2004 BMW Z4 2.5I winter tires

Wheels and tires
76
Z4 2.5i
Z4 3.0i
TiresPressure specifications in psi/kPa
Tires
All pressure specifications in the table are
indicated in psi/kilopascal with cold tires,
cold = ambient temperature
225/50 R 16 92 V
225/45 R 17 91 W30/210 33/230
225/40 R 18 88 W 30/210 –
245/40 R 17 91 W
255/35 R 18 90 W–33/230
All winter tires 30/210 33/230
You will find more information about permissible loads and weights on page 101.
TiresPressure specifications in psi/kPa
Tires
All pressure specifications in the table are
indicated in psi/kilopascal with cold tires,
cold = ambient temperature
225/45 R 17 91 W 33/230 36/250
225/40 R 18 88 W 33/230 –
245/40 R 17 91 W
255/35 R 18 90 W–36/250
All winter tires 33/230 36/250
You will find more information about permissible loads and weights on page 101.

Wheels and tires
78
Temperature
The 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 con-
trolled conditions on a specified indoor lab-
oratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and
reduce tire life, and excessive temperature
can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C
corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A repre-
sent 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, under-inflation, or excessive load-
ing, either separately or in combination,
can cause heat buildup and possible tire
failure.<
RSC: Run Flat tires
Run Flat tires are labeled on the sidewall
with a circular symbol containing the letters
RSC. Refer to page 80.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter performance
properties than summer tires.
Tire condition
Inspect your tires frequently for tread wear,
signs of damage and for foreign objects
lodged in the tread. Check the tread depth.
Tire tread
Tread depth should not be allowed to go
below 1/8 in/3 mm even though in Europe,
for example, the legally specified minimum
tread depth is only 1/16 in/1.6 mm. Below
1/8 in/3 mm tread depth, there is a very
high risk of hydroplaning, even at relatively moderate speeds and with only small
amounts of water on the road.
At tread depths below approx. 1/6 in/
4 mm, winter tires display a perceptible
decrease in their ability to cope with winter
driving conditions, and should be replaced
in the interest of safety.
Tread wear indicators in the tread-groove
base, see arrow, are distributed around the
wheel circumference and are labeled on
the tire sidewall as TWI, Tread Wear Indica-
tor. At a tread depth of 1/16 in/1.6 mm, the
indicators signal that the legally permissi-
ble wear limit has been reached.
Tire damage
Unusual vibrations encountered dur-
ing normal vehicle operation can indi-
cate tire failure or some other vehicle mal-
function. This type of problem can be
caused by contact with curbs, etc. This is
also true for irregularities in the vehicle's
handling characteristics, such as a pro-
nounced tendency to pull to the left or right.
Should this occur, respond by immediately
reducing your speed. Proceed carefully to
the nearest BMW center or professional tire
center, or have the vehicle towed there to
have it and its wheels or tires inspected.
Tire damage up to and including sudden
and complete air loss can pose an extreme
hazard for both vehicle occupants and
other road users.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
79
Wheel and tire replacement
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled pro-
fessionals only. Any BMW center has the
required technical knowledge and the
proper equipment and will be happy to
assist you.<
The correct wheel and tire combination
also affects various systems that would
otherwise be impaired, for example ABS or
DSC.
Have the wheels balanced after each tire or
wheel replacement.
BMW advises against using retreaded
tires, since driving safety may be
impaired. This is due to possible variations
in casing structures and, in some cases, to
their extreme age, factors which can lead
to a decrease in their durability.<
The correct wheels and tires
BMW recommends using only wheels
and tires that have been tested and
approved by BMW for your particular vehi-
cle model, as otherwise body contact and
serious accidents can result despite the
use of the same nominal size, e.g. due to
manufacturing tolerances. If non-approved
wheels and tires are used, BMW cannot
evaluate their suitability, and therefore can-
not be held liable for driving safety.<
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single brand
and tread configuration. In the event of a
flat tire, remount the previous wheel and
tire combination as soon as possible.
