2001 BMW 325i TOURING flat tire

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Information for your safetyThe factory-approved radial tires are
matched to the vehicle and have been
selected to provide optimum safety and
driving comfort on your vehicle.
It is not merely the tire's service life, but
also driving comfort and Ð above all
else Ð driving safety that depend on the
condition of the tires and the mainte-
nance of the specified tire pressure.
Incorrect inflation pressure is a frequent
cause of tire damage. It also signifi-
cantly influences the roadholding ability
of your BMW.
Check the tire inflation pressure Ð
for the space-saver spare tire or
spare tire Ð on a regular basis (refer to
page 28), at least twice a month, and
before starting out on any extended
trip. If this is not done, incorrect tire
pressures can cause driving instability
and tire damage, ultimately resulting in
an accident.<
Tire tread Ð tire damageInspect your tires frequently for tread
wear, signs of damage and for foreign
objects lodged in the tread. Check the
tread depth.
Tread depth should not be allowed to
go below 0.12 in (3 mm), even though
the legally specified minimum tread
depth is only 0.063 in (1.6 mm). At a
tread depth of 0.063 in (1.6 mm), tread
depth indicators (arrow) in the tread-
groove base indicate that the wear
limit Ð applicable by law throughout
Europe Ð has been reached. Below
0.12 in (3 mm) tread depth, there is an
increased risk of aquaplaning, even at
relatively moderate speeds and with
only small amounts of water on the
road.390de331
Never continue driving on a
deflated (flat) tire. A flat tire greatly
impairs steering and braking response,
and can lead to complete loss of
control over the vehicle.
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that
the permitted load on the tires is not
exceeded. Overloading can lead to
overheating and increases the rate at
which damage develops inside the
tires. You could have a blowout as a
result.
Unusual vibrations encountered during
normal vehicle operation can indicate
tire failure or some other vehicle defect.
The same applies to irregularities
related to your usual driving style, such
as pulling hard to the left or right.
Should this occur, respond by immedi-
ately reducing your speed. Proceed
carefully to the nearest BMW center or
professional tire center, or have the
vehicle towed in to have it and its tires
inspected.
Tire damage (up to and including
sudden and complete air loss) can
endanger the lives of both the vehicle
occupants and other road users.<
Tire inflation pressure Tire condition

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single
tread configuration from a single manu-
facturer. BMW tests and approves
wheel/tire combinations. Refer to
page 129.DOT Quality GradesTreadwear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must
conform to Federal Safety
Requirements in addition to these
grades.< Tread wearThe tread wear grade is a comparative
rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified government test
course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would
wear one and one-half (1g) times as
well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance
of tires depends upon the actual condi-
tions of their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the norm due
to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road char-
acteristics and climate.
TractionThe traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire's ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on speci-
fied government test surfaces of asphalt
and concrete. A tire marked C may have
poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to
this tire is based on straight-
ahead braking traction tests, and does
not include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction charac-
teristics.< TemperatureThe temperature grades are A (the
highest), B, and C, representing the
tire's resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause
the material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a
level of performance which all
passenger car tires must meet under
the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Stan-
dard No. 109. Grades B and A repre-
sent higher levels of performance on
the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
The temperature grade for this tire
is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, under-inflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or
in combination, can cause heat buildup
and possible tire failure.< Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
Do not use retreaded tires. Driving
safety may be impaired by their
use. This is due to the possible varia-
tions in casing structures and, in some
cases, to their extreme age, which can
lead to a decrease in their durability.<
Tire replacement

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Tire replacement Tire rotationTire ageThe date on which the tire was manu-
factured is indicated by the code on the
sidewall:
DOT ... 4100 indicates that the tire was
manufactured during week 41 of the
year 2000.
BMW recommends the replacement of
all tires when the tires are no more than
6 years old, even if a tire life of 10 years
is possible.
Spare tires over 6 years old should be
used only in case of emergency. A tire
of this age should be replaced by a new
tire immediately, and should not be
mounted together with new tires.
Between the axlesThe tread wear patterns at the front end
differ from those at the rear Ð the actual
patterns will vary according to indi-
vidual driving conditions. In the inter-
ests of safety and maintaining optimal
handling characteristics, tire rotation is
not recommended.
If a proposed interaxle rotation of tires
is based on economic considerations,
one should consider whether the costs
for the rotation are likely to be recap-
tured by any increase in the service life
of the tires that might be realized. In
principle, interaxle rotation must be
performed in short intervals, with a
maximum of 3,000 miles (5,000 km).
Consult your BMW center for more
information.
Should you decide to rotate the tires, it
is essential to comply with the following:
Rotate tires on the same side only, since
braking characteristics and road grip
could otherwise be adversely affected.
Following rotation, the tire inflation
pressure should always be corrected.If different tire sizes are mounted
on the front and rear axles (refer to
page 12 9), the wheels may not be
rotated from one axle to the other.<

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Wheel and tire combinations The right choice Use only tires approved by BMW.
Refer to the information beginning on
page 129.
Due to the high speeds this vehicle can
reach, the use of specific brands, spec-
ifications and sizes is mandatory.
Consult any BMW center for details.
Comply with local/national regulations.
The correct wheel-tire combina-
tion affects different systems such
as ABS, ATC and ASC+T/DSC. The
function of these systems is impaired if
improper 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, for example, remount
the approved wheel-tire combination as
soon as possible.<
Codes on tires and wheels The tire codes will aid you in selecting
the correct tire.
Codes on radial tires:
The speed rating indicates the approved
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 187 mph (300 km/h)
ZR = over 150 mph (240 km/h) For 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)
205/60 R 15 91 W
Winter tires:
Q M+S = up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
T M+S = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H M+S = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
Codes stamped on light-alloy wheels:
Protect tire valves from dirt by using
screw-on valve stem caps. Dirt in the
valves frequently leads to slow leaks. For example:
Rim width
in inches
Code letter for
flange type
Symbol for full-drop
center rim
Rim diameter in inches
Hump on the 2 rim shoulders
7 x 15 H 2
J

