2001 BMW 320i Owners Manual

129n

IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview

Winter tires

Choosing the right tire

BMW recommends winter tires (M+S
radial tires) for driving in adverse winter
road conditions. Although all-season
M+S tires provide better winter traction
than standard summer tires with H, V,
W, Y and ZR speed ratings, they gener-
ally fail to provide the same levels of
performance as standard snow tires in
winter driving.
In the interest of safe tracking and
steering response, install winter tires
made by the same manufacturer having
the same tread configuration on all four
wheels.
Mount only winter tires approved by
BMW. Any BMW center will be glad to
provide you with information on the
best winter tires for your particular
driving conditions.

Do not exceed specified
maximum speeds

Never exceed the maximum speed
for which the tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. Any BMW center
has the required technical knowledge
and the proper equipment and will be
happy to assist you.

<

Tire condition, tire pressure

Winter tires display a perceptible loss in
their ability to cope with winter driving
conditions once the tread wears to
below 0.16 inches (4 mm), and should
thus be replaced.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures Ð and be sure to have the
wheel and tire assemblies balanced
every time you change the tires.

Storage

Always store tires in a cool, dry place.
Store them away from light whenever
possible. Protect the tires against
contact with oil, grease and fuel.

Snow chains

*
The use of narrow-link BMW snow
chains on winter tires is approved only
in pairs and only on the rear wheels.
BMW 325xi, 330xi: in a worst-case
scenario, if your vehicle is stuck on one
side or you cannot access one tire, then
a chain may be attached to one rear
wheel for a short period of time.
Comply with all manufacturer's safety
precautions when mounting the chains.

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Approved wheel and tire specifications Tire specifications Steel rim Alu-wheel
(black)Light-alloy
wheel
BMW 320i
All season tires
195/65 R 15 91 H M+S
205/55 R 16 91 H M+S
205/50 R 17 93 V M+S extra load6.5Jx15
7Jx16
7Jx176.5Jx15
Ð
Ð6.5Jx15
7Jx16
7Jx17
Summer tires
195/65 R 15 91 H Ð Ð 6,5Jx15
205/60 R 15 91 H Ð Ð 6.5Jx15
7Jx15
205/55 R 16 91 H
225/50 R 16 92 W
225/50 ZR 16Ð Ð 7Jx16
205/50 R 17 93 W extra load Ð Ð 7Jx17
225/45 R 17 91 W Ð Ð 8Jx17
Front: 225/45 ZR 17 Ð Ð 7.5Jx17
Rear: 245/40 ZR 17 Ð Ð 8.5Jx17

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Approved wheel and tire specifications Tire specifications Steel rim Alu-wheel
(black)Light-alloy
wheel
Winter tires
195/65 R 15 91 Q M+S 6.5Jx15 6.5Jx15 6.5Jx15
205/60 R 15 91 Q M+S 6.5Jx15 6.5Jx15
Ð6.5Jx15
7Jx15
205/55 R 16 91 Q M+S
225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S7Jx16 7Jx16
205/50 R 17 93 Q M+S extra load Ð 7Jx17
225/45 R 17 91 Q M+S Ð Ð 8Jx17
Space-saver spare tire Ð
T 125/90 R 15 96 M 3.5Bx15 Ð Ð
T 115/90 R 16 92 M 3.0Bx16 Ð Ð
T 125/90 R 16 98 M 3.5Bx16 Ð Ð
T 125/80 R 17 99 M 3.5Bx17 Ð Ð
Comply with the specifications for tires and wheels in the vehicle's manuals.
If you install tire sizes not approved by the manufacturer, an entry in the
vehicle documents may be necessary.
Snow chains
*
You cannot mount snow chains with
the following tires:
225/50 R 16 92 W
225/50 ZR 16
225/45 R 17 91 W
245/40 ZR 17
225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S
225/45 R 17 91 Q M+SMixed tiresFor details concerning tire manufac-
turers for mixed tires, refer to the
vehicle documents.

