I'd love to see those pics. I don't see anything on the GOBI site.

 

The 3 looks terrible without the spare on the back. That looks like a Ford Explorer.

 

If you turn it into a hatchback like the HMMWV it probably wouldn't look so bad without the spare

 

Here's the rear plate pic.
The bolts are welded into that plate. You don't drill into that. This plate has a few bends in to from top to bottom and left to right. It's tough to tell. It's a real PITA to make. ...I've heard.

 

I've thought about removing the spare and putting it on the roof. No more parking garages though.

 

That Gobi cover isnt too bad...If I took mine off, i'd put the ladder in the center.

I think it looks too much like a Mercedes G-Wagon (aka..a Scion or a Toaster) without one though.

 

I will keep my spare tire.