:: Spare wheel, structural?

[Qube]

Was going to take the spare out of the e39 and toss things in like detailing towels/sprays, booster pack, mini compressor, etc. Should add up close in weight but not quite. Was also told the wheel is structural in not allowing the rear to crumple like a can in collision (aside from possible balance weight issues). Thoughts?

[vince]

Seems like it is indeed meant to resist crumpling. I have a '94 525iT that was rear ended hard, and the spare tire did do quite a bit to lessen the amount of crumpling of the trunk floor.

vince

[infurno]

I thought crumpling was a good thing? Absorbs the energy from the impact so it does not kill you.

[vince]

Yep, but it acts like an airbag of sorts, absorbs impact and also prevents excessive crumpling of the trunk floor/gas tank

[rob101]

isn't the purpose of the boot to crumple in the event of an accident, in order to absorb the kinetic energy of the impact. the passenger cabin is meant to be Rigid and impenetrable.

Its an interesting point though, as the spare wheel isn't strong like an engine it would likely contribute to the energy absorption during a crash by crumpling.

[Barney Paull-Edwards]

My polish neighbour has a `98 525 which was hit hard on right rear, the wheel well took most of the force,wheel had to be cut out but car pulled out easy and apart from battery crush damage to wiring, came out fine.That wheel does a lot more than sit there so I would stronly suggest leaving it in!

[Qube]

Ok, sounds good. Perhaps I'll install it 'upside down' so I can store inside it

[filip00]

i think it is really an issue you could call.....IRRELEVANT.

[94_e34_525i]

Is it really necessary to point out your neighbor is polish? lol

[CharlesAFerg]

My mexican neighbor has an e36.
Surprise!

If it's so important structurally and you don't want the weight, why not put something else in there that would be most effective at crumpling but not weigh much...?