2002 BMW Z3 tire pressure

105n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Winter operationThe onset of winter is often accompa-
nied by rapid changes in weather.
Adaptations in driving style should be
accompanied by preparations on the
vehicle itself to ensure that your vehicle
operation through the winter remains
safe and trouble-free.CoolantEnsure that the coolant contains the
year-round 50 : 50 ratio of water and
antifreeze with corrosion inhibitor. This
mixture provides protection against
freezing down to approx. Ð 34 7
(Ð 37 6). Replace the coolant every
three years.LocksBMW door lock deicer can be used to
free the doors if they are frozen. This
deicer also contains lubricant.
After using deicer, treatment with BMW
lock cylinder grease is recommended.
Rubber seals and components In order to prevent freezing, apply BMW
rubber treatment to weather-stripping
on the doors, hood, luggage compart-
ment and to convertible top seals.
A full range of car-care products is
available from your BMW center.< Snow chainsBMW snow chains
* can be mounted on
both summer and winter tires. Mount
them in pairs on the rear wheels only.
Comply with the manufacturer's safety
precautions. Do not exceed a speed
limit of 30 mph (50 km/h) when driving
with chains. As an exception in this
situation, we recommend that you
switch off the ASC+T/DSC
* system
when snow chains are mounted. Refer
to pages 73, 74.
Starting offWhen starting from a full stop or
"rocking" free in deep snow, we recom-
mend that you switch off the ASC+T/
DSC
* system, refer to pages 73, 74.
Driving on low-traction road
surfacesUse smooth, gentle pressure to control
the accelerator pedal. Avoid excessive
engine speeds and shift to the next
higher gear at an early point. Shift down
into the next lowest gear when
approaching uphill or downhill grades.
Maintain an adequate distance between
yourself and the vehicle ahead.Brakes Winter road conditions substantially
reduce the traction available between
the tires and the road surface.
Remember that Ð in every situation Ð
braking distances will be significantly
longer as a result of this.
ABS is intended to prevent the wheels
from locking during brake applications,
thus helping to maintain vehicle stability
and steering response.

110n
Information for your safetyThe factory-approved radial tires are
matched to the vehicle and have been
selected to provide optimum safety and
driving comfort on your vehicle.
In a very real sense, both tire life and
your own safety are riding on correct
tire specifications and inflation pres-
sures, refer to page 26.
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 pressures,
including the spare tire, on a regular
basis, at least twice a month and before
doing any extended driving, refer to
page 26. If this is not done, incorrect
tire pressures can cause driving insta-
bility and tire damage, ultimately
resulting in accidents.<
Check the inflation pressure of
the spare tire For checking tire pressures, there is a
valve extension (arrow) on the storage
tray of the spare wheel which is acces-
sible from outside.367de309
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 pattern 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 390de331
Notes on inflation pressures Tire condition

113n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Tire replacement Tire rotationTire ageThe date on which the tire was manu-
factured is indicated by the code on the
sidewall:
DOT ... 2501 indicates that the tire was
manufactured in week 25 of 2001.
BMW recommends the replacement
of all tires when the tires are no more
than 6 years old, even if a tire usage of
10 years is possible.
Spare tires over 6 years old should be
used only in case of emergency. A tire
of this age should be replaced by a new
tire immediately, and should not be
fitted together with new tires.
Between the axlesTread wear at the front and rear axle is
different and will vary according to indi-
vidual driving conditions. In the interest
of safety and optimal vehicle response,
we advise against rotating tires from
front to rear and vice versa.
If rotating the tires between the axles is
under consideration for economic
reasons, the costs for remounting the
wheels must be calculated against any
savings which might result from the
anticipated extension in tire life. Rota-
tion should always be carried out at
short intervals, with a maximum of
3,000 miles (5,000 km). Consult your
BMW center for more information.Should you decide to rotate the tires,
it is essential to comply with the
following:
Rotate wheels on the same side of the
vehicle only, otherwise braking effi-
ciency and road grip could be adversely
affected.
Following rotation, correct the tire infla-
tion pressure.
If tires with different sizes are
mounted on the front and rear
axles (refer to the information beginning
on page 116), the wheels may not be
rotated from one axle to the other.<

