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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Tire replacement Tire rotationTemperatureThe temperature grades are A (the
highest), B and C, representing the
tire's resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause
the tire material to degenerate and
reduce tire life, and excessive tempera-
ture can lead to sudden flat tire. The
grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger
vehicle tires must meet under the
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
The temperature grade for this tire
is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or
in combination, can cause heat buildup
and possibly a flat tire.<
Uniform Tire Quality GradingQuality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
Use only safety tires as there is no
spare tire available if you get a flat
tire.
For further information, refer to
page 137.
factured is indicated by the code on the
sidewall:
DOT ... 3201 indicates that the tire was
manufactured in week 32 of 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.
Between the axles
If different tire sizes are mounted
on the front and rear axles (refer to
page 10 4), then the tires may not be
rotated from one axle to the other.<
The tread wear patterns at the front end
differ from those at the rear Ð the actual
patterns will vary according to indi-
vidual driving conditions. In the inter-
ests of safety and maintaining optimal
handling characteristics, tire rotation is
not recommended.
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Special features of winter tires Snow chains
*
Choosing the right tireFor winter road driving, BMW recom-
mends winter tires (M+S radial belt
tires). Although all-season M+S tires
provide better winter traction than stan-
dard summer tires with H, V, W, Y and
ZR speed ratings, they generally fail to
provide the same levels of performance
as standard snow tires in winter driving.
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.
When selecting winter tires,
remember that you should never
mount anything other than safety tires,
as your vehicle is not equipped with a
spare tire.
For further information, refer to
page 137.<
Do not exceed specified
maximum speeds
Never exceed the maximum speed
for which 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. Your BMW center
will be glad to assist you with both their
expertise and the proper equipment for
your vehicle.<
Tire condition, tire pressureOnce the tread depth on winter tires is
less than 0.16 in (4 mm), they are no
longer suitable for winter road driving,
and in the interest of safety should be
replaced.
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.
The use of narrow-link BMW snow
chains is permissible in pairs only on
the rear wheels with winter tires with
tire size 245/45 R 18 96 H. Comply with
all manufacturer's safety precautions
when mounting the chains. Do not
exceed a speed of 30 mph (50 km/h)
while driving with mounted snow
chains.
Do not activate the Flat Tire
Monitor when driving with snow
chains mounted. Malfunction warnings
and undetected losses in pressure are
a possibility when driving with snow
chains.
For further information, refer to
page 67.<
Page 170 of 174

Everything from A to ZRestraint systems53
Return used
batteries140t
Reverse17, 58
Roof load capacity160
Rotating the tires101
Rubber parts93SSafety belt tensioners153
Safety belts50
Safety buttons36
Safety tires99
Seat adjustment45
Seat heating77
Securing cargo83
Self-defrosting mirrors48
Service Interval
Display63, 116
Shelves78, 79
Should131t
Side airbags51
Side marker lamps69
bulb
replacment131t, 132t
Skid control94
Slippery roads93
Snow chains93, 103, 104
Socket82
for flashlights82
for power supplies82
for vacuum cleaners82Sound system, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Spare key30
Spark plugs162
Speaker81
Specified engine oil112
Speedometer18
Starting56
problems87t, 145
Steel wheels104
Steering94
Steering wheel lock55
Stopping the vehicle57
Storage areas78, 79
Storing your vehicle124
Stroke158
Summer tires102
Switching off the engine57
Switching off the interior
motion sensor39t
Switching off the tilt alarm
sensor39t
Symbols4, 138
TTachometer62
Tail lamps132
bulb replacment132t
Tank capacity161
Technical data158
Technical
modifications6, 125Telephone81
Temperature display
outside temperature64
Temperature gauge
engine coolant63
Temperature
selection74, 75
Tilt alarm34
Tilt alarm sensor39
Tire codes102
Tire damage99t
Tire inflation
pressure26, 99
Tire pressure monitor67
Tire replacement100, 101
Tire rotation101
Tire specifications104
Tire tread99
Tools130t
Torque158
Tow fittings146t
Towing the vehicle146t
Tow-starting146t
Track159
Traction Control System
refer to DSC65
Transmission58
Transmitter key30
Tread depth, tires99
Trip odometer62
Trunk lid, refer to luggage
compartment lid37Turn signal indicator23, 59
Turning circle159
UUniform Tire Quality
Grading101
Unusually high steering
effort20, 94
Use antifreeze114t
radiator114t
Used batteries,
disposal140tVVacuum cleaner82
Vehicle battery138, 162
Vehicle care
exterior119
interior121
Vehicle equipment
options and accessories5
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)115
Vehicle immobilizer31
Vehicle painting119
Vehicle storage124
Vehicle weight160
Vehicle, starting56
Vehicle, stopping57
Ventilation72
draft-free75
Vinyl upholstery, care121