135n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Tire replacement Wheel and tire combinationsUniform Tire Quality GradingQuality grades can be found where 
applicable 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 ageThe date on which the tire was manu-
factured is indicated by the code on the 
sidewall:
DOT ... 2601 indicates that the tire was 
manufactured in Week 26 of the year 
2001.
Although tires may have a theoretical 
service life of up to 10 years, BMW 
strongly recommends that you replace 
all tires after an absolute maximum of 
6 years.
The right choice
Never mount wheels and tires that 
have not been specifically 
approved by BMW for use on your 
particular model. Although other wheels 
and tires may theoretically have the 
same dimensions, variations in factors 
such as manufacturing tolerances can 
result in contact between tire and body-
work, ultimately leading to serious acci-
dents. If non-approved wheels and tires 
are used, BMW cannot evaluate their 
suitability, and therefore cannot be held 
liable for driving safety.<
BMW has tested certain tires for each 
tire size, rated them according to road 
safety and approved them. Your BMW 
center can inform you which tires have 
been tested in this way. Observe 
possible national guidelines, e.g. 
regarding entry into vehicle documents.
The correct wheel and tire combi-
nation affects different systems 
such as ABS, ATC, ASC+T/DSC. The 
function of these systems is impaired if 
improper wheel and tire combinations 
are used.
Always ensure that all of the tires 
mounted on the vehicle are the same 
series, from the same manufacturer and 
with the same tread pattern. If you have 
to mount the spare tire in response to a 
flat, etc., you should remount a tire of 
the correct specifications  as soon as 
possible.< 
The use of rims and wheel bolts 
that do not meet the specifica-
tions of the original factory-installed 
equipment will affect the safe operation 
of your vehicle and may cause an acci-
dent and personal injury.
Never mix tires of different design, such 
as steel-belted radials with radial bias-
belted or bias-ply tires, etc. Mixing tire 
types will adversely affect roadholding 
and can lead to loss of vehicle 
control.< Storage Store tires in a cool, dry place, 
protecting them against light whenever 
possible. Protect the tires against 
contact with oil, grease and fuel.  
Everything from A to Z
181n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Reminder signal (Memo)89 
Remote control34 
computer95 
Removable rear-seat 
backrest119 
Remove condensation from 
windows106, 109 
Replacing 
fuses160t 
lamps and bulbs151t 
wiper blades150t 
Reporting safety defects11 
Reservoir, washer 
system139t 
Residual heat111 
Rims135 
Roller sun blind112 
Roll-up cover123 
Roof load capacity171 
Roof-mounted luggage 
rack127 S 
Safety belts53 
Safety defects, reporting11 
Safety lock buttons37 
Seat belts53 
Seats electric power50 
manually-adjusted50 
memory setting54 
Secure the load126 
Securing cargo42, 126 
Selector lever, automatic 
transmission70, 73 
Service and Warranty 
Information Booklet (US 
models)144 
Service Interval 
Display82, 144 
Shiftlock70, 73 
Shoulder support51 
Side airbags58 
Side Impact Head Protection 
System58 
Side lamps 
bulb replacement152t 
Side turn signal 
bulb replacement153t 
Ski bag120 
Ski bag in the sport 
wagon122 
Sliding/tilt sunroof46 
manual operation47 
with glass moonroof47 
Snow chains136 Socket for attaching 
electrical appliances118 
Spare tire157t 
Speaker117 
Special characteristics of 
winter tires136 
Special oil141t 
Speed94 
Speed limit91 
Speed, average86, 94 
Speedometer15, 16, 17 
sport wagon 
anchorages126 
compartments in the 
luggage 
compartment124 
cover in the luggage 
compartment124 
folding down the rear 
backrest123 
LATCH child-restraint 
system64 
load-securing 
devices126 
luggage 
compartment123 
opening the rear 
window40 
partition net123 rear window wiper, blade 
replacement150t 
releasing the tailgate after 
an electrical 
malfunction39 
roll-up cover123 
securing a load126 
ski bag122 
tail lamp assembly, bulb 
replacement154t 
transporting children 
safely64 
Standing lamps102 
Starting assistance162t 
Starting problems67t 
Starting the engine67 
Steering wheel 
heating56 
lock66 
memory setting54 
Steering wheel with 
multifunction buttons22 
Steptronic73 
Stopwatch89 
for additional information 
refer to the "Owner's 
Manual for Onboard 
Computer" 
Storage compartments116 
in the cargo area124