I will wait to hear updates on this - I don't have my old 500 anymore and don't have any pics of the yellow rim/spare but it looks very similar (if my memory is good) to that yellow spare. If this is a slight variation of that rim that is good enough to clear the calipers, fit in the trunk and clear our calipers, one has to wonder why Lexus didn't include this instead of what they provided....especially that they had to make a special spare tire cover for the 500 and include a full size, and more expensive Michelin Pilot Sport tire.

Then again, logic and what gets done are often 2 separate issues....I would have preferred that option but I am not sure I want to buy a new rim and tire, then also a new trunk cover when I can find a work around for about 20$. I am likely going to paint the hardboard black just so it blends in better if my carpet moves a bit

 

Someone tested a IS500 non-UE spare with the RCF brakes (which are the same as the UE brakes) and it doesn't clear. This is probably why they went with full sized spare solution as it's how they did the spare for the GS-F (that was a rare option for some markets, not standard). I do see the IS500 has a different part number than the IS350 spare though so maybe there is a difference.

 

 

I am signing off the discussion about the spare tire and whether they fit the UE as I am totally confused beyond words. Bottom line for me, I am keeping my spare tire/rim in my UE (that came from the RC F) and will just replace the trunk cover. That will be good enough for me

 

Most of you have never had to put on the yellow spare but I did when my tire bursted on the highway a couple years ago, and it was a very very very tight fit. The AAA guy almost thought it didn't fit and was the wrong size/tire for the car, but eventually he got it on. There was probably about 5-10mm of clearance between the standard black Lexus caliper and the yellow spokes. He told me to keep it under 60mph and I've never heeded advice harder.

That said, I can say with absolute certainty that the new spare tire must be bigger and wider than the old yellow one.

 

Original 500 spare is an 18", Ultimate is a 19" full size.
Very few 18" wheels fit the RC-F brakes.

 

I have two deliveries coming in next week, the yellow spare that I purchased off Ebay. And the Modern Spare tire that is 19 inch. I called Modern Spare before ordering and they assured me it fits over the RC F and UE brakes. And will fit in the spare tire well with no bump into the trunk space.

I will post pictures when I get them, including what I hope will be my final solution which is the Modern spare and a flat trunk.

 

^^ now that was clear and unambiguous. Look forward to the update on the fitment.

V8brah...i can imagine it was a tight fit. I am hoping to never have to see how this spare fits over these big calipers!! Even the BBS wheels have little extra wiggle room

 

I can tell you all this, the UE full size spare works just fine and actually looks pretty good on it, but at the unfortunate cost of a blown sidewall and bent/gouged BBS wheel from a huge pothole...all fixed now and Thank GOD I added the wheel/tire protection package, as the MSRP for this replacement from Lexus was over $4300, but zero out of pocket for me!!

 

Doesnt look bad at all indeed!! I am sorry for your mishap but if I screw a wheel, these puppies will come off! No way I am paying that much for a wheel!

 

Ouch. That damaged wheel is hard to look at. I'm glad I also purchases the tire and wheel coverage!

 

The project to regain my IS500 UE trunk is complete.

The parts:
- Modern Spare $560
- Lexus IS350 floor board $360
- Lexus IS350 carpet $130
- Lexus IS350 spare wheel tie-down screw $20

As you can see from the second screen, the IS500 UE spare tie-down is too long. So I swapped it with the IS350 version which is barely long enough. I don't think it's really needed. Like the 19 inch full UE spare, the 19 inch Modern Spare fits snug. It's not going to move.

I did not mount the spare on the front wheels for a test to make sure it fits over the brakes, but Modern Spare assured me it would. It certainly looks like it will.

Total: $1070 not cheap but for me, it's well worth it to get your trunk back.

 

^^ Looks amazing and clean, and don't worry about the cost! There is no price for peace of mind! In my case, I found a cheaper alternative that will work for my specific situation. Our Lexus here in Canada all come with that trunk carpet, so my black painted hard board option will be covered by that carpet and not visible so I dont worry.

I wanna keep my money for other more visible goodies (looking at you Mike F and the wheels your poc gave me, and Frank with your mud guards)

I saw a really cool key chain as the head gasket of our engine amd ordered one of those too.

Trying to keep some money for the Roll up the rim contest at our Tim Horton too...Canadians will understand (lol)

 

Your solution seems reasonable. Are you going without a spare? If so, I assume the hard board (plywood?) is strong enough so the area over the vacant wheel well doesn't sag?

I have a regular 2 1/2 hour highway trip to/from MA to NY, so I'm glad to have a spare for all 4 wheels.

 

^^ I drive mostly around my town (smaller country life) so I am gonna drive without the spare when I am just around - Only when I go on a longer trip (like to the dealer for service) will I carry the trunk - I'll just drop it in the trunk and take it out when I get home. While I don't really use teh trunk for anything, I just hate seeing that big bulge in my trunk (that didn't sound right)....The 1/4 inch hardboard will be sturdy enough to carry the weight for sure

I agree though, I would not be anywhere further than 20 min from home without a spare