Recommended tire sizes and brands
BMW tests certain tire brands for each tire
size, classifies them as road-safe and
approves them. You can best find out
about these at a specialized shop, particu-
larly your BMW center. Observe any coun-
try-specific regulations, e.g. on making a
corresponding entry in the vehicle docu-
ments.The factory-approved radial-ply tires are
matched to your vehicle and have been
selected to provide optimum safety and
driving comfort when used properly.
Run Flat tires fitted
Use only Run Flat tires, since no spare
wheel is available in the event of a flat.
Special characteristics of winter
tires
BMW recommends the use of winter tires
for operation under winter road conditions.
While all-season tires, with M+S designa-
tion, provide better winter traction than
summer tires, they generally do not achieve
the full performance of winter tires.
For mounting winter tires, refer to the
descriptions under Tire condition and
Wheel and tire replacement, pages 78, 79.
Run Flat tires fitted
Use only winter Run Flat tires, since no
spare wheel is available in the event of a
flat.
Observing speed ratings
Never exceed the maximum speed for
which the winter tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to ser-
vice tires can lead to damage and acci-
dents. Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. The technicans at your
BMW center will be glad to assist you with
the required professional knowledge and
specialized equipment.<
Storage
Store tires in a cool, dry place, protecting
them against light whenever possible. Pro-
tect the tires from contact with oil, grease
and fuel. Do not exceed the maximum tire
inflation pressures specified on the tire
sidewall.

Wheels and tires
80
Run Flat tires
Run Flat tires are labeled on the sidewall
with a circular symbol containing the letters
RSC. Run Flat tires consist of self-support-
ing tires and special rims. The tire rein-
forcement ensures that driving remains
possible to a restricted degree in the event
of pressure drop or even if the tire is
deflated.
When mounting or replacing summer
tires with winter tires, or vice versa,
use Run Flat tires since no spare wheel is
available in the event of a flat. Your BMW
center knows how to work with Run Flat
tires and is equipped with the necessary
special tools.<
Driving with a damaged tire
When using Run Flat tires, you can con-
tinue driving cautiously at a maximum
speed of 50 mph / 80 km/h, depending on
the cargo load and the extent of tire dam-
age.
If there is a total loss of tire inflation pres-
sure, 0 psi/kilopascal, or obvious tire dam-
age, you can gauge the mileage for contin-
ued driving on the basis of the following
indications:
>With a light load:
1 person without luggage:
approx. 150 miles/250 km
>With a medium load:
1 person, luggage compartment full,
or
2 persons without luggage:
approx. 90 miles/150 km>With a full load:
2 persons, luggage compartment full:
approx. 30 miles/50 km
Drive cautiously. Do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph / 80 km/h. Be aware
that vehicle handling will be altered when
there is a loss in inflation pressure. Antici-
pate, e.g., reduced tracking during braking,
longer braking distances and changed
steering characteristics.
For safety reasons, BMW recommends not
to have Run Flat tires repaired if they are
damaged, but to consult your BMW center
in such cases.<
Snow chains*
Only certain types of snow chains have
been tested by BMW, classified as road-
safe and approved. Consult your BMW
center for more information. BMW recom-
mends using only approved fine-link snow
chains. Use them in pairs on either summer
or winter tires, but only on both rear
wheels.
Comply with all manufacturer's safety pre-
cautions when mounting the chains.
Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph /
50 km/h when using snow chains.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor
after snow chains have been
mounted.
When driving with snow chains, it may be
useful to deactivate the DSC briefly. Refer
to page 53.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
91
Please contact a BMW center in case of a
malfunction.
License plate lamps
5 watt bulb
1.Push out the lamp with a suitable object
and remove it
2.Replace the bulb.
Snap the lamp back into place.
Changing a wheel
Run Flat tires
Your BMW is equipped with Run Flat tires.
Therefore, the wheel no longer has to be
changed immediately in the event of a loss
in inflation pressure.
