Space saver

[hunker7]

Does anyone have space saver for their D2? Currently running 245/45/18 monoblocks, I have LPG tank in spare wheel well and I do nearly 2000 miles a month so would be good to have back-up that doesn't take up half the boot? +++

[MikkiJayne]

How about the inflatable spare from the C5 Allroad?

https://i.ebayimg.com/thumbs/images/g/O6QAAOSwjONdurSy/s-l300.jpg

The tyre has a folding sidewall, so although its full width, its quite small diameter when not in use. You'd need to carry a tyre inflator of course.

[ainarssems]

Learn something new each day. Never seen one of them:)

[MikkiJayne]

Its a curious thing, done to make room for the air suspension stuff which necessitated a bulge in the spare wheel well. By 'quite small diameter', its actually probably about 19", but thats a lot less bulk than a full size spare.

I've not tried inflating it because I don't know whether it can be deflated again without having a vacuum pump.

[hunker7]

How about the inflatable spare from the C5 Allroad?

https://i.ebayimg.com/thumbs/images/g/O6QAAOSwjONdurSy/s-l300.jpg

The tyre has a folding sidewall, so although its full width, its quite small diameter when not in use. You'd need to carry a tyre inflator of course.

Didn't think of that actually. Only 2.2% diameter difference which shouldn't hurt the quattro, and they're very cheap +++ 16" should fit over the brakes?

They fold away themselves, no need for vacuum pump. It's very fascinating to watch it when it deflates :D

[HPsauce]

16" should fit over the brakes?Presumably no problem with the rear brakes?
"Just" swap a rear to the front if it's a front that's blown and the front brakes are too big.


Don't know what A8 you have but my PF S8 would safely fit 17" wheels all round (never tried 16"), the FL one won't.

[MikkiJayne]

Didn't think of that actually. Only 2.2% diameter difference which shouldn't hurt the quattro, and they're very cheap +++ 16" should fit over the brakes?

They fold away themselves, no need for vacuum pump. It's very fascinating to watch it when it deflates :D

The Allroad has the same size tyres as the D2, so if the 2.2% difference is ok on the Allroad it'll be ok on the D2 as well +++

I didn't know they were 16" - I'd assumed 17". The larger-engined Allroads have the same HP2 caliper as the D2 A8, but on a 321mm disc (instead of 323mm) so in theory should be just fine. I might fish mine out of the back of the Allroad (the boot of which is currently full of 1/2 an S6 V8) and see if it fits one of the D2s +++

[vagdream]

Don't know what A8 you have but my PF S8 would safely fit 17" wheels all round (never tried 16"), the FL one won't.

What 17" wheels were you using? I have been running winter rubber with 17" Avus wheels on my FL S8 over the past three winter seasons with no clearance issues.

[HPsauce]

What 17" wheels were you using? I have been running winter rubber with 17" Avus wheels on my FL S8 over the past three winter seasons with no clearance issues.They were (long ago sold) 17" Avus wheels from I think an S4, correct offset for a D2 and fine on the PF.
The rims just cleared the FL front brakes by a mm or so but the balance weights did catch on the caliper.
I guess with differently-placed balance weights or thin spacers they might have worked, but I decided to use the 18" factory Avus for winter and FE 20's for summer..

[hunker7]

The Allroad has the same size tyres as the D2, so if the 2.2% difference is ok on the Allroad it'll be ok on the D2 as well +++

I didn't know they were 16" - I'd assumed 17". The larger-engined Allroads have the same HP2 caliper as the D2 A8, but on a 321mm disc (instead of 323mm) so in theory should be just fine. I might fish mine out of the back of the Allroad (the boot of which is currently full of 1/2 an S6 V8) and see if it fits one of the D2s +++

If you could test fit that would be great help +++

Checked wheel spec on tyre calculator and seems like it should be just fine.

[Audifan]

How about the inflatable spare from the C5 Allroad?

https://i.ebayimg.com/thumbs/images/g/O6QAAOSwjONdurSy/s-l300.jpg

The tyre has a folding sidewall, so although its full width, its quite small diameter when not in use. You'd need to carry a tyre inflator of course.
Wow this is very interesting as I never knew about this space saver setup. I went to YouTube seen here (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HTYR2e_E7Lk) to see how this works and it's pretty cool seeing it inflate/deflate. Another cool thing I saw there is a subwoofer that is mounted into the space saver. It looks like aftermarket car audio companies are making these (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Q25syXC5yhE).