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Winter tiresChoosing the right tireBMW recommends winter tires (M+S
radial tires) for driving in adverse winter
road conditions. So-called all-season
tires with the M+S-identification mark
do indeed possess better winter trac-
tion than summer tires with the load
rating H, V, W, Y und ZR, but usually do
not achieve the same level of perfor-
mance as winter tires.
In the interests of safe tracking and
steering response, install radial tires
made by the same manufacturer and
with the same tread configuration on all
four wheels if you elect to mount winter
tires.
Mount only winter tires which have
been 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 pressureOnce the tire wears to below 0.16 in
(4 mm), winter tires display a percep-
tible decrease in their ability to cope
with winter driving conditions, and
should be replaced in the interest of
safety.
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.
StorageAlways 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 summer or winter tires is
approved only in pairs and only on the
rear wheels. Comply with all manufac-
turer's safety precautions when
mounting the chains.
BMW 325xi: in a worst-case scenario,
i.e. if your vehicle is stuck on one side
or you cannot access one tire, then only
one chain may be attached to a rear
wheel for a short period of time.
Comply with all manufacturer's safety
precautions when mounting the chains.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Changing a wheel
Take these precautionary mea-
sures if you have either a flat tire or
are changing a wheel.
Stop the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic. Park on a firm, flat
surface. Switch on the hazard warning
flashers. Turn the steering wheel to the
straight-ahead position, remove the key
and engage the steering lock. Shift into
1st gear or reverse (selector lever in
"Park" with automatic transmission)
and engage the parking brake.
All passengers should be outside the
vehicle and well away from your imme-
diate working area (behind a guardrail,
for instance).
If a warning triangle or portable hazard
warning lamp is available, set it up on
the roadside at an appropriate distance
from the rear of the vehicle. Comply with
all safety guidelines and regulations.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm
surface that is not slippery. Avoid jack-
ing the vehicle on a soft or slippery
support surface (snow, ice, loose gravel,
etc.), as it could slide sideways.
Position the jack on a firm support
surface.
Do not place wooden blocks or similar
objects under the jack, otherwise, the
jack might not be able to reach its full
support capacity because of the limited
height.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the
engine when the vehicle is supported by
the jack. Failure to comply with this
creates a risk of fatal injury.<
Your BMW has either a spare tire or
space-saver tire for temporary use to
ensure your mobility.
To remove the spare wheel, lift out
the floor panel in the luggage
compartment completely (refer to
page 109.<
What you will needIn order to avoid rattling noises later,
note the position of the tools when you
remove them and return them to their
original position when you are through
using them.
>Jack (1)
Raise both the floor panel and spare
tire panel and loosen the red wing nut
(arrow).
When you have completed your work,
screw the jack all the way back
down. Fold the handle back and
insert it into its holder
>Wedge (2)
Located behind the jack. Loosen the
wing nut to remove it
>Wheel stud wrench (3) 463de036

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Changing a wheel8 Remove mud or dirt accumulation
from the mounting surfaces of the
wheel and hub. Clean the lug bolts.
9 Position the new wheel or the
space-saver tire on the hub and
screw at least two lug bolts finger-
tight into opposite bolt holes.
10 Screw in the remaining lug bolts.
Tighten all the bolts snugly.
11 Lower the jack and remove it from
beneath the vehicle.
12 Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal
pattern.
13 If your wheels are equipped with full
wheel covers
*, place the wheel
cover with the valve opening over
the valve (arrow). Use both hands
to press the cover securely onto
the rim.
460de125
14 Check and correct the tire's inflation
pressure at the earliest possibility.
For vehicles with Tire Pressure
Control (RDC):
After mounting the spare tire or
correcting the inflation pressure,
reactivate the system. Refer to
page 85.
Use only the full wheel cover in-
stalled by the factory. Other wheel
covers may not fit securely. The full
wheel cover may not be installed on the
space-saver tire since this could
damage the cover.<
The vehicle jack is designed for
changing wheels only. Do not
attempt to raise another vehicle model
with it or to raise any load of any kind.
To do so could cause accidents and
personal injury.
To ensure continued safety, have the
tightness of the lug bolts [torque
specification: 76 lb. ft. (100 Nm)]
checked with a calibrated torque
wrench.<
When storing the wheel, take care to
ensure that you do not damage the
retaining pin in the spare tire recess.
If light-alloy wheels other than original
BMW light-alloy wheels have been
mounted, it may be necessary to use
different lug bolts for those wheels.
Replace the defective tire as soon as
possible and have the new wheel/tire
balanced.

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Deceleration sensors continuously
monitor the acceleration forces acting
upon the vehicle. If, as the result of
a frontal collision, a deceleration is
reached at which the protection of
the safety belts alone is no longer
adequate, the gas generators of the
driver and passenger-front airbags are
ignited. However, the passenger-side
airbag is only triggered if an additional
sensor has recognized that the
passenger seat is occupied.
In the event of a side collision, the Head
Protection and side airbags in the front
or rear
* are triggered if necessary.
390de319
The airbags located under the marked
covers inflate and unfold in a matter of
a few milliseconds. In this process, they
tear through the designed separation
points of the upholstered covers or
press them out.
Because the inflation process must be
virtually instantaneous, it is necessarily
accompanied by a certain amount of
ignition and inflation noise. The gas
required to inflate the airbags is not
dangerous, and the smoke associated
with it dissipates.
The entire process is completed within
fractions of a second.
Airbags