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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Information for your safetyThe factory-approved radial tires are
matched to the vehicle and have been
selected to provide optimum safety and
driving comfort.
It is not merely the tire's service life, but
also driving comfort and Ð above all else
Ð driving safety that depend on the
condition of the tires and the mainte-
nance of the specified tire inflation
pressure.
Incorrect tire inflation pressure is
a frequent cause of tire damage. It
also significantly influences the road-
holding ability of your BMW.
Be sure to check the tire inflation pres-
sure, including the space-saver spare
tire or the spare tire, on a regular basis,
at least twice a month and before every
extended journey, refer to page 24. If
this is not done, incorrect tire pressures
can cause driving instability and tire
damage, ultimately resulting in acci-
dents.<
Tire tread Ð tire damageInspect your tires frequently for tread
wear, signs of damage and for foreign
objects lodged in the tread. Check the
tread depth.
Tread depth should not be allowed to
go below 0.12 in (3 mm), even though
the legally specified minimum tread
depth is 0.063 in (1.6 mm). Tread wear
indicators (arrow) are embedded in the
base of the tire's tread. Their locations
are indicated by the legend TWI Ð Tread
Wear Indicator Ð at various points on
the tire's shoulder. When the tread
reaches a depth of 0.063 in (1.6 mm),
these indicators appear to signal that
the tires have worn to the minimum
legal level. Below 0.12 in (3 mm) tread
depth, there is an increased risk of
aquaplaning, even at relatively
moderate speeds and with only small
amounts of water on the road.
Do not drive on a deflated (flat)
tire. A flat tire greatly impairs
steering and braking response, and can
lead to complete loss of control over
the vehicle.
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that
the permitted load on the tires is not
exceeded. Overloading can lead to
overheating and increases the rate at
which damage develops inside the
tires. The ultimate result can assume
the form of a sudden air loss.
Unusual vibrations encountered during
normal vehicle operation can indicate a
flat tire or some other vehicle malfunc-
tion. The type of problem can be
caused by contact with curbs, etc. This
is also true for irregularities in the
vehicle's handling characteristics, such
as a pronounced tendency to pull to the
left or right. Should this occur, respond
by immediately reducing your speed.
Proceed carefully to the nearest BMW
center or professional tire center, or
have the vehicle towed in to have it, its
wheels and tires inspected.
Tire inflation pressures
Tire condition
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Tire replacementunder 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.< Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:
Tread wear 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 ageThe date on which the tire was manu-
factured is indicated by the code on the
sidewall:
DOT ... 4101 indicates that the tire was
manufactured in week 41 of the year
2001.
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.
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.
For additional information on Tire Pres-
sure Monitor (RDC) or Flat Tire Monitor
refer to pages 73 bzw. 75.
Safety tires are only possible in
conjunction with Tire Pressure
Monitor (RDC) or Flat Tire Monitor.<
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Winter tiresChoosing the right tireBMW recommends winter tires (M+S
radial tires) for operation under
inclement winter driving conditions.
While all-season tires (M+S designa-
tion) provide better winter traction than
summer tires with the load ratings H, V,
W, Y and ZR, they generally do not
achieve the performance of winter tires.
In the interest of safe tracking and
steering response, install winter tires
made by the same manufacturer having
the same tread configuration on all four
wheels.Never exceed the maximum
speed for which the winter tires
are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
Have this work performed by trained
professionals only. Any BMW center
has the required technical knowledge
and the proper equipment and will be
happy to assist you.<
Tire condition, tire pressureOnce the tire wears to below 0.16 in
(4 mm), winter tires display a percep-
tible decrease in their ability to cope
with winter driving conditions, and
should be replaced in the interest of
safety.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures Ð and be sure to have the
wheel and tire assemblies balanced
every time you change the tires.
StorageAlways store tires in a cool, dry place.
Store them away from light whenever
possible. Protect the tires against
contact with oil, grease and fuel.Snow chains
*
BMW narrow-link snow chains are
intended for mounting on summer or
winter tires in pairs at the rear wheels
only. Comply with all manufacturer's
safety precautions when mounting the
chains.
You cannot mount snow chains on the
following tires:
225/50 R 16 92
225/45 R 17 91
245/40 ZR 17
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Changing a wheel8. Remove accumulations of mud or
dirt from the mounting surfaces of
the wheel and hub. Clean the lug
bolts
9. Position the new wheel or the
space-saver spare tire on the hub
and screw at least two lug bolts
finger-tight into opposite bolt holes
10. Screw in the remaining lug bolts.
Screw in all the bolts in diagonal
pattern
11. Lower the jack and remove it from
beneath the vehicle
12. Tighten the lug bolts securely in a
diagonal pattern
13. Wheels with full wheel covers
*:
Place the wheel cover with the
valve opening (arrow) over the
valve. Use both hands to press the
cover securely onto the rim
14. Check and correct the tire inflation
pressure at the earliest opportunity.
Vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitor
(RDC)/Flat Tire Monitor:
After mounting the spare tire or
correcting the tire inflation pres-
sure, reactivate the system, refer to
pages 73, 75.
Protect valve stems and valves from dirt
using screw-on valve stem caps. Dirty
valve stems frequently lead to slow
pressure loss.
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 torque bolts checked
with a calibrated lug 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.