114n
Wheel and tire combinationsThe 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.<
For wheel and tire specifications
approved by BMW, refer to the informa-
tion beginning on page 116.
The correct wheel and tire combi-
nation affects different systems
such as ABS and ASC+T/DSC
*. The
function of these systems is impaired if
improper wheel and tire combinations
are used.
For this reason, use only tires of the
same manufacture and tread configura-
tion. In the event of a flat tire, for
example, remount the approved wheel
and tire combination as soon as
possible.<
Codes on tires and wheelsThe code on the tires has the following
meaning.
Codes on radial tires:
The speed rating indicates the
approved maximum speed for the tire.
Summer tires:
S = up to 112 mph (180 km/h)
T = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
V = up to 149 mph (240 km/h)
W = up to 167 mph (270 km/h)
Y = up to 186 mph (300 km/h)
ZR = over 149 mph (240 km/h) Example:
Nominal width
in mm
Aspect ratio in %
Belt rating ID code
for radial tires
Wheel diameter in inches
Load rating
(not on ZR tires)
Speed rating
(before R on ZR tires)
205/60 R 15 91 H
All season and winter tires:
Q M+S = up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
T M+S = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H M+S = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
Codes on light-alloy wheels:
Protect valve inserts against dirt by
using screw-on valve caps. Dirt in the
valve inserts frequently causes a slow
loss in tire pressure.Storage Store tires in a cool, dry place,
protecting them against light whenever
possible. Protect the tires against
contact with oil, grease and fuel. Example:
Rim width
in inches
Code letter for
flange type
Symbol for full-drop
center rim
Rim diameter in inches
Hump on the 2 rim shoulders
7x15H2
J

115n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Special features of winter tires Snow chains
*
Choosing the right tireBMW 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 sure tracking and safe
steering response, mount winter tires
which are made by the same manufac-
turer and which have the same tread
configuration at all four wheels.Comply with recommended speed
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 skilled
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.BMW narrow-link snow chains are
intended for mounting in pairs at the
rear wheels only. Comply with all manu-
facturer's safety precautions when
mounting the chains. Do not exceed a
speed of 30 mph (50 km/h) while
driving with mounted snow chains.

131n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Storing your vehicle5. Fill the fuel tank completely to
prevent the formation of condensa-
tion
6. Increase the tire inflation pressure to
51 psi (350 kPa).Before parking the vehicle for
storage1. Dry the parking brake and footbrake
by brake applications to prevent the
brake rotors and drums from
corroding
2. Park the vehicle in a covered, dry,
and well-ventilated room. Place the
transmission in 1st gear or set the
selector lever to the "P" position.
Chock the wheels to prevent the
vehicle from rolling if necessary. Do
not set the parking brake
3. Remove the battery, charge it
completely and store it in a cool (but
frost-free) room
Z3 roadster:
4. Remove the hardtop
* and store it
separately, refer to page 109
5. Close the convertible top.
During storageRecharge the battery every six months.
If it is not recharged, it will not be
serviceable. Every time the battery is
discharged, especially over extended
periods, its service life is reduced.
Removing the vehicle from
storageRecharge the battery if the "Magic Eye"
turns black, refer to page 154.
Then have Inspection I performed by
your BMW center, including a brake
fluid replacement if necessary, refer to
the Service Manual.

150n
Wheel change
The wheel with the flat tire cannot
be placed in the spare wheel
bracket in the place of the spare
wheel.<
There is a plastic bag in the onboard
tool kit. Put the flat tire and the storage
tray into this bag.
Do not reposition the storage tray
in the spare wheel bracket without
the spare wheel.<
Using the lifting handle, pull the spare
wheel bracket upward until the spring
retainer catches. Secure the bracket
with the hexagon nut Ð ensure that it is
tightened down correctly.
The spare wheel is returned to its orig-
inal position in the same manner as it is
removed, however in the reverse order.
When doing so, make sure that:
>The valve extension is mounted on
the spare wheel valve
>The storage tray is facing toward the
rear (see arrow) with the valve exten-
sion pointing to the inside left to
ensure that it is possible to check the
tire inflation pressure.367de271
Mount the spare wheel1. Secure the vehicle to prevent it from
rolling:
Place the wedge against the rear
surface of the front tire on the side
opposite the side being raised. If the
vehicle is parked on a downward
slope, place the wedge securely in
front of the tire. If the wheel must be
changed on a surface with a more
severe slope, take additional precau-
tions to secure the vehicle from
rolling
2. Wheels with full wheel covers
*:
reach into the ventilation openings
and pull the cover off
3. For wheels equipped with hub
covers
*: position a screwdriver in the
slot and pry the hub cover off
4. Loosen the lug bolts g a turn

152n
Wheel change13. Wheels with full wheel covers:
Place the wheel cover with the
valve opening over the valve. Use
both hands to press the cover
securely onto the rim
14. Check and correct the inflation
pressure at the earliest opportunity.
Use only the full wheel cover
installed by the factory. Other
wheel covers may not fit securely. The
full wheel cover may not be installed on
the spare wheel because the cover
could be damaged.<
The jack is designed for changing
wheels only. Do not attempt to lift
a different vehicle model or any other
type of load with the jack. To do so
could lead to property damage or
personal injury.
To ensure continued safety, check the
tightness of the lug bolts at the earliest
opportunity (torque specification:
72 lbs ft [100 Nm]).<
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.
Driving with the spare wheelDrive cautiously and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
Be aware that vehicle handling will be
altered. Slower brake response time,
longer braking distances and changed
steering characteristics may be antici-
pated when approaching limit condi-
tions.
Only one spare wheel may be
mounted at any time. Mount a
wheel and tire with the same size and
specifications as the others at the
earliest possible opportunity. Maintain
the specified tire inflation pressures,
refer to the table on page 27.<