2001 BMW 525I SPORT WAGON width

152nTire replacement Tire rotation
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where ap-
plicable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
Do not use retreaded tires, since
driving safety may be impaired.
This is due to the possible variations in
casing structures and, in some cases,
to their extreme age, which can lead to
a decrease in their durability. <
Tire age
The date on which the tire was manu-
factured is indicated by the code on the
sidewall:
DOT ... 2600 indicates that the tire was
manufactured in Week 26 of 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. Such a
tire should be replaced by a new tire
immediately, and should not be
mounted together with new tires.
Between the axles
The tread wear patterns at the front end
differ from those at the rear – the actual
patterns will vary according to individ-
ual driving conditions. In the interests of
safety and maintaining optimal handling
characteristics, interaxle 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 which might be realized. In
principle, interaxle tire rotation should
be performed at short intervals, with a
maximum of 3,000 miles (5,000 km).
Consult your BMW center for more
information.

Index
Data
Technology
Repairs
Car care
Controls
Overview
153nTire rotation Wheel and tire combinations
Should you decide to rotate the tires, it
is essential to comply with the follow-
ing: rotate tires on the same side only,
since braking characteristics and road
grip could otherwise be adversely
affected.
Following tire rotation, correct the tire
inflation pressure.
If different tire sizes are mounted
on the front and rear axles (refer to
page 156), the wheels may not be
rotated from one axle to the other. Use only tires approved by BMW.
Refer to the information beginning on
page 156.
Because of the high speeds this vehicle
can reach, the use of specific tire
brands, specifications and dimensions
is mandatory. Consult any BMW center
for details.
Comply with national, state, or province
regulations.
The correct wheel-tire combina-
tion affects different systems such
as ABS, ATC, ASC+T/DSC. The func-
tion of these systems is impaired if im-
proper 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 if you have mounted
winter tires, 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 ap-
proved 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 186 mph (300 km/h)
ZR= over 150 mph (240 km/h)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)
235/60 R 16 100 W

154nWheel and tire combinations Winter tires
With all-season and 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 valve inserts against dirt 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
8x16H2J
Choosing the right tire
BMW recommends winter tires (M+S
radial tires) for driving in adverse winter
road conditions. While tires known as
all-season tires (M+S designation) pro-
vide better winter traction than summer
tires with load ratings H, V, W, Y and
ZR, they generally do not achieve the
performance of 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 for selecting the best winter
tires for your particular driving condi-
tions.

Everything from A to Zroll-up cover132
securing a load136
ski bag131
tail lamp assembly, bulb
replacement186t
tailgate, manual release
after electrical fault198t
Sports seat55
Sports steering wheel26
Start the engine69
Starting69
Starting assistance200t
Starting help200
Starting off147
Starting problems
69, 142t, 200t
Starting the engine68t
Steel wheel158
Steering148
Steering wheel
adjustment56
heating120
lock68
memory58
Steptronic75
Stopwatch93
Storage124
Summer tires153
Sun blind cover120
Sun visors57Sunroof50
with glass moonroof51
Switching off the engine69
Switch-on times
input94
Symbols4
TTachometer84
Tail lamp assembly, bulb
replacement186t
Tail lamps186
Tailgate199
convenience opening
mode40
manual release after
electrical fault199
refer also to luggage
compartment
release after an electrical
defect199t
Tank capacity223
Technical
modifications6, 177
Telephone hookup125
Temperature display, engine
coolant85
Temperature display,
outside temperature83
Temperature gauge85
Temperature
layering111, 119Tensioning straps46
Thigh support
adjustment55
Third brake lamp, bulb
replacement187t
Through-loading
system128
Tilt alarm40
Tilt alarm sensor48
deactivation48
Tilt function
passenger side exterior
mirror59
steering wheel56
Time
calling up92
changing92
of arrival, estimated97
Tire
change190
code153
damage150
inflation pressure30, 150
monitoring inflation
pressure103, 213
renewal151
rotation between
axles151
tread150
valve caps154
wear indicator150Tire Pressure Control
(RDC)103, 213
Tire, changing190t
Tools182t
Torque218
Tow fittings201t
Towing201t
Tow-starting201t
Track width219
Traction control system,
refer to ASC+T/DSC
Transmission70, 75
Transmitter key36
Transporting children
safely66
Tread depth indicators150
Tread depth, tires150
Tread wear indicator150
Trip odometer83
Trunk, refer to luggage
compartment
Turn signal indicator78
bulb replace-
ment184t, 186t
Turning circle219
UUniform Tire Quality Grading
(UTQR)152
Universal Transmitter121
Use antifreeze167t

Everything from A to Z
235n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Used batteries195
Used oil, disposal167VValve caps154
Vanity mirror57
Vehicle battery193
Vehicle care
exterior172
interior174
Vehicle Identification
Number169
Vehicle immobilizer37
Vehicle painting172
Vehicle removal from
service176
Vehicle storage176
Ventilation108, 112, 114
draft-free111, 118
in the rear111, 119
while parked120
Vinyl upholstery, care174
Viscosity166
Voice recognition26
refer also to the Radio
Owner's ManualWWarm feet – cool
head111, 119
Warning lamp "Please fasten
safety belts"23Warning lamps22t
Warning messages86t
Warning triangle27t
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet (Canadian
models)170
Washer fluid reservoir,
filling164
Washer nozzles164
Washing your car171
Water on the roads141
Waxing, paintwork173
Wear indicator in the
tires150
Weight221
Wheel, changing190t
Wheelbase219
Wheels and tires153, 156
Width219
Windows
convenience operation38
remote control40
Windshield washer nozzle
adjustment164
Windshield washer reservoir,
filling164
Windshield wipers78
Winter driving146
Winter operation146
Winter tires154
Wiper blade
replacement182tWiper/Washer system78
Work in the engine
compartment159t
XXenon lamps105, 184, 215