Thanks for the explanation. Its just my luck, mine has the repair kit. If I were to get one of these space savers is its placement in the trunk area critical? Is there a place for a jack stashed back in some compartment there in the back?

 

Simply, the spare tire fits in the spare-tire-space under the trunk floor of EVERY G37 built. They did not engineer the trunk differently for the two distinct options (the spare tire vs the tire repair kit).
The KIT comes with a flat repair canister and an electric compressor (that plugs into your 12v receptacle inside the car). The spare tire DOES come with a jack (of course), and it stows behind a panel at the very rear of the trunk.
Because the spare tire kit deletes the compressor and all the other repair gear...it is only a $180 option at time of purchase. If you try to purchase the spare tire and everything that comes with it AFTER initially buying the car without one, it will cost you over $500...I have read.

 

Thanks ATL - appreciate the detailed explanation.

 

And just for illustrative purposes, is this what an OEM convertible mini spare looks like? This one looks aftermarket to me. This one is for sale in parts section.

 

Mike,
Yes, I think that's the factory wheel. I don't remember if mine is black (vs silver), but the spare rim IS a 5-spoke, split design. I would have to remove my spare to be 100% sure, since the spare rests in position with the OTHER side facing up in the trunk. There also is a small, round, Styrofoam 'tool-holder' that's rests 'in the wheel' as it sits facing down in the trunk space. This tool holder holds a pry-bar, extra lugs (if you have wheel-locks installed, some "I-bolt" (don't know what that's used for!), and the jack-turn-handle (NOT the jack itself...the scissor-jack is behind a panel at the back of the trunk, as previously mentioned).
On a final note...the rim, on the backside of one of the spokes, has the word "NISSAN" stamped on it. The regular wheels are ENIKEI sourced, but Nissan obviously makes the spare in this case. Is all this 'clear as mud' now? ...or have I generated more questions?

On a final note, I really don't think many people take the time and effort to 'purchase separately' the entire spare tire kit. I think most folks are happy with the repair kit and the readily-available Roadside Assistance programs out there. I think there is not enough "return on investment" in this case. My car DOES have the spare, but I would have bought it anyway if it didn't. I hope I never use the spare, lol.

 

hmmmmmmmmmm, I want more space in my trunk for a tank eventually for an air ride setup.

ATLcple can you post a pic of your trunk setup with the spare?