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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.  
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Changing a wheel16. Wheels with hub covers: 
Position the hub cover and press it 
on tightly
17. If equipped with lug bolt covers: 
Align the arrow on the cover with 
the line in the wheel and press the 
cover into place
18. Check and correct the tire inflation 
pressure at the earliest opportunity.
For vehicles with Tire Pressure 
Monitor (RDC)
*:
After mounting the spare tire or 
correcting the inflation pressure, 
reactivate the system. Refer to 
page 99.
The vehicle jack is designed for 
changing tires 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 
lug bolts checked with a calibrated 
torque wrench [torque specification 
72 lb-ft (100 Nm)] at the earliest 
opportunity.< 
When storing the wheel, take care to 
ensure that you do not damage the 
retaining pin in the spare tire recess.
If light-alloy wheels other than original 
BMW light-alloy wheels have been 
mounted, it may be necessary to use 
different lug bolts for those wheels.
Replace the defective tire as soon as 
possible and have the new wheel/tire 
balanced.
Protect valve inserts against dirt using 
screw-on valve stem caps. Dirty valve 
stems frequently lead to slow pressure 
loss.
Size 255/40 R17 94 W
* tires on 
the rear axle:
In the event of a puncture or other tire 
failure, it may be necessary to mount 
the spare tire of different size at the 
rear. This tire is suitable for use in all 
load and speed ranges. Nevertheless, 
you should remount a tire of the correct 
size as soon as possible.<