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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)
*
The conceptRDC monitors the tire pressures at all 
four wheels while the vehicle is moving. 
The system provides an alert whenever 
the inflation pressure drops significantly 
below the specified pressure in one or 
more tires.
In order for the system to "learn" the 
correct tire inflation pressure, check the 
inflation pressures in all tires according 
to the inflation pressure table on 
page 25 and make corrections as 
necessary. Then activate the system. 
This indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster will inform you if 
the tire pressure is not correct.
To activate the system1. Turn ignition key to position 2 (do not 
start the engine)
2. Press the button 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 pres-
sures 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.
In the event of loss in inflation 
pressureIf the inflation pressure has dropped 
significantly over a long period of time 
(which is normal for any tire), the yellow 
indicator lamp will come on.
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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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Flat Tire Monitor
*
The conceptAs you drive, the Flat Tire Monitor 
keeps track of pressure levels in all four 
tires in order to detect and warn of any 
substantial pressure loss. 
The system actually detects pressure 
loss by monitoring differences in the 
relative speeds of the four wheels. It 
interprets variations outside specified 
limits as severe pressure loss, and then 
responds by generating a warning.
Initializing the systemInitializing is necessary to familiarize the 
system with the correct inflation pres-
sure.
Repeat this process after any changes 
in tire inflation pressure, tire rotation or 
replacement. Do not carry out further 
system initialization after adjusting the 
inflation pressure and letting the system 
"learn" the correct pressures.
1. Check the tire inflation pressures in 
all the tires, comparing them with the 
inflation pressure chart on page 25 
and adjusting their pressure if neces-
sary
2. Turn the ignition key to position 2
3. Press the button as long as you need 
to until the indicator lamp on the 
instrument cluster lights up. After a 
little while, the indicator lamp will go 
out by itself
4. After a few minutes driving time, the 
Flat Tire Monitor adopts the current 
pressure levels as the reference, and 
from that point on, can detect and 
report a flat tire. 
     
        
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Changing a wheelAlways use BMW-approved balance 
weights on black-finished aluminum-
alloy wheels. Never allow anyone to 
attempt to balance these wheels using 
conventional rim-clip balance weights.Driving with the space-saver 
spare tireDrive cautiously. Do not exceed a 
speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
You can anticipate changes in vehicle 
handling such as delayed braking 
response, longer braking distances and 
sacrifices in roadholding.
The changes in handling characteristics 
will be even more pronounced if winter 
tires are mounted.
Only one space-saver spare tire 
may be mounted at a time. Rein-
stall wheels and tires of the same size 
and specification as soon as possible. 
Maintain correct tire pressures. Refer to 
page 25.<
Safety tires
*
Safety tires consists of self-contained 
tires and special rims. The tire rein-
forcement ensures that the tire retains 
some residual safety in the event of 
pressure drop and driving remains 
possible to a restricted degree. The 
vehicle is equipped with Tire Pressure 
Monitor (RDC) or Flat Tire Monitor, 
which indicate a flat tire.Flat tireIf there is a tire failure, the red warning 
lamp symbol lights up. A supplemen-
tary gong is also heard.
For additional information on Tire Pres-
sure Monitor (RDC) or Flat Tire Monitor 
refer to pages 73 bzw. 75.
Reduce vehicle speed carefully to 
under 50 mph (80 km/h), avoiding hard 
brake applications and steering maneu-
vers.
With the safety tires, you can drive 
another approx. 155 miles (250 km) to 
reach a safe parking location, a service 
station or the nearest BMW center. 
With a low vehicle load, this can also be 
considerably more than 155 miles 
(250 km).Safety tires are only possible in 
conjunction with Tire Pressure 
Monitor (RDC) or Flat Tire Monitor.<
If the defective wheel can not be seen 
as such immediately from the outside, 
check the tire inflation pressure at all 
four wheels.
Have the tires changed by your 
BMW center. For safety reasons, 
do not have a safety tire repaired. Your 
BMW center has the information 
needed for working with safety tires 
and is equipped with the necessary 
special tools.<
If appropriate, please consult your 
BMW center to reequip your 
vehicle from summer to winter tires Ð or 
vice versa.<