Run Flat tires are labeled on the sidewall
with a circular symbol containing the letters
RSC. Refer to page 80.
BMW recommends that you consult your
BMW center if you wish to replace the tires
of your BMW, or change from summer to
winter tires or vice versa.
Your BMW center knows how to work with
Run Flat tires and is equipped with the nec-
essary special tools.
When mounting or replacing summer
tires with winter tires, or vice versa,
use only Run Flat tires since no spare
wheel is available in the event of a flat.<
Jacking points
The jacking points are located at the posi-
tions indicated in the illustration.
Your BMW center can provide you
with a suitable jack.<
Battery
Maintenance
The battery is completely maintenance-
free. This means that the original electro-
lyte will normally last for the service life of
the battery under moderate climatic condi-
tions.
Please consult your BMW center
whenever you have any questions
concerning the battery.<
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp for the battery
charge current lights up:
The battery is no longer being
charged. The alternator drive belt is defec-
tive or there is a malfunction in the charging
circuit of the alternator. Please contact the
nearest BMW center.
If the drive belt is defective, pull over
and switch off the engine immediately
to prevent overheating and serious engine
damage.
If the onboard supply voltage drops to a
very low level, increased steering effort
may also be necessary.<

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
109
Lock buttons on doors,
refer to Locking 19
Locking the doors
– from inside 19
– from outside 17, 18
Locking the vehicle
– from inside 18
– from outside 16
Low beams 46
– automatic 46
– bulb replacement 89
– indicator lamp, defective
lamp 13
Lug bolts
– keys 88
Luggage compartment 20
– capacity 101
– increasing capacity 20
– opening/closing,
refer to Luggage
compartment lid 19
– opening from inside the
vehicle 19
– opening from the
outside 19
– opening via remote
control 17
Luggage compartment
lid 19
– opening from inside the
vehicle 19
– opening from the
outside 19
– remote control 17
M
Maintenance, refer to
Service interval
display 49, 86
Maintenance System 86
Making phone calls, refer to
Owner's Manual for
Telephone
Malfunction
– convertible top 23
– door lock 18
– fuel filler door 74
– storage compartments 64
Malfunction of electrical
accessory 92Manual convertible top 21
Manual mode, refer to
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic 39
Manual operation
– door lock 18
– driver's door 18
– fuel filler door 74
– luggage compartment
lid 19
– power convertible top 23
– storage compartments 64
Manual transmission 38
Manufacturer 5
Master key 16
– with remote control 16
Maximum cooling 62
Maximum speed
– with winter tires 79
Measurements, refer to
Dimensions 102
Mechanical seat 28
Memory, refer to Vehicle
Memory, Key Memory 31
Microfilter
– air conditioning 59
– automatic climate
control 63
Mirrors 31
– heated 31
Mobile Service 93
Modifications, technical,
refer to For your own
safety 5
M Sports seat 29
Multifunction steering
wheel MFL 11
Multifunction switch
– turn signal indicators/
headlamp flasher 43
– washer/wiper system 43
N
Neck supports, refer to
Head restraints 28
Nets 64
O
OBD interface socket 87Octane numbers, refer to
Fuel specifications 74
Odometer 48
Oil, refer to Engine oil
– alternative oils 84
– approved oils 84
– capacity 103
– dipstick 83
– indicator lamp 13
Oil change intervals,
refer to the Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models,
Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Oil consumption 83
Oil filter change 103
Oil level 83
– checking 83
– indicator lamp 13
Oil pressure 83
– indicator/warning
lamp 13
Oil sensor 83
– indicator lamp 13
OIL SERVICE 49
Oil types 84
Onboard computer, refer to
Computer or to the
Owner's Manual for
Onboard Computer
Onboard monitor, refer to
Computer or to the
Owner's Manual for
Onboard Computer
Onboard tool kit 88
Opening and closing the
vehicle
– from inside 18
– from outside 16, 17
– via the door lock 18
– via the remote control 17
Operating elements 10
Outlets, refer to
Ventilation 59, 63

