
127
Wheel and tire combinationsThe right choice
BMW recommends using only 
wheels and tires that have been 
approved by BMW for your particular 
vehicle model, as otherwise body con-
tact and serious accidents can result 
despite the use of the same nominal 
size, e.g. due to manufacturing toler-
ances. BMW cannot evaluate all tires 
and wheels on the market, and is thus 
unable to guarantee that the vehicle will 
continue to perform safely if unap-
proved tires and/or wheels are 
mounted.<
For each tire size, BMW has assessed 
the safe performance of specific tire 
brands and approved them for use. 
Consult any BMW center for details. 
Comply with any local/national regula-
tions, for example by recording the tire 
type in the vehicle documents.
The correct wheel-tire combina-
tion affects different systems such 
as ABS, DSC and ADB-X/DBC. The 
function of these systems is impaired if 
improper wheel-tire combinations are 
used. For this reason, use only tires of 
the same manufacture and tread con-
figuration. In the event of a flat tire, for 
example, remount the approved wheel 
and tire combination as soon as possi-
ble.<
StorageAlways store tires in a cool, dry place. 
Store them away from light whenever 
possible. Protect the tires against con-
tact with oil, grease and fuel.
Do not exceed the maximum tire infla-
tion pressures specified on the tire 
sidewall.
Winter tiresChoosing the right tireBMW recommends the use of winter 
tires for operation under winter road 
conditions. While all-season tires – with 
M+S designation – provide better winter 
traction than the corresponding sum-
mer tires, they generally do not achieve 
the performance of winter tires.
In the interest of safe tracking and 
steering response, install winter tires 
made by the same manufacturer and 
having the same tread configuration on 
all four wheels.
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 trained 
professionals only. Any BMW center 
has the required technical knowledge 
and the proper equipment and will be 
happy to assist you.
tires. These are indicated by a circular 
symbol containing the letters RSC on 
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150
Do not attempt to install the full 
wheel cover on the space-saver 
spare tire, since this could damage the 
cover.<
The vehicle jack is designed for 
changing wheels only. Do not 
attempt to raise another vehicle model 
with it or to raise any other type of load. 
To do so could cause accidents and 
personal injury.
To ensure continued safety, have the 
tightness of the torque bolts checked 
with a calibrated lug wrench – torque 
specification: 88.5 lb ft/120 Nm – at the 
earliest opportunity.<
When storing a wheel in the spare tire 
recess, take care to avoid bending the 
threaded rod.
If the original BMW light-alloy wheels 
have been replaced with other light-
alloy wheels, different lug bolts may be 
required.
Replace the defective tire as soon as 
possible and have the new wheel/tire 
balanced.
Driving with the space-saver 
spare tireDrive cautiously. Do not exceed a 
speed of 50 mph / 80 km/h.
Be aware that vehicle handling may be 
altered. Anticipate, e.g., reduced track-
ing during braking, longer braking dis-
tances, and changed steering charac-
teristics when approaching limit 
conditions. These handling characteris-
tics will be even more pronounced if 
winter tires are mounted.
Only one space-saver spare tire 
may be mounted at one time. 
Mount a wheel and tire of the original 
size at the earliest possible opportu-
nity.
tions, the size of the spare tire will 
differ from that of the remaining tires. 
The spare tire is fully functional at all 
loads and speeds. However, the spare 
tire should be replaced at the earliest 
possible opportunity in order to achieve 
the original operating conditions.<
Run Flat tires*Run Flat tires are labeled on the side-
wall with a circular symbol containing 
the letters RSC. Run Flat tires consist of 
self-supporting tires and special rims. 
The tire reinforcement 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 sum-
mer tires with winter tires, or vice 
versa, use Run Flat tires since no spare 
wheel is available in the event of a flat. 
In this event, BMW recommends con-
sulting your BMW center. Your BMW 
center has the information needed for 
working with Run Flat tires and is 
equipped with the necessary special 
tools.<
Changing a wheel 

Everything from A to ZSeat heating 51
Seat memory, refer to Seat 
and mirror memory 50
Seat positions, storing 50
Seats 45
Securing cargo 115
Securing the vehicle
from inside 35
from outside 31, 34
Selector lever
automatic transmission 71
sequential manual gear-
box SMG 67
Selector lever lock, refer to 
Shiftlock 67, 71
Selector lever positions
automatic transmission 71
sequential manual gear-
box SMG 67
Sequential manual gearbox 
SMG 67
indicator lamp 19
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet 136
SERVICE ENGINE SOON
warning lamp 19
Service interval display 
81, 136
Shift paddles 68Shifting gears
automatic transmission 
with Steptronic 71
sequential manual gear-
box SMG 68
Shiftlock 67
Shiftlock, refer to Range 
selection 71
Side airbags 54
Side turn signal indicators
bulb replacement 145
Sitting safely
with airbags 44
with safety belts 44
Size 161
Ski bag 110
Sliding/tilt sunroof, refer to 
Electric glass sunroof 41
SMG sequential manual 
gearbox 67
indicator lamp 19
Smokers' package, refer to 
Ashtray 108
Snow chains 128
SOS, refer to Emergency 
call 152
Space-saver spare tire
changing a wheel 147
Spare key 30
Spare tire 147
Spare wheel 150Speed gauge, refer to 
Speedometer 16
Speedometer 16
Split rear backrest, refer to 
Folding rear backrest 111
SPORT button 70
Sport program
automatic transmission 
with Steptronic 72
Sports seat 46
Stability control, refer to 
Dynamic Stability Control 
(DSC) 86
Standing lamps 94
Starting difficulties
jump-starting 153
temperature 63
Starting help DSC 86
Starting the engine 63
Starting, refer to Starting the 
engine 63
Status of the Owner's Man-
ual 5
Steering wheel lock 63
Steering wheel, adjusting 52
Steptronic, refer to Manual 
operation 72
Storage compartments 106
Storage nets 106
Storage space, refer to 
Cargo area 111Storing seat positions, 
refer to Seat and mirror 
memory 50
Storing tires 127
Stroke, refer to Engine
data 160
Surface ice, refer to Ice 
warning 83
Switches, refer to 
Cockpit 14
Switching off
engine 65
vehicle 65
Symbols 4
Synthetic oils 133
T
Tachometer 79
Tail lamps
bulb replacement 145
Tail lamps, refer to Rear 
lamps 145
Tailgate 35
emergency operation 36
indicator lamp 81
opening from inside the 
vehicle 36
opening from outside 35
opening, remote 
control 32
remote control 32
unlocking manually 36 

Everything from A to Z
175
Tailgate lamp
bulb replacement 147
Tank capacity, refer to Fuel 
tank capacity 163
Tank indicator, refer to Fuel 
gauge 80
Technical data 160
Technical modifications 5
Technical modifications, 
refer to For your own 
safety 5
Telephone hookup 107
Telephone, refer to the sep-
arate Owner's Manual
Television, refer to the 
Owner's Manual for 
Onboard Computer
Temperature
air conditioning 98
automatic climate 
control 102
Temperature adjustment
98, 102
Temperature display
engine coolant 80
ice warning 83
outside temperature 83
setting units 83
Temperature layering
99, 103
Tempomat, refer to Cruise 
control 77Thigh support area, adjust-
ing 46
Third brake lamp, refer to 
Center high-mount brake 
lamp 146
Three-point safety belt 48
Through-loading system 111
Tilt alarm sensor 32
remote control 32
switching off 39
Tilting passenger-side exte-
rior mirror 51
Time 82
Tire change 147
Tire pressure monitoring, 
refer to Flat Tire 
Monitor 91
Tire replacement 125, 147Tires
age 126
breaking in 120
changing 147
condition 128
damage 124
flat 147
inflation pressure 25, 124
replacing 125
size, refer to Wheel and 
tire combinations 127
storing 127
tread 124
treadwear indicator,
refer to Tire tread – tire 
damage 124
winter tires 127
Tools, refer to Onboard tool 
kit 142
Torque 160
engine 148
lug bolts 148
Tow sockets for towing eye-
let 155
Towing eyelet 155
Towing the vehicle 154
Track width, refer to Dimen-
sions 161Transmission
automatic transmission 
with Steptronic 71
sequential manual gear-
box SMG 67
Transmission lock, refer to P 
Park 71
Transmission malfunction
automatic transmission 
with Steptronic 73
sequential manual gear-
box SMG 69
Transport securing devices, 
refer to Securing 
cargo 115
Transporting children 
safely 57
Trap protection
electric power windows 40
Tread depth, refer to Tire 
tread 124
Treadwear indicator in the 
tires, refer to Tire tread – 
tire damage 124
Treadwear, tires 124
Trigger alarm – Panic 
mode 32
Trip distance recorder, refer 
to Trip odometer 79
Trip meter, refer to Trip 
odometer 79
Trip odometer 79
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