Possible to convert spare tire trunk setup to non-spare tire?

mjdth · 08-01-2018, 03:24 PM

I'm guessing this isn't possible, but on the off chance, is there any parts that can be ordered to convert the trunk area from the raised-spare-tire-including trunk to just the default trunk?

GL · 08-01-2018, 06:13 PM

I would be interested in going the opposite direction. Maybe we consider a parts swap. PM me if interested.

mjdth · 08-01-2018, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GL

I would be interested in going the opposite direction. Maybe we consider a parts swap. PM me if interested.

PM sent. Now we just need to find somebody to tell us if it's possible...

sor · 08-02-2018, 01:32 AM

I'm not sure if it is possible, but I have stripped my trunk to put in a subwoofer, including removing the access panel/floor, it's not particularly difficult. I'd suggest two people doing this and comparing notes to see if the parts seem swappable.

Sea-Tac · 08-02-2018, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sor

I'm not sure if it is possible, but I have stripped my trunk to put in a subwoofer, including removing the access panel/floor, it's not particularly difficult. I'd suggest two people doing this and comparing notes to see if the parts seem swappable.

I agree. I think they would need to do a side by side comparison. They could also ask their service center to give them Pics from the BMW service manual of the boot in both cars.

GL · 08-02-2018, 10:34 AM

I'll spend some time on newtis.info and see if this will work. I'm fairly certain it will.

bmtespar · 08-02-2018, 11:59 AM

I don’t see why this wouldn’t work unless there is some additional welded brace that the non-spare trim will not clear. This will be an interesting project to watch unfold. Good luck on this project.

sor · 08-02-2018, 01:50 PM

I don't have a photo of it completely empty but this is close. I was dry fitting parts of my subwoofer box.

Swampman · 08-02-2018, 03:47 PM

Newtis.info should have removal and install procedure to compare.

Legis · 08-04-2018, 05:09 PM

I’m shopping for an x3, and my dealer told me they can switch out the existing trunk floor on one of their existing cars with a spare tire to one without. So it can definitely be done.

kryptik.m5 · 08-04-2018, 11:15 PM

In looking at this link of a G01 with the spare tire option, it looks like you lose about 3" of height to accommodate for the spare tire.

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showt...php?p=22429826

Also, there's comments in there as to whether it's possible or not.

Legis · 08-05-2018, 02:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kryptik.m5

In looking at this link of a G01 with the spare tire option, it looks like you lose about 3" of height to accommodate for the spare tire.

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showt...php?p=22429826

Also, there's comments in there as to whether it's possible or not.

Contradicting info though. My dealer said it would cost about $1500 in total for parts plus work. About three weeks delivery on the trunk as they would have to order it from Germany. This was for an m40i btw that they had on stock.

kryptik.m5 · 08-05-2018, 12:18 PM

I guess I read the thread different and didn't find anything contradiction as I made my own judgement call based on the images, size of the spare, etc. Also, on that thread they do say it's possible but at an extreme cost which you've outlined as panels need replacing and parts need ordering all while losing 3" of height.

In reading the thread based on the photos and comments, I can infer that technically yes it should be possible as I can't imagine BMW making 2 different version of the bottom panel and subframe of just the trunk. It explains why there's a 3" loss of trunk height. The trunk on both versions are the same it's just matter of what component is on top of subframe. Everything with the spare kit was designed upwards not downwards in the trunk.

With that said, if you're still looking to do it and your dealer says it's possible, then go for it. I just thought I'd provide a thread with some basic information regarding the gains and losses, comments regarding the spare tire size, etc.

GL · 08-05-2018, 12:43 PM

I've been looking at this quite a bit because I plan to do a swap. The only question I have is the car seat latch loop that is exposed when you open the plastic flap over the cargo floor hinge. My vehicle has the loop attached (welded) directly to the body of the vehicle. On a vehicle with the raised floor, there is a bracket that raises up the latch loop.

My question is if the lower level loop is installed on vehicles with the raised floor.

GL · 08-05-2018, 12:45 PM

And maybe it's possible the loop in mine is not welded. I haven't taken my floor out to confirm.

mjdth · 08-22-2018, 09:17 PM

Just wanted to update this thread for anyone interested. GL and I drove to meet up at the halfway point (St Louis) to give it a go and see if we could swap the spare with the non-spare trunks.

It was a resounding success that went 99% smoothly. It took about 6 hours of work in total to take everything apart and swap it between the cars, and we had to go out and buy one nut that couldn't be swapped.

It took a fair amount of research (that GL did) tools (that GL brought with) and general competence with cars (that GL also brought with) but in the end we both left happily with the trunks that we wanted.

