Page 24 of 155

24n
Tire inflation pressures The specified inflation pressures are 
provided on a sticker attached to the 
B-pillar and visible with the driver's 
door open.Checking tire pressuresAll pressures are specified in the stan-
dard units of pressure for your country, 
psi or kilopascal, and apply to cold tires 
(tires at ambient temperature, refer to 
tire pressure table on the following 
page).
Vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitor 
(RDC)/Flat Tire Monitor:
After correcting the inflation pressures, 
reactivate the system, refer to 
pages 78, 80.
Another instruction plate regarding 
inflation pressures on the door pillar 
indicates which system is equipped on 
your vehicle.
Check the tire pressures on a 
regular basis Ð at least twice a 
month Ð and before every extended 
journey. Otherwise, incorrect tire pres-
sure can lead to driving instability, tire 
damage and accidents.
Remember to check the inflation pres-
sure in the space-saver or standard 
spare tire.
 
Inflate the spare tire to the highest infla-
tion pressure of any tire on your 
vehicle.<
Comply with tire approval 
specificationsThe inflation pressures in the table 
apply to BMW approved tire sizes and 
tire manufacturers. Your BMW center is 
familiar with these pressures. Higher 
pressures may be specified for tires 
made by other manufacturers.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that 
not only meet US standards, but also 
European standards. We recommend 
the exclusive use of BMW approved 
tires. 
     
        
        Page 44 of 155

44n
Safety beltsDrive with your safety belt onEven though there is an airbag, wear a 
safety belt every time you get in the 
vehicle, because airbags enhance 
safety by providing added protection.To closeMake sure you hear the lock engage in 
the belt buckle.To open1. Press the red button in the buckle
2. Hold the belt
3. Guide belt into its inertia reel.
The rear belt buckle with the word 
CENTER embossed on its surface 
is intended exclusively for the use of 
the center passenger.<
To adjust shoulder strap heightUse the height-adjustment feature to 
adjust the belt to the best position for 
your own body size:
>Slide the button up or down.
Please observe the instructions for 
adjusting your seat on page 40.
If the safety belt system has been 
subjected to the stresses involved 
in an accident or otherwise damaged: 
have the entire safety belt mechanism 
replaced by your BMW center, 
including the safety belt tensioner. In 
addition, have your BMW center 
inspect the safety belt anchors. If a 
child-restraint system was in the 
vehicle during an accident, consult the 
manufacturer's instructions regarding 
replacement.< 
     
        
        Page 132 of 155

132n
Changing a wheel
Only use original BMW full wheel 
covers, otherwise, the trim piece 
may not fit securely. The full wheel 
cover may not be installed on the 
space-saver spare tire, since this could 
damage the cover.<
The vehicle jack is designed for 
changing wheels only. Do not 
attempt to raise another vehicle model 
with it or to raise any load of any kind. 
To do so could cause accidents and 
personal injury.
To ensure continued safety, have the 
tightness of the lug bolts checked with 
a calibrated torque wrench [torque 
specification: 72 lb ft (100 Nm)] at the 
earliest opportunity.<
When storing a wheel in the spare tire 
recess take care to avoid bending the 
threaded rod.
If the original BMW light-alloy wheels 
have been replaced with other light-
alloy wheels, different lug bolts may be 
required.
Replace the defective tire as soon as 
possible and have the new wheel/tire 
balanced.
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 24.<
Safety tires
*
Safety tires consist of self-supporting 
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 page 78 or 80.
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).