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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Cargo area Floor cover To access the spare wheel.
To release: press the recess in the 
handle (arrow) and raise the cover with 
the handle. 530de291
Fold the floor cover upLift up the black retainer on the lower 
side of the floor cover and hook it into 
the upper frame of the liftgate cutout.
Before you fold the floor cover down, 
return the retainer to its original posi-
tion.530us086
Power outlets When you fold the cover cap up, you 
have access to additional power 
outlets. 
You can use the power outlets for flash-
lights, car vacuum cleaners or other 
automotive appliances with up to 
approx. 200 watts at 12 volts. Avoid 
damage to the socket caused by 
inserting plugs of a different shape or 
size. 
Refer also to page 119. 530us084 
     
        
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Wheel and tire combinations The right choice 
Use only wheels and tires 
approved by BMW for the corre-
sponding vehicle model, as otherwise 
the tires may make contact with the 
body as the result of tolerances despite 
the same nominal size being used, 
resulting in serious accidents. If non-
approved wheels and tires are used, 
BMW cannot evaluate their suitability, 
and therefore cannot be held liable for 
driving safety.<
BMW tests certain tire brands for each 
tire size, classifies them as road-safe 
and approves them. Consult your 
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center for 
more information. Observe any regula-
tions applicable in the country of use, 
e.g. requiring entry in the vehicle docu-
ments.
The correct wheel and tire combi-
nation affects different systems 
such as ABS, ATC and DSC. The func-
tion of these systems is impaired if 
improper wheel and tire combinations 
are used.
For this reason, use only tires of the 
same brand and tread pattern on the 
vehicle and, for example, restore the 
approved wheel and tire combination 
following a flat tire as soon as 
possible.< 
The use of rims and lug bolts that 
do not meet the specifications of 
the original factory-installed equipment 
will affect the safe operation of your 
vehicle and may cause an accident 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 when-
ever possible. Protect the tires against 
contact with oil, grease and fuel.  
     
        
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Winter tires  Snow chains
*
Choosing the right tire BMW recommends winter tires (M+S 
radial tires) for operation under 
inclement winter driving conditions. 
While so-called all-season tires (M+S 
designation) provide better winter trac-
tion than summer tires with the load 
ratings H, V, W, Y and ZR, they gener-
ally do not achieve the performance of 
winter tires. 
In the interests of safe tracking and 
steering response, install radial tires 
made by the same manufacturer and 
with the same tread configuration on all 
four wheels if you elect to mount winter 
tires. 
Do not exceed specified 
maximum speeds 
Never exceed the maximum speed 
for which the tires are rated. 
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to 
service tires can lead to damage and 
accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled 
professionals only. Your BMW Sports 
Activity Vehicle center will be glad to 
assist you with both their expertise and 
the proper equipment for your vehicle.< 
Tire condition, tire pressureWinter tires display a perceptible loss in 
their ability to cope with winter driving 
conditions once the tread wears to 
below 0.16 in (4 mm), and should thus 
be replaced.
Comply with the specified tire inflation 
pressures Ñ and be sure to have the 
wheel and tire assemblies balanced 
every time you change the tires. 
The use of narrow-link BMW snow 
chains is approved only in pairs on the 
rear wheels and only with tire size 
235/65 R 17. Comply with all manufac-
turer's safety precautions when 
mounting the chains. Do not exceed a 
maximum speed of 30 mph (50 km/h).  
     
        
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Changing a wheel Battery 
The spare wheel has a size 
235/65 R 17 tire. If you have 
mounted tires on your vehicle with a 
different size, have wheels and tires of 
the same size and specification rein-
stalled as soon as possible.
When the spare wheel is mounted, the 
maximum speed rating is 130 mph 
(210 km/h).<
Protect valve stems and valves from dirt 
using screw-on valve stem caps. Dirt in 
the valve stems frequently leads to slow 
leaks.
Battery posts, terminals and 
related accessories contain lead 
and lead compounds. Wash hands after 
handling.<
MaintenanceThe battery is maintenance-free, that is, 
the original electrolyte will normally last 
for the service life of the battery under 
moderate climatic conditions. 
For all questions that regard the 
battery, please consult your 
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle center. 
Since the battery is maintenance-free, 
the following is for your information 
only.< 
Do not disconnect the battery 
when the engine is running. If 
you do so, the ensuing voltage surge 
will damage the vehicle's onboard elec-
tronics.<
Charging the battery Charge the battery in the vehicle only 
when the engine is not running. Use the 
connections provided in the engine 
compartment (for correct connections, 
refer to "Jump-starting" on page 164). 
Return used batteries to a recy-
cling point or your BMW Sports 
Activity Vehicle center. Maintain the 
battery in an upright position for trans-
port and storage. Secure the battery 
against tilting during transport.<