126n
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.<
Everything from A to Z
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C
California Proposition
65 Warning114
Canned beverage holder88
Capacities135
Car care, refer to the "Caring
for your vehicle" manual
Car keys28
Car wash systems, refer to
the "Caring for your
vehicle" manual
Care of upholstery materials,
refer to the "Caring for your
vehicle" manual
Cargo loading93
CBC (Cornering Brake
Control)18, 71
Cellular phone89
refer also to the separate
"Owner's Manual"
Center (high-mount) brake
lamp122
Center 3-point belt in the
rear91
Center armrest87
Central locking system28
button32 Changing a wheel123
Check Control66
Check engine oil level109
Checking tire inflation
pressure24
Child restraint
installation52
Child-restraint anchorage
points51
Clean the headlamps61
Cleaning windshield61
Clock66
refer also to the "Radio
Owner's Manual" or to the
"Onboard Computer
Owner's Manual"
Clothes hooks90
Cockpit14
Coin box88
Compartments87
Compression132
Computer refer also to the "Onboard
Computer Owner's
Manual"
Configuring individual
settings with Vehicle and
Key Memory53
Consumption68
display65
Convenience operation via
the door lock
sliding/tilt sunroof31
windows31
Coolant111
Coolant temperature
gauge65
Cooling system,
capacity135
Copyright4
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)18, 71
Correct sitting posture40
Cover, sun blinds86
Cruise control62
Cruising range68
Cup holder, refer to
beverage holder88
Curb weight134 Current check indicator17
D
Dash lighting78
Dashboard14
Data
dimensions133
engine132
technical132
weights134
Daytime driving lamp77
DBC (Dynamic Brake
Control)19, 72
Deep water99
Defrost setting82, 84
Defrost windows82, 84
Defrostable rear
window81, 85
Digital clock66
Dimensions133
Dipstick, engine oil109
Displacement132
Display lighting78
Displays15
Distance warning69
Everything from A to Z
141n
OverviewControlsMaintenancRepairsDataIndex
I
Ice warning67
Icy roads67
Ignition keys28
Ignition lock54
Imprint4
Indicator lamps17
Inflation pressures,
tires24, 25, 101
Inside rearview mirror
automatic-dimming
feature48
INSPECTION65
Instrument cluster15
Instrument lighting78
Instruments15
Interface socket
for Onboard
Diagnostics115
Interior lamps30, 79
remote control30
Interior motion sensor36
switching off37
Interior rearview mirror47
Interlock54
J
Jack123
Jump-starting128 K
Key Memory53
Key with remote control
unit28
Keys28 L
Lamps and bulbs,
replacement118
Lashing eyes93
LATCH child-restraint
mounting system51
Length133
License plate lamp
bulb replacement122
Litter bag holder88
Load-securing devices93
Lock buttons32
Louvers80
Low beams77
bulb replacement119
Lug wrench123 Luggage compartment35
capacity134
floor mat35
floor panel35
secure separately33
Luggage compartment lid
electrical malfunction33
emergency release from
luggage compartment's
interior35
manual operation33
remote control30
Luggage compartment
lighting33
Luggage rack94
Lumbar support42
M
M+S tires105
Maintenance65, 113
Malfunction displays66
Manual operation
doors31
fuel filler door22
luggage compartment
lid33
sliding/tilt sunroof39
Manual seat adjustment41
Manual transmission56 Manually controlled
recirculated-air85
Master key28
MFL (Multifunction steering
wheel)21
Microfilter82, 86
Mirror heating47
Mirror memory45
Mirrors47
Modifications,
technical10, 114
Motion sensor, refer to
interior motion sensor
Multifunction steering wheel
(MFL)21
O
OBD interface socket115
Odometer64
Oil
additives109
capacity135
consumption109
quality110
specifications110
viscosity110
Everything from A to Z
143n
OverviewControlsMaintenancRepairsDataIndex
Selector lever, automatic
transmission57
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet (US
models)113
Service Interval
Display65, 113
Setting temperature81
Shiftlock57
Side airbags48
Side Impact Head Protection
System48
Ski bag92
Sliding/tilt sunroof38
electrical malfunction39
manual operation39
Snow chains105
Socket89
Sound system86
Space-saver spare
tire25, 123
Spare key28
Spare tire123
Speedometer15
Sport steering wheel21
Sports seat
manual adjustment41
power adjustment42 Standing lamps78
Starting the engine54
Steering wheel46
Steering wheel lock54
Stopping the vehicle55
Storage compartments87
Stowing cargo93
Stroke132
Sun blind cover86
Switching off the engine55
Switching off the interior
motion sensor37
Switching off the tilt alarm
sensor37
Symbols8
Synthetic oils110
T
Tachometer64
Tail lamps
bulb replacement121
Tank capacity135
Technical data132
Technical
modifications10, 114
Telephone preparation89
Temperature display
outside temperature67 Temperature gauge
engine coolant65
Temperature
layering82, 85
Thigh support
adjustment41
Third brake light122
Through-loading system91
Tilt alarm sensor30, 37
remote control30
switching off37
Tire change123
Tire condition101
Tire damage101
Tire inflation
pressures24, 101
monitoring73
table25
Tire Pressure Monitor
(RDC)73, 103, 126
Tire pressure warning73
Tire Quality Grading103
Tire replacement102
Tire tread101
Tires and wheels101
Tool kit118
Torque132
Towing fittings129 Towing the vehicle129
Track133
Transmission56
Transmitter keys28
Transporting children
safely51
Tread depth, tires101
Tread Wear Indicator101
Trip odometer64
Trunk lid, refer to luggage
compartment lid33
Trunk, refer to luggage
compartment35
Turn signal
indicator20, 59, 120
bulb replacement120
Turning radius133
U
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading103