Page 137 of 217

137n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Tire rotation Wheel and tire combinationsShould you decide to rotate the tires, it
is essential to comply with the follow-
ing: Rotate tires on the same side only,
since braking characteristics and road
grip could otherwise be adversely
affected.
Following tire rotation, correct the tire
inflation pressure.
If different tire sizes are mounted
on the front and rear axles (refer to
page 140), the wheels may not be
rotated from one axle to the other.<
The right choiceUse only tires approved by BMW.
Refer to the information beginning on
page 140.
Because of the high speeds this vehicle
can reach, the use of specific tire
brands, specifications and dimensions
is mandatory. Consult any BMW center
for details.
Comply with national, state, or province
regulations.
The correct wheel-tire combina-
tion affects different systems such
as ABS, ATC, ASC+T/DSC. The func-
tion of these systems is impaired if im-
proper wheel-tire combinations are
used.
For this reason, use only tires of the
same brand and tread pattern. In the
event of a flat tire if you have mounted
winter tires, for example, remount the
approved wheel-tire combination as
soon as possible.<
Codes on tires and wheelsThe tire codes will aid you in selecting
the correct tire.
Codes on radial tires:
The speed rating indicates the ap-
proved maximum speed for the tire.
Summer tires:
S = up to 112 mph (180 km/h)
T = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
V = up to 150 mph (240 km/h)
W = up to 167 mph (270 km/h)
Y = up to 186 mph (300 km/h)
ZR= over 150 mph (240 km/h)Example:
Nominal width
in mm
Aspect ratio in %
Radial tire code
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating
(not on ZR tires)
Speed rating
(before R on ZR tires)
235/60 R 16 100 W
Page 140 of 217

140n
Approved wheel and tire specifications Ð sedanPay attention to the specifications for
tires and wheels in the vehicle's manu-
als. If sizes not approved by the manu-
facturer are mounted, an entry in the
vehicle's documents may be necessary.
Comply with local legislation. Tire specifications Steel rim
(wheel rim)Light-alloy wheel
BMW 528i
All season tires
225/60 R 15 96 H M+S Ð 7Jx15
Summer tires
225/60 R 15 96 W Ð 7Jx15
225/55 R 16 95 W Ð 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y Ð 8Jx17
Front: 235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 W/YÐ
Ð8Jx17
9Jx17
Winter tires (M+S)
205/65 R 15 94 Q Ð 6.5Jx15
225/60 R 15 96 Q Ð 7Jx15
225/55 R 16 95 Q Ð 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 Q Ð 8Jx17
The use of rims and wheel bolts
that do not meet the specifications
of the original factory-installed equip-
ment will affect the safe operation of
your vehicle and may cause an accident
and personal injury.
Never mix tires of different design, such
as steel-belted radials with radial bias-
belted or bias-ply tires, etc. Mixing tire
types will adversely affect roadholding
and can lead to loss of vehicle con-
trol.<
Page 141 of 217

141n
RepairsIndexOverview Controls Car care Technology Data
Approved wheel and tire specifications Ð sedanPay attention to the specifications for
tires and wheels in the vehicle's manu-
als. If sizes not approved by the manu-
facturer are mounted, an entry in the
vehicle's documents may be necessary.
Comply with local legislation.Snow chains
*
For tires on 17-inch wheels, it is not
possible to mount snow chains. Tire specifications Steel rim
(wheel rim)Light-alloy wheel
BMW 540i
All season tires (BMW 540iA only)
225/55 R 16 95 H M+S Ð 7Jx16
Summer tires
225/55 R 16 95 W Ð 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y Ð 8Jx17
Front: 235/45 R 17 94 W/Y
Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 W/YÐ
Ð8Jx17
9Jx17
Winter tires (M+S)
225/55 R 16 95 Q/T/H Ð 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 Q/T/H Ð 8Jx17
The use of rims and wheel bolts
that do not meet the specifications
of the original factory-installed equip-
ment will affect the safe operation of
your vehicle and may cause an accident
and personal injury.
Never mix tires of different design, such
as steel-belted radials with radial bias-
belted or bias-ply tires, etc. Mixing tire
types will adversely affect roadholding
and can lead to loss of vehicle con-
trol.<
Page 142 of 217

142n
Approved wheel and tire specifications Ð sport wagonTire specifications Steel rim
(wheel rim)Light-alloy wheel
BMW 528i
All season tires
225/60 R 15 96 H M+S Ð 7Jx15
Summer tires
225/60 R 15 96 W Ð 7Jx15
225/55 R 16 95 W Ð 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y Ð 8Jx17
Winter tires (M+S)
225/60 R 15 96 Q 7Jx15 7Jx15
225/55 R 16 95 Q Ð 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 Q Ð 8Jx17
BMW 540i
All season tires
225/55 R 16 95 H M+S Ð 7Jx16
Summer tires
225/55 R 16 95 W Ð 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 W/Y Ð 8Jx17
Winter tires (M+S)
225/55 R 16 95 Q Ð 7Jx16
235/45 R 17 94 Q Ð 8Jx17
Pay attention to the specifications for
tires and wheels in the vehicle's manu-
als. If sizes not approved by the manu-
facturer are mounted, an entry in the
vehicle's documents may be necessary.
Comply with local legislation.Snow chains
*
For tires on 17-inch wheels, it is not
possible to mount snow chains.
The use of rims and wheel bolts
that do not meet the specifications
of the original factory-installed equip-
ment will affect the safe operation of
your vehicle and may cause an accident
and personal injury.
Never mix tires of different design, such
as steel-belted radials with radial bias-
belted or bias-ply tires, etc. Mixing tire
types will adversely affect roadholding
and can lead to loss of vehicle con-
trol.<
Page 176 of 217

176n
Changing tires Battery
Size 255/40 R17 94 W
* tires on
the rear axle:
In the event of a puncture or other tire
failure, it may be necessary to mount
the spare tire of different size at the
rear. This tire is of full capacity in all
load and speed ranges. Nevertheless,
mount a tire of the correct size as soon
as possible.<
Installation locationThe battery is located behind the right-
hand side trim panel in the luggage
compartment.
Fold the trim panel down with the
handle at the top. On the sport wagon,
press the button.
If a subwoofer
* is installed on the sport
wagon, loosen the T-screw and swing
the subwoofer to the side.
Keep the upper surface of the battery
dry and clean.
390de610
SymbolsYou will find the following symbols on
your car battery. To avoid injury, please
comply with the corresponding precau-
tions whenever you work with or near
the battery.
Please read the following infor-
mation before working with the
battery.
Wear eye protection. Do not al-
low particles containing battery
acid or lead to come into con-
tact with your eyes, your skin, or your
clothing.
Battery acid is extremely corro-
sive. Wear eye protection and
protective gloves. Do not tip the
battery. Battery acid can leak from the
ventilation openings.
Be sure that children keep well
away from batteries and battery
acid.
Never allow sparks or open
flame near the battery. Do not
smoke in the vicinity of the
battery. Avoid sparks from electrical
cables or electrical equipment. Turn the
key to position 0 in the steering lock
during the disconnection or connection
of the battery. Never short-circuit the
battery terminals. There is a danger of
injury from powerful sparks.