2001 BMW 330XI SEDAN width

109n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Through-loading system
*
The rear backrest is divided into two
sections (one-third and two-thirds of the
width of the seat). For carrying longer
objects, you can fold down either
section of the backrest separately.
To unlock, pull the lever corresponding
to the section (arrow).460de154
The rear backrest section will move
for-ward slightly when it is unlocked.
Reach into the gap and pull the backrest
down.
When you close the backrest, be
sure that the retainer engages
correctly. If it is not correctly engaged,
transported cargo could enter the
passenger compartment from the
luggage compartment during brake
applications or evasive maneuvers and
endanger the vehicle occupants.<
The fittings at the corners of the
luggage compartment provide you
with a convenient means of attaching
luggage nets
* and flexible straps for
securing suitcases and luggage.
Refer also to "Cargo loading" on
page 112.
460de153
Center 3-point-safety belt in the
rear
*
You can retract the 3-point-safety belt
in the rear, before folding the through-
loading system back:
>Loosen the safety belt and put the
buckle latch that is on the end of the
safety belt into the bracket mounted
on the rear window shelf (arrow).
To install a child restraint system
always use the outer belts. The
centre seat belt should only be used
when it is necessary to secure three
child restraint systems.
Do not modify the child restraint system
in any way. If you do so, it will not
provide your child with maximum
protection.<462us054

126n
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 130.
DOT Quality GradesTreadwear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger vehicle tires must
conform to Federal Safety
Requirements in addition to these
grades. 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. 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. applicable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:
Treadwear 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 dura-
bility.<
Tire replacement

128n
Wheel and tire combinations The right choice Use only BMW-approved tires. Refer to
page 130.
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.
The 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 = above 150 mph (240 km/h) Example:
Nominal width
in mm
Aspect ratio in %
Radial tire ID code
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating
(not on ZR tires)
Speed rating
(before R on ZR tires)
205/60 R
1591W
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 15 H 2
J

Everything from A to Z
205n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Tire inflation
pressure28,125
Tire pressure
checking28
Tire Pressure Control
(RDC)86,186
Tire pressure
monitoring86,186
Tire Quality Grading126
Tire replacement126,127
Tire rotation127
Tire specifications130
Tire tread125
To switch on the interior
lamps36
Tools158
Torque192
Tow fittings174
Tow starting174
Towing174
Track193
Traction Control System,
refer to DSC80
Transmission65
Transporting children
safely59
Tread depth, tires125
Trip odometer74
Trunk39
Trunk lid, refer to luggage
compartment lid39 Turn signal
indicator23,69,160
bulb replacement160
Turning radius193
Two-way radios124
U
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading126
Used batteries170 V
Vacuum cleaner108
Vacuum cleaner,
connecting108
Vanity mirror52
bulb replacement164
V-belts196
Vehicle battery168,196
Vehicle care
exterior147
interior150
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)144
Vehicle immobilizer33
Vehicle painting147
Vehicle storage152 Vehicle weight194
Ventilation92,95,98
draft-free95,102
Vinyl care149
Voice recognition24,25
W

Warning lamp "Please fasten
safety belts"21
Warning lamps20
Warning messages76
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet145
Washer fluids138
Washer nozzles138
Washer reservoir, filling138
Washing your car146
Water on roadways
deep water117
Waxing, paintwork148
Weights194
Wheel changing165
Wheel rims128
Wheelbase193
Wheels and tires128,130
Width193
Windows, convenience
operation34
Windshield washer nozzle
adjustment138
Windshield washer reservoir,
filling138,195 Windshield washer,
automatic70
Windshield wiper69
Windshield wiper blade
replacement158
Winter operation122
Winter tires128,129
Wiper blade
replacement158
Wiper system69
Work in the engine
compartment134
X
Xenon lamps159,188