Page 133 of 215

133n
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, beginning on 
page 137.DOT Quality Grades Treadwear 
Traction AA A B C 
Temperature A B C 
All passenger vehicle 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 
characteristics.< 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 vehicle tires must meet 
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety 
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A 
represent 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, underinflation, 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, factors that 
can lead to a decrease in their 
durability.<
Tire replacement  
     
        
        Page 135 of 215

135n
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 
     
        
        Page 209 of 215

Everything from A to Z
209n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Temperature 
adjusting98,104 
layering99,106 
Temperature display 
outside temperature84 
Thigh support, adjusting54 
Third brake lamp171 
Tilt sensor alarm 
system36,43 
remote control36 
Tire changing173 
Tire codes135 
Tire condition27,132 
Tire damage132 
Tire inflation 
pressure27,132 
Tire pressure 
monitoring91,192 
Tire Pressure Control 
(RDC)91,192 
Tire Quality Grading133 
Tire replacement133,134 
Tire rotation134 
Tire specifications137 
Tire tread132 
Tools166 
Torque196 
Towing eyelets184 
Towing the vehicle184 
Track197 
Traction Control System, 
refer to DSC88 Transmission72 
Transmitter key32 
Transporting children 
safely64 
Tread depth, tires132 
Tread wear indicator132 
Trip odometer81 
Trunk, refer to luggage 
compartment39 
Turn signal indicator23,76 
bulb replacement168 
Turning radius197 
Two-way radios129 
U 
Uniform Tire Quality 
Grading133 
Used batteries, 
disposal178 V 
Vacuum cleaner, 
connecting112 
V-belts200 
Vehicle battery176,200 
Vehicle care 
exterior152 
interior154 
Vehicle Identification 
Number (VIN)149 
Vehicle immobilizer33 Vehicle painting152 
Vehicle start69 
Vehicle storage160 
Vehicle vacuum cleaner, 
attaching112 
Vehicle weight198 
Ventilation96,99,102 
draft-free99,106 
Vinyl upholstery, care154 
W
 
Warning flashers25 
Warning lamps20 
Warning messages83 
Warning triangle25 
Warranty and Service Guide 
Booklet150 
Washer fluids144,199 
Washer nozzles144 
Washer reservoir, filling144 
Washer system76 
Washing your vehicle151 
Water on roadways121 
Waxing, paintwork153 
Wear indicator in the 
tires132 
Weights198 
Wheel changing173 
Wheel lug wrench173 
Wheel rims135 
Wheel specifications137 
Wheelbase197 Wheels and tires135,137 
Width197 
Windows 
convenience operation34 
remote control35 
remove 
condensation105 
Windshield washer, 
automatic77 
Windshield washer nozzle 
adjustment144 
Windshield washer reservoir, 
filling144,199 
Windshield wiper76 
blade replacement166 
Winter operation127 
Winter tires135,136 
Wiper blade, 
replacement166 
Wiper system76 
Work in the engine 
compartment140 
X 
Xenon lamps167,193