[HPsauce]

Interestingly that video showed a 195/75R18 size...… obviously a lot bigger than a 245/45R18.

[MikkiJayne]

I think that's in a C6 A6 / Allroad. The C5 one is smaller.

I suppose its obvious it would deflate itself having looked at the video - the tread surface has to expand considerably as the sidewall inflates, so as soon as the air pressure is released the tread will force the tyre back down to size. Its a bit of an origami masterclass designing a tyre to fold up like an accordion though :D

[tonupkid]

Got one of these in our 2015 Tuareg and my brother had one in his 1989 928. One bored day we tested it and indeed it unfolded and then re-folded like a beautiful piece of rubber origami.
The one in the Tuareg weighs a ton, and although it's possible with it in place it is better to remove the damned thing whenever the AdBlu requires attention. Which is about every 1.5k miles. Thank you VW, shame you thought a proper filler was unnecessary because of your competence at lying

[Audifan]

I took a look at my spare tire well and noticed there is a large dome under the spare tire so there is no way to flip the spare tire over and use the spare tire subwoofer setup. This is probably a stupid question but is it possible to cut out that spare tire dome?

[HPsauce]

I took a look at my spare tire well and noticed there is a large dome under the spare tire so there is no way to flip the spare tire over and use the spare tire subwoofer setup. This is probably a stupid question but is it possible to cut out that spare tire dome?
Really, on a D2? Can you post a photo. My spare wheel is face down with a whole load of stuff stored inside it. :Confused:

[Audifan]

Really, on a D2? Can you post a photo. My spare wheel is face down with a whole load of stuff stored inside it. :Confused:
Yes really. Just a reminder that I live in America, so this must be for only D2 cars here in the States? I think it's stupid :tuttut: having this dome in there! I knocked on it and it sounds like it's plastic so it's possible it could be cut out?

Here is what it looks like in my car.

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachment.php?attachmentid=25005&stc=1&d=1609629790

[MikkiJayne]

IIRC American models have a load of extra fuel system evap gear in there. B5 and C5 are the same. Best to have a look underneath and see if there is actually anything in there before cutting it out ;)

[steamship]

Needless to say, MJ is 100% correct. The bulge hides an activated charcoal container that we don't get in Europe. Images of the two spare wheels available (US on the right) and also the activated charcoal setup.

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachment.php?attachmentid=25008&stc=1&d=1609679459

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachment.php?attachmentid=25009&stc=1&d=1609679459

[Audifan]

Needless to say, MJ is 100% correct. The bulge hides an activated charcoal container that we don't get in Europe. Images of the two spare wheels available (US on the right) and also the activated charcoal setup.

Thanks for the info. Well that totally sucks!

[IT]

Another cool thing I saw there is a subwoofer that is mounted into the space saver. It looks like aftermarket car audio companies are making these (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Q25syXC5yhE).


The Q7 has a factory subwoofer mounted in the spare wheel for Bose and Bang and Olufsen, have done since launch in 2007..

the B&O one is quite a bit bigger though, so protrudes up into the lower storage tray requiring a unique storage tray to fit.

Too big to fit inside an a8 wheel no doubt, so no easy retrofit sadly.....

[MikkiJayne]

Too big to fit inside an a8 wheel no doubt, so no easy retrofit sadly.....

I have Q7 wheels on my S8...

[IT]

I have Q7 wheels on my S8...

hmm. yes, I forgot that. maybe there is scope for a lovely little retrofit there !

[paulrstaylor]

I wish my Q7 had a spare wheel, but in the upside it has plenty of bass from the factory fit bose system so I guess it's not all bad!?

[vagdream]

I wish my Q7 had a spare wheel, but in the upside it has plenty of bass from the factory fit bose system so I guess it's not all bad!?

When we were running our Q7 etron for big mileages, I carried an emergency 'slim spacesaver' trapped between the rear seat and loadcover/dog net. This was better for my peace of mind but then meant we had to carry a jack, not supplied as original equipment!

[tonupkid]

The 2009 Q5 also had a sub fitted inside the well of the spare wheel

[paulrstaylor]

When we were running our Q7 etron for big mileages, I carried an emergency 'slim spacesaver' trapped between the rear seat and loadcover/dog net. This was better for my peace of mind but then meant we had to carry a jack, not supplied as original equipment!

Sounds like a good place to keep it! I've two sets of wheels including a full sized spare for both, my logic is worst case is a breakdown recovery home to fit a spare, the inconvenience of it happened in Cornwall would be significant however! May look at getting a little one +++ post lock down!