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
111
Securing, locking the
vehicle
– from inside 19
– from outside 17
Securing loads,
refer to Cargo loading 70
Selector lever
– automatic transmission
with Steptronic 39
Selector lever lock, refer to
Shiftlock 39
Selector lever positions
– automatic transmission
with Steptronic 39
Service, see Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models,
Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet for
Canadian models 86
Service and warranty 6
Service interval
display 49, 86
Shifting gears
– automatic transmission
with Steptronic 39
– manual transmission 38
Shiftlock 39
Side airbags 56
Side turn signal indicators
– bulb replacement 90
Signal horn, refer to
Horn 10
Slipstream deflector, refer
to Wind deflector 24
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray 65
Snow chains 80
Socket, refer to Cigarette
lighter 65
Socket for Onboard
Diagnostics 87
SOS, refer to Emergency
call 93
Spare fuses 92
Spare key 16
Special oils, refer to
Specified engine oils 84
Special wash program,
refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochureSpecified engine oils 84
Speed
– winter tires 79
Speedometer 12
Sport program
– automatic transmission
with Steptronic 39
– Driving Dynamic
Control 42
Sports seat 29
Stability control, refer to
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 52
Standing lamps 47
Starting 36
– engine 36
Starting assistance
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 52
Starting difficulties
– jump-starting 94
– temperature 37
Status of the Owner's
Manual 5
Steering lock 36
Steering wheel 10
– adjusting 30
Steptronic, refer to Manual
mode 39
Storage, tires 79
Storage compartments 64
– electrical fault 64
– opening manually 64
Storage nets 64
Storage space, refer to
Luggage compartment 20
Storage space, refer to
Storage
compartments 64
Storing seat position, refer
to Seat memory 29
Stroke, refer to Engine
data 100
Summer tires, refer to
Wheels and tires 75
Surface ice, refer to Ice
warning 50
Switches, refer to
Cockpit 10
Switch for passenger
airbags 33Switching gears, refer to
Automatic transmission
with Steptronic 39
Switching off
– engine 37
– vehicle 38
Symbols 4
T
Tachometer 48
Tail lamps
– bulb replacement 90
– indicator lamp, defective
lamp 13
Tail lamps, refer to Rear
lamps 90
– bulb replacement 90
Tank capacity, refer to Fuel
tank capacity 103
Tank indicator, refer to Fuel
gauge 48
Technical data 100
Technical modifications,
refer to For your own
safety 5
Telephone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Telephone preparation 65
Temperature
– air conditioning 59
– automatic climate
control 62
– engine 48
Temperature display
– ice warning 50
– outside
temperature 49, 50
– setting units of
measure 50
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control 45
The BMW Maintenance
System 86
Third brake lamp
– bulb replacement 90
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center high-mount brake
lamp 90
Three-point seat belt, refer
to Safety belts 30

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
113
Washer fluid reservoir, refer
to Headlamp washer
system and Windshield
washer system 83
Washer jets, refer to
Windshield washer
nozzles 44
Washing fluids 83
Washing systems 83
Waste tray, refer to
Ashtray 65
Water on roads,
flooding 69
Weights 101
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions 102
Wheel change set
– Run Flat tires 91
Wheels and tires 75
Wheelslip control
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC 52
Width, refer to
Dimensions 102
Wind deflector 24
Windows
– convenience operation 18
Windshield wash
– reservoir 83
Windshield washer
nozzles 44
Windshield washer
reservoir 83
– content, refer to
Capacities 103
Windshield washer system
– washer/wiper system 43
– washing fluids 83
Windshield wiper blades
– care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
– changing 88
Windshield wipers
– changing 88
Windshield wipers, refer to
Washer/wiper system 43
Winter tires
– changing 91
– storage 79Wood decoration, refer to
the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Work in the engine
compartment 81
Wrench, refer to Onboard
tool kit 88
X
Xenon lamps
– bulb replacement 89