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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
*
The conceptRDC monitors the tire pressures at all 
four wheels, even when the vehicle is 
moving. The system provides an alert 
whenever the inflation pressure drops 
significantly below the specified pres-
sure in one or more tires. 
In order for the system to "learn" the 
correct tire inflation pressure, check the 
inflation pressure in all tires according 
to the inflation pressure table (page 28) 
and make corrections if necessary. 
Then activate the system. 
This indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster will inform you if 
the tire pressure is not correct.
Activate the systemDepending on the type of equipment, 
the switch either has the letters RDC on 
it or the RDC-symbol.
1 Turn ignition key to position 2 (do not 
start the engine).
2 Press the switch long enough for the 
yellow indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster to light up for a few 
seconds.
3 After a few minutes driving time, RDC 
sets the current inflation pressure in 
the tires as the target values to be 
monitored.
You will only have to repeat this proce-
dure following a correction of the tire 
inflation pressure. Otherwise, RDC 
functions automatically when the igni-
tion key is in position 2, and thus oper-
ates whenever the vehicle is driven.46cus046
In the event of loss in tire 
pressureIf the inflation pressure has dropped 
significantly over a long period of time 
(which is normal for any tire), the indi-
cator lamp will come on with a yellow 
lamp.
This alerts you to have the tires inflated 
to the specified pressures as soon as 
possible.
If you are prompted to check the 
tire pressure shortly after a 
correction has been made, this indi-
cates that the corrected values were 
not accurate. Please check the inflation 
pressure again and make corrections 
according to the inflation pressure 
table. Then activate the system once 
again.<  
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Wheel and tire combinations The right choice Use only BMW-approved tires, begin-
ning on page 137. 
Due to the high speeds this vehicle can 
reach, the use of specific brands, 
specifications and sizes is mandatory. 
Consult any BMW center for details. 
Comply with local/national regulations.
The correct wheel/tire combina-
tion has an effect on the different 
systems such as  ABS, ATC, ASC+T/
DSC
 and ADB/DBC whose functioning 
would be otherwise impaired if the 
incorrect wheel/tire combinations were 
used. 
For this reason, use only tires of the 
same manufacture and tread configura-
tion. In the event of a flat tire, for 
example, remount the approved wheel/
tire combination as soon as possible.<
Codes on the tires and wheels The tire codes will aid you in selecting 
the correct tire. 
The codes on radial tires:
The speed rating indicates the approved 
maximum speed for the tire.
Summer tires:
S = up to112 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) Example:
Nominal width 
in mm
Aspect ratio in X
Radial tire ID code 
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating
(not on ZR tires)
Speed rating
(before R on ZR tires)
225/50 R
1692W
Winter tires and all-season 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 valve from dirt by using 
screw-on valve stem caps. Dirt in the 
valves frequently leads to slow leaks. 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 16 H 2
J