2002 BMW Z3 tire size

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

116n
Approved wheel and tire specificationsBMW tests certain tire brands for each tire size, classifies them as road-safe and
approves them. Consult your BMW center for more information.
Observe any regulations applicable in the country of use, e.g. requiring entry in
the vehicle documents.
Tire specifications Suitable for
snow chainsSteel wheel
(rim)Light-alloy
wheel
Z3 roadster 2.5i
Summer
225/50 R 16 92 V
225/50 ZR 16[Ð 7Jx16
Front: 225/45 ZR 17
Rear: 245/40 ZR 17Ð
ÐÐ
Ð7.5Jx17
8.5Jx17
Winter (M+S)
205/60 R 15 91 Q/T/H[ 6.5Jx15 7Jx15
205/55 R 16 91 Q/T/H
225/50 R 16 92 Q/T/H[7Jx16 7Jx16
225/45 R 17 91 Q/T/H[Ð
Ð7.5Jx17
8Jx17
Spare tire
T 115/90 R 16 92 M Ð 3.00Bx16 Ð
Use the spare wheel only for short
distances (to reach the nearest BMW
center, for instance). Due to the altered
handling characteristics, do not exceed
a maximum speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
Mounting snow chains on the spare tire
is not possible. Be sure that all tires are
properly inflated, refer to page 27.
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 bias-belted
or bias-ply tires etc. Mixing tire types
will adversely affect road-holding and
can lead to loss of vehicle control.<

117n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Approved wheel and tire specificationsBMW tests certain tire brands for each tire size, classifies them as road-safe and
approves them. Consult your BMW center for more information.
Observe any regulations applicable in the country of use, e.g. requiring entry in
the vehicle documents.
Z3 roadster 3.0i, Z3 coupe 3.0i
Summer
225/50 R 16 92 V
225/50 ZR 16[Ð 7Jx16
Front: 225/45 ZR 17 Ð Ð 7.5Jx17
Rear: 245/40 ZR 17 Ð Ð 8.5Jx17
Winter (M+S)
205/55 R 16 91 Q/T/H
225/50 R 16 92 Q/T/H[7Jx16 7Jx16
225/45 R 17 91 Q[Ð
Ð7.5Jx17
8Jx17
Spare tire
T 115/90 R 16 92 M Ð 3.00Bx16 Ð
Use the spare tire only for short
distances (to reach the nearest BMW
center, for instance). Due to the altered
handling characteristics, do not exceed
a maximum speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
Mounting snow chains on the spare tire
is not possible. Be sure that all tires are
properly inflated, refer to page 27.
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 bias-belted
or bias-ply tires etc. Mixing tire types
will adversely affect road-holding and
can lead to loss of vehicle control.<

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.<

Everything from A to Z
183n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsMaintenanceControlsOverview
Replacing fuses156t
Replacing windshield wiper
blades136t
Reporting safety defects7
Reservoir, washer
system122t
Roll-up cover93
Roof load capacity172
Roof-mounted luggage
rack95
Rubber seals and
components, winter105SSafety belt tensioner166
Safety belts52
Safety defects, reporting7
Seals and components,
winter105
Seat adjustment49
Seat heating89
Securing cargo94
Selector lever, automatic
transmission62
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet
(US models)129Service Interval
Display69, 128
Set temperature82, 86
Shiftlock62
Side airbags54, 130
Side marker lamps, bulb
replacement139t
Sitting correctly with
airbags55
Skid control106
Slippery roads105
Snow chains105t
Socket92
electrical appliances92
flashlight92
vacuum cleaner92
Spare keys30
Spare tire147t
Spare wheel147t
Spark plugs174
Special features of winter
tires115
Special oils124
Specifications, engine170
Speed, average72
Speed control67
Starting assistance158tStarting problems
59, 100, 158
Starting the engine59
Steel wheel116
Steering106
Steering wheel lock58
Steptronic62
Storage boxes90
Storage compartments90
Storage trays90
Storing the vehicle130
Summer tires114
Sunroof39
Switching off the engine60
Symbols4, 153
TTachometer68
Tail lamp assembly, bulb
replacement139t
Tail lamps139, 140
bulb replace-
ment139t, 140t
Tank capacity173
Technical Data169
Technical
modifications6, 132Telephone
refer to the separate
Owner's Manual
Temperature display
engine coolant69
outside temperature71
Temperature
layering82, 87
Third brake lamp141
Tire change, refer to wheel
change146t
Tire condition110
Tire failure, Z3 roadster,
Z3 coupe146
Tire inflation pressures110
checking26t
Tire Quality Grading112
Tire replacement111, 112
Tire rotation between front
and rear113
Tire size116
Tire tread110
Tires, identification114
Tools136t
Torque170
Tow fittings159t
Towing the vehicle159t