texan engineer
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I know this isn't revolutionary, but I figured I would throw a quick write up with details on my full-size spare setup.
I have a 2017 GTI Sport (PP brakes), comes from the factory with 18" Nogaro wheels. I am personally adamant in always having a spare tire in the car - one of the reason I sold my BMW - with a strong preference for full-size spares. Though the GTI comes standard with a donut in the US, as others have noted it is feasible to install a full-size wheel/tire package under the boot. I am just consolidating all the details in one spot, with some pictures to go along.
You will need this boot trim piece, which has the relief cutout for the larger tire - 5GM86345982V
The stock piece can also be trimmed if you'd prefer to save some money, but I think the factory piece looks more "OEM" (obviously).
I have 225/40-18 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ tires all around, and happened to have an extra one with mild usage lying around to mount on a wheel. Bought a matching Nogaro take-off wheel on eBay (you can get an appropriate sized wheel for less if you'd prefer). My spare now matches my street setup, so I have no concerns about performance or appearance should the spare need to be used.
Here are some pictures comparing the factory donut and my "new" full-sized spare:
And here is the spare sitting in the boot:
It closes completely with the tire underneath. Judging from the clearance in the previous picture, I estimate there is maybe 0.25 in of clearance between the tire and the boot floor. I do not think it is riding on the tire, feels like it seats on the edge pieces like normal. If you run a different tire brand (with a different actual width) or even the same tire with wider wheels I think there is a chance you might have some light rubbing on the boot floor. Nothing show stopping but something to keep in mind.
Do note: when carrying a full size spare you lose the capability to use the magic boot floor (lowered boot floor position) and/or the ability to stow the boot cover under the floor. Personally, I only ever used the lowered floor once and only occasionally have the need to stow the boot cover. This is a tradeoff I am willing to make; if you are considering a full size spare this is something you should keep in mind. Also, those with the Fender audio system might have other clearance issues due to the sub but I can't confirm specifically.
Edit: Here are some pictures I took during my initial test fit a couple months ago. With the boot trim removed, you get a slightly better view of what (little) clearance there is.
Edit 2: Weighed the two setups. Stock space saver is about 32 lbs, my full-size spare (VW Nogaro + half-worn Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+) is about 41 lbs. Well worth the weight gain given the additional functionality.
I have a 2017 GTI Sport (PP brakes), comes from the factory with 18" Nogaro wheels. I am personally adamant in always having a spare tire in the car - one of the reason I sold my BMW - with a strong preference for full-size spares. Though the GTI comes standard with a donut in the US, as others have noted it is feasible to install a full-size wheel/tire package under the boot. I am just consolidating all the details in one spot, with some pictures to go along.
You will need this boot trim piece, which has the relief cutout for the larger tire - 5GM86345982V
The stock piece can also be trimmed if you'd prefer to save some money, but I think the factory piece looks more "OEM" (obviously).
I have 225/40-18 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ tires all around, and happened to have an extra one with mild usage lying around to mount on a wheel. Bought a matching Nogaro take-off wheel on eBay (you can get an appropriate sized wheel for less if you'd prefer). My spare now matches my street setup, so I have no concerns about performance or appearance should the spare need to be used.
Here are some pictures comparing the factory donut and my "new" full-sized spare:
And here is the spare sitting in the boot:
It closes completely with the tire underneath. Judging from the clearance in the previous picture, I estimate there is maybe 0.25 in of clearance between the tire and the boot floor. I do not think it is riding on the tire, feels like it seats on the edge pieces like normal. If you run a different tire brand (with a different actual width) or even the same tire with wider wheels I think there is a chance you might have some light rubbing on the boot floor. Nothing show stopping but something to keep in mind.
Do note: when carrying a full size spare you lose the capability to use the magic boot floor (lowered boot floor position) and/or the ability to stow the boot cover under the floor. Personally, I only ever used the lowered floor once and only occasionally have the need to stow the boot cover. This is a tradeoff I am willing to make; if you are considering a full size spare this is something you should keep in mind. Also, those with the Fender audio system might have other clearance issues due to the sub but I can't confirm specifically.
Edit: Here are some pictures I took during my initial test fit a couple months ago. With the boot trim removed, you get a slightly better view of what (little) clearance there is.
Edit 2: Weighed the two setups. Stock space saver is about 32 lbs, my full-size spare (VW Nogaro + half-worn Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+) is about 41 lbs. Well worth the weight gain given the additional functionality.
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