Gsrjc

I had to order a custom 20" rim from Audi. I doubt the stock A6/A7 spare is a 20" but I don't know for sure. Here's the part number if you need:
- 4G0601027 20" spare wheel with 145/65-20 Continental spare tire

timshuwy

and... where would you store the spare if you had one?

Force-1

Thinking about it, the last time I had to use a spare tire was in 1996 in my '94 Toyota 4Runner.

smacky

When reading reviews of the Q7 online, reviewers said that the space under the cargo space in the rear kept the sound system, or something, and they would have preferred the space for a spare instead.

But since we can't do anything about it now, it seems there really isn't space to store it. Someone on the forums wanted to go offloading or something and said they were looking in to carrying it on the roof rack but asked if there was something that could be affixed to the rear door.

I think the trend towards RFs is similar to the trend towards AS tires 10-15 years ago. It might save the manufacturer money and it gives the customer some piece of mind not having to worry about switching tires (***) or getting a flat (RFs). For most buyers, I bet it's a convenient feature that is inching towards becoming standard, but for the exceptions it can be a real headache. I'd prefer a softer ride on the Q7 and having the space/weight taken up by a spare, so long as its hidden.

Wires

On my SQ5, I have a deflated compact spare, with the center housing what I believe to be the subwoofer box.

I've had 2 BMW's in the past 10 years with RFT's with no issues at all. The first car had a couple of nails, and the local tire shop just plugged them. I ended up buying a DIY plug kit (there are some really decent ones online that had amazing reviews). I have yet to use it though.

I like the RFT's. Sure, it rides a bit harsher, but it isn't that bad. They typically tune the suspension to match the tire firmness. Only time it's really apparent is on harsh pavement breaks. Like most have said, with modern tires, I haven't had to use the spare since 2003 I believe. That was a defect in a truck tire that blew the sidewall out.

Trevor K

It is my firm belief this is the exact reason as to why they do not include a spare. The typical buyer of a $70k Audi isn't looking to change flat tires and they just want to get to safety. They use the saved space for other components.

Wires

It seems that most mfrs are shipping cars with "free roadside assistance" for the warranty period as well. I have never pushed that button either.

You are right though, a person buying a car at this price point probably doesn't change tires.

timshuwy

My old 2011 Q5 had a similar center housing.. it had a plug in as well... but it hardly weighed anything, so I don't believe mine was a subwoofer. I always thought it was simply a plug in so the car could tell if you had the spare installed in the back correctly. The only time I had my spare removed was when I was doing battery maintenance since the battery was under the spare.

Wires

I'm assuming speaker since it is stamped "8 Ohms" on it. But there is no mention on what it is, anywhere.

Ok found it on realoem (part #13)
https://nemigaparts.com/cat_spares/etka/audi/aq5c/687/035350/

It's the "bassbox".

JT4

Thanks..

You may be right.. I would change the tire on the side of the road if the wait for roadside asst was too long, if I even called them to change a tire.. My wife however would be stuck until they arrived, which is why as much as I don't like the runflats I can live with them.