We took a few photos along the way, but the gutted trunk photo was the one I sent to my wife to successfully scare her when we were about half way done.

Thanks again to GL for the research and hard work. I'm glad it all worked out and that a story starting with "meeting up with a stranger from the internet to trade trunks" didn't result in anyone getting murdered (including me by my wife...)

Drake_CA · 08-22-2018, 11:00 PM

Congrats! Looks like it worked out nicely.

What was the hardest part if there was one?

bmtespar · 08-22-2018, 11:08 PM

This is awesome. I love the story and the experience you guys had. This is what forums should be all about.

Max Well · 08-23-2018, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmtespar

This is awesome. I love the story and the experience you guys had. This is what forums should be all about.

Agree with bmtespar - although I have zero interest in swapping out our cargo area, it was great to read how well it turned out for you both! Nice work.

GL · 08-23-2018, 07:25 AM

It was a great experience!

The only real issue was the "ball" that receives the strut holding up the floor. My X3 was the one built without the spare. The ball screws into the frame. Unfortunately the threads are not built on an X3 with the spare. We had to make a Lowe's run to purchase a nut. The real trick was getting the nut on the backside of the frame to install. But it worked out great and we are both happy!

skier219 · 08-23-2018, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GL

It was a great experience!

The only real issue was the "ball" that receives the strut holding up the floor. My X3 was the one built without the spare. The ball screws into the frame. Unfortunately the threads are not built on an X3 with the spare. We had to make a Lowe's run to purchase a nut. The real trick was getting the nut on the backside of the frame to install. But it worked out great and we are both happy!

Crazy to think BMW gets so specific with manufacturing that they would get down to that level of detail. I would have thought the threaded boss would be there regardless.

They seem to have eliminated that strut altogether on the 2019 models.

Legis · 08-23-2018, 08:44 AM

Very happy to see this result, as I am taking my car to the dealer on Monday to get the spare trunk replaced with the ordinary one! Great job!

08-01-2018, 03:24 PM	#1
mjdth Private First Class 82 Rep 152 Posts Drives: X3 M40i Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 X3 M40i [0.00] 2015 435xi (Sold) [0.00] 2007 335i (Sold) [0.00] 2004 325i (Sold) [0.00]	Possible to convert spare tire trunk setup to non-spare tire? I'm guessing this isn't possible, but on the off chance, is there any parts that can be ordered to convert the trunk area from the raised-spare-tire-including trunk to just the default trunk?
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08-01-2018, 06:13 PM	#2
GL Private First Class 121 Rep 165 Posts Drives: 2022 X7 M50i, 2019 540i Join Date: May 2018 Location: NW Arkansas iTrader: (0)	I would be interested in going the opposite direction. Maybe we consider a parts swap. PM me if interested.
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08-02-2018, 01:32 AM	#4
sor Brigadier General 3102 Rep 3,071 Posts Drives: 2023 iX M60 Oxide Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: UT iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 BMW iX M60 [0.00]	I'm not sure if it is possible, but I have stripped my trunk to put in a subwoofer, including removing the access panel/floor, it's not particularly difficult. I'd suggest two people doing this and comparing notes to see if the parts seem swappable.
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08-02-2018, 10:34 AM	#6
GL Private First Class 121 Rep 165 Posts Drives: 2022 X7 M50i, 2019 540i Join Date: May 2018 Location: NW Arkansas iTrader: (0)	I'll spend some time on newtis.info and see if this will work. I'm fairly certain it will.
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08-02-2018, 11:59 AM	#7
bmtespar Major 709 Rep 1,066 Posts Drives: 19 X3 30i, 18 230iX Vert Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Atlanta Ga iTrader: (0)	I don’t see why this wouldn’t work unless there is some additional welded brace that the non-spare trim will not clear. This will be an interesting project to watch unfold. Good luck on this project.
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08-02-2018, 01:50 PM	#8
sor Brigadier General 3102 Rep 3,071 Posts Drives: 2023 iX M60 Oxide Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: UT iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 BMW iX M60 [0.00]	I don't have a photo of it completely empty but this is close. I was dry fitting parts of my subwoofer box. Attached Images
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08-02-2018, 03:47 PM	#9
Swampman Swampman 49 Rep 112 Posts Drives: 2018 X3 M40 - Glacier Silver Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0)	Newtis.info should have removal and install procedure to compare.
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08-04-2018, 05:09 PM	#10
Legis Private 53 Rep 69 Posts Drives: X3 M40i Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Sweden iTrader: (0)	I’m shopping for an x3, and my dealer told me they can switch out the existing trunk floor on one of their existing cars with a spare tire to one without. So it can definitely be done.
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08-04-2018, 11:15 PM	#11
kryptik.m5 Enlisted Member 19 Rep 38 Posts Drives: F10 M5 Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Orange County iTrader: (0)	In looking at this link of a G01 with the spare tire option, it looks like you lose about 3" of height to accommodate for the spare tire. https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showt...php?p=22429826 Also, there's comments in there as to whether it's possible or not.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-05-2018, 12:18 PM	#13
kryptik.m5 Enlisted Member 19 Rep 38 Posts Drives: F10 M5 Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Orange County iTrader: (0)	I guess I read the thread different and didn't find anything contradiction as I made my own judgement call based on the images, size of the spare, etc. Also, on that thread they do say it's possible but at an extreme cost which you've outlined as panels need replacing and parts need ordering all while losing 3" of height. In reading the thread based on the photos and comments, I can infer that technically yes it should be possible as I can't imagine BMW making 2 different version of the bottom panel and subframe of just the trunk. It explains why there's a 3" loss of trunk height. The trunk on both versions are the same it's just matter of what component is on top of subframe. Everything with the spare kit was designed upwards not downwards in the trunk. With that said, if you're still looking to do it and your dealer says it's possible, then go for it. I just thought I'd provide a thread with some basic information regarding the gains and losses, comments regarding the spare tire size, etc.
	Appreciate 1 Legis53.00 Quote

