It would be great if we could source a compact spare tire kit for the 3 that includes the wheel/tire, compact lug wrench and scissor jack. They seem to go for about $220 on Amazon for other makes. Finding a compact wheel that fits over the 3's brake calipers may be a challenge.
Having gotten a flat just a few weeks ago, it was nice that it only took me ~15 min to put on the spare, ~15 min and $10 for my local garage to patch the tire and ~15 min to swap it back when I got home.
- I refuse to gunk up my entire wheel with the slime spray (and possibly kill the TPM sensor).
- Roadside assistance takes at least an hour if you're lucky and is only good for a few years.
- The tire plug kits are impossible to use on a low car with limited wheel well room like the 3. You'd need to take the wheel off to get the plug tool in there, which requires a scissor jack, lug wrench and air compressor anyway, taking up half as much space as a spare, though this is the next best option for me personally.
Having gotten a flat just a few weeks ago, it was nice that it only took me ~15 min to put on the spare, ~15 min and $10 for my local garage to patch the tire and ~15 min to swap it back when I got home.