flats have been on the rear tires, so you're making sense.

[Beaner7102]

The width of the tyre will not change with a thinner rim. A 195/60/14 will always be 195mm wide regardless of rim (unless the rim is wider than 195mm - very dangerous). Try a narrower tyre 185/60/14, that should fit no problem (185/70/13 fit). And no need to change 2 tyres and remember to carry the correct lugnuts for the steelie. Beaner7102

[punchesdfw]

We had the same problem on Nick's car and it was an easy fix. On the back side of the trunk panels, glue 2x2's around the perimeter. It raises the floor enough to clear the tire and is virtually undetectable.

[oh2fly]

BMW had the right wheeel for you 30 years ago. Any of the NK 4 doors came with 5x14 wheels. If you can't find any near you, I probably have a few on my wheel rack.

[TobyB]

(nt)

[BarryA]

vehicles - far as I know, all of 'em used 4x100 wheels in a variety of sizes (13, 14, & 15 inch diameters). Should be able to find something that'll work for very little $$

[DukeRimmer]

I've been wondering where these wheels came from for ten years, when I took them off a '67 1600. Great bit of trivia.

[Delia]

Don't blame the spare tire for being too big...

...why not do what we did back "in the old days?"

Put some thin wood blocks under the trunk floor boards to shim them up.

Then you can have a proper-sized spare of most any flavor.

Delia

[yeewiz]

Thanks all. Lots of great suggestions. I'm going to do some searching and let you know what I find out.