08-05-2018, 12:43 PM	#14
GL Private First Class 121 Rep 165 Posts Drives: 2022 X7 M50i, 2019 540i Join Date: May 2018 Location: NW Arkansas iTrader: (0)	I've been looking at this quite a bit because I plan to do a swap. The only question I have is the car seat latch loop that is exposed when you open the plastic flap over the cargo floor hinge. My vehicle has the loop attached (welded) directly to the body of the vehicle. On a vehicle with the raised floor, there is a bracket that raises up the latch loop. My question is if the lower level loop is installed on vehicles with the raised floor.
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08-05-2018, 12:45 PM	#15
GL Private First Class 121 Rep 165 Posts Drives: 2022 X7 M50i, 2019 540i Join Date: May 2018 Location: NW Arkansas iTrader: (0)	And maybe it's possible the loop in mine is not welded. I haven't taken my floor out to confirm.
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08-22-2018, 09:17 PM	#16
mjdth Private First Class 82 Rep 152 Posts Drives: X3 M40i Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 X3 M40i [0.00] 2015 435xi (Sold) [0.00] 2007 335i (Sold) [0.00] 2004 325i (Sold) [0.00]	Just wanted to update this thread for anyone interested. GL and I drove to meet up at the halfway point (St Louis) to give it a go and see if we could swap the spare with the non-spare trunks. It was a resounding success that went 99% smoothly. It took about 6 hours of work in total to take everything apart and swap it between the cars, and we had to go out and buy one nut that couldn't be swapped. It took a fair amount of research (that GL did) tools (that GL brought with) and general competence with cars (that GL also brought with) but in the end we both left happily with the trunks that we wanted. We took a few photos along the way, but the gutted trunk photo was the one I sent to my wife to successfully scare her when we were about half way done. Thanks again to GL for the research and hard work. I'm glad it all worked out and that a story starting with "meeting up with a stranger from the internet to trade trunks" didn't result in anyone getting murdered (including me by my wife...) Attached Images
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08-22-2018, 11:00 PM	#17
Drake_CA Private 20 Rep 67 Posts Drives: 2018 X3 M40i Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Congrats! Looks like it worked out nicely. What was the hardest part if there was one?
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08-22-2018, 11:08 PM	#18
bmtespar Major 709 Rep 1,066 Posts Drives: 19 X3 30i, 18 230iX Vert Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Atlanta Ga iTrader: (0)	This is awesome. I love the story and the experience you guys had. This is what forums should be all about.
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08-23-2018, 07:25 AM	#20
GL Private First Class 121 Rep 165 Posts Drives: 2022 X7 M50i, 2019 540i Join Date: May 2018 Location: NW Arkansas iTrader: (0)	It was a great experience! The only real issue was the "ball" that receives the strut holding up the floor. My X3 was the one built without the spare. The ball screws into the frame. Unfortunately the threads are not built on an X3 with the spare. We had to make a Lowe's run to purchase a nut. The real trick was getting the nut on the backside of the frame to install. But it worked out great and we are both happy!
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08-23-2018, 08:44 AM	#22
Legis Private 53 Rep 69 Posts Drives: X3 M40i Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Sweden iTrader: (0)	Very happy to see this result, as I am taking my car to the dealer on Monday to get the spare trunk replaced with the ordinary one! Great job!
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