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100n
Tire replacement Tire rotation
Do not use retreaded tires as this
could negatively affect driving
safety. This is due to the possible varia-
tions in casing structures and, in some
instances, to their extreme age, factors
which can lead to a decrease in their
durability.<
Tire ageThe date on which the tire was manu-
factured is indicated by the code on the
sidewall:
DOT ... 3200 indicates that the tire was
manufactured in week 32 of 2000.
BMW recommends the replacement
of all tires when the tires are no more
than 6 years old, even if a tire usage 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
fitted together with new tires.
Between the axlesTread wear at the front and rear axle is
different and will vary according to indi-
vidual driving conditions. In the interest
of safety and optimal vehicle response,
we advise against rotating wheels from
front to rear and vice versa.
If rotating the wheels between the axles
is under consideration for economic
reasons, the costs for remounting the
wheels must be calculated against any
savings which might result from the
anticipated extension in tire life. Rota-
tion should always be carried out at
short intervals (max. 3,000 miles/
5,000 km). Consult your BMW center for
more information.Should you decide to rotate the wheels,
it is essential to comply with the
following:
Rotate wheels on the same side of the
vehicle only, otherwise braking effi-
ciency and road grip could be adversely
affected.
Following rotation, correct the tire infla-
tion pressure.
If tires with different sizes are
mounted on the front and rear
axles (refer to page 103), the wheels
may not be rotated from one axle to the
other.<
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101n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Wheel and tire combinationsThe right choice
Use only wheels and tires
approved by BMW for the corre-
sponding vehicle model, as otherwise
the tires may make contact with the
body as the result of tolerances despite
the same nominal size being used,
leading to serious accidents. If non-
approved wheels and tires are used,
BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
and therefore cannot be held liable for
driving safety.<
For wheel and tire specifications
approved by BMW, refer to the informa-
tion on page 103.
The correct wheel and tire combi-
nation affects different systems
such as ABS, DSC and RDW. The func-
tion of these systems is impaired if
improper wheel and tire combinations
are used.
For this reason, use only tires of the
same brand and tread pattern on the
vehicle and, for example, restore the
approved wheel and tire combination
following a flat tire as soon as
possible.<
Codes on tires and wheelsThe code on tires has the following
meaning.
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 149 mph (240 km/h)
W = up to 167 mph (270 km/h)
Y = up to 186 mph (300 km/h)
ZR = over 149 mph (240 km/h) Example:
Nominal width
in mm
Aspect ratio in %
Belt rating ID code
for radial tires
Wheel diameter in inches
Load rating
(not on ZR tires)
Speed rating
(before R on ZR tires)
205/60 R 15 91 H
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 on light-alloy wheels:
Protect valve inserts against dirt by
using screw-on valve caps.
Dirt in the valves frequently leads to
slow leaks.Storage Store tires in a cool, dry place,
protecting them against light whenever
possible. Protect the tires against
contact with oil, grease and fuel. Example:
Rim width
in inches
Code letter for
flange type
Symbol for full-drop
center rim
Rim diameter in inches
Extended hump on
the 2 rim shoulders
7x15EH2
J
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103n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Approved wheel and tire specifications
Have winter tires mounted at your
BMW center or a tire dealer.<
Snow chains
*
Deactivate the Tire Pressure
Warning (RDW) when using snow
chains. The snow chains can lead to
malfunction warnings and undetected
losses in pressure.
For further information, refer to
page 67.< BMW tests certain tire brands for each tire size, classifies them as road-safe and
approves them. Consult your BMW center for more information.
Observe any regulations applicable in the country of use, e.g. requiring entry in the
vehicle documents.
Tire specifications Suitable for
snow chainsLight-alloy wheel
M roadster, M coupe
Summer
Front: 225/45 ZR 17
Rear: 245/40 ZR 17–
–7.5Jx17 AH 2 IS 41
9Jx17 AH 2 IS 8
Winter (M+S)
225/45 R 17 90 H[Front: 7.5Jx17 EH 2 IS 41
Rear: 7.5Jx17 EH 2 IS 25
Wheel with asymmetrical hump
(AH)The rim design with a so-called asym-
metrical hump results in a clearly
extended holding of the tire on the rim
in the case of a leak compared to the
usual symmetrical hump, so that the
vehicle can be braked to a stop more
safely. Another advantage of the asym-
metrical hump is that no special tire is
required.
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