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Approved wheel and tire specificationsTire specifications Steel rim Light-alloy wheel
BMW 325i/330xi
All season tires
205/55 R 16 91 H M+S 7Jx16 7Jx16
205/50 R 17 93 V M+S extra load 7Jx17 7Jx17
Summer tires
205/55 R 16 91 V
225/50 R 16 92 W (not on 325xi)
225/50 ZR 16 (not on 325xi)Ð 7Jx16
205/50 R 17 93 W extra load Ð 7Jx17
225/45 R 17 91 W Ð 8Jx17
Front: 225/45 ZR 17
Rear: 245/40 ZR 17Ð
Ð7.5Jx17
8.5Jx17
Winter tires205/55 R 16 91 Q M+S
225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S (not on 325xi)
7Jx16 7Jx16
205/50 R 17 93 Q M+S extra load Ð 7Jx17
225/45 R 17 91 Q M+S Ð 8Jx17
Space-saver spare tire
T 115/90 R 16 92 M 3.0Bx16 Ð
T 125/90 R 16 98 M 3.5Bx16 Ð
T 125/80 R 17 99 M 3.5Bx17 Ð
Comply with the specifications for tires and wheels in the vehicle's manuals.
If you install tire sizes not approved by the manufacturer, an entry in the vehicle
documents may be necessary.
BMW 325xiFor all tires, only light-alloy wheels must
be used.Snow chains
*
You cannot mount snow chains
with the following tires:
225/50 R 16 92 W
225/50 ZR 16 92 Q M+S
225/50 ZR 16
225/45 R 17 91 W
225/45 R 17 91 Q M+S
245/40 ZR 17Mixed tiresFor details concerning tire manufac-
turers for mixed tires, refer to the
vehicle documents.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Tire specifications Steel rim Light-alloy wheel
BMW 330i/330xi
All season tires
205/50 R 17 93 V M+S extra load 7Jx17 7Jx17
Summer tires
205/50 R 17 93 W extra load Ð 7Jx17
225/45 R 17 91 W Ð 8Jx17
Front: 225/45 ZR 17
Rear: 245/40 ZR 17Ð
Ð7.5Jx17
8.5Jx17
Winter tires
205/50 R 17 93 Q M+S extra load Ð 7Jx17
225/45 R 17 91 Q M+S Ð 8Jx17
Space-saver spare tire
T 125/80 R 17 99 M 3.5Bx17 Ð
Comply with the specifications for tires and wheels in the vehicle's manuals.
If you install tire sizes not approved by the manufacturer, an entry in the vehicle
documents may be necessary.
Snow chains
*
You cannot mount snow chains with the
following tires:
225/45 R 17 91 W
245/40 ZR 17
225/45 R 17 91 Q M+SMixed tiresFor details concerning tire manufac-
turers for mixed tires, refer to the
vehicle documents.

134n
Hood
Do not work on your vehicle
without appropriate skills. Always
switch off the engine and allow it to
cool down before working in the engine
compartment. Always disconnect the
battery before working on any electrical
systems or equipment, especially when
these are located within the engine
compartment. Comply with all appli-
cable instructions and warnings. Failure
to work in an informed, professional
manner when servicing components
and materials constitutes a safety
hazard for vehicle occupants and other
road users. If you are not familiar with
the guidelines, please have the opera-
tions performed by your BMW center.<
To unlock Pull the lever located under the left-
hand side of the instrument panel. 460us012
To openPull the release handle and open the
hood.460de044

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
HoodTo closeAllow the hood to drop from a height of
about 12 inches (30 cm) so that it audi-
bly engages.
To avoid injuries, be sure that the
travel path of the hood is clear
when it is closed, as with all closing
procedures.
If it is determined that the hood is not
completely closed while driving, stop
immediately and close it securely.<464de260

136n
Engine compartment Ð BMW 320i, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi
462us055