Page 83 of 120

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
81
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 controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory 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 Vehi-
cle 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,
under-inflation, or excessive loading, 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 page82.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter performance proper-
ties 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 exam-
ple, 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 hydro-
planing, even with only small amounts of water
on the road and at relatively moderate speeds.At tread depths below approx. 1/6in/ 4mm,
winter tires display a perceptible decrease in
their ability to cope with winter driving condi-
tions, and should be replaced in the interest of
safety.
Tread wear indicators in the tread-groove base,
see arrow, are distributed around the wheel cir-
cumference and are labeled on the tire sidewall
as TWI, Tread Wear Indicator. At a tread depth
of 1/16 in / 1.6 mm, the indicators signal that the
legally permissible wear limit has been reached.
Wheel/tire damage
Due to low-profile tires, please note that
wheels, tires and suspension parts are
more susceptible to road hazards and conse-
quential damages.<
Unusual vibrations encountered during normal
vehicle operation can indicate tire failure or
some other vehicle malfunction. This type of
problem can be caused by contact with curbs,
etc. This is also true for irregularities in the vehi-
cle's handling characteristics, such as a pro-
nounced tendency to pull to the left or right.
Should this occur, respond by immedi-
ately reducing your speed. Proceed care-
fully to the nearest BMW center or professional
tire center, or have the vehicle towed there.
Tire damage up to and including sudden and
complete air loss can pose an extreme hazard
for both vehicle occupants and other road
users.<
Page 85 of 120

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
83
can lead to damage and accidents. 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. Protect the
tires from contact with oil, grease and fuel. Do
not exceed the maximum tire inflation pres-
sures specified on the tire sidewall.
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 recommends 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 precau-
tions 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
page51.<
Page 114 of 120

Everything from A to Z
112 Manual mode, refer to
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic39
Manual operation
– automatic transmission
interlock38
– door lock18
– driver's door18
– fuel filler door76
– luggage compartment lid18
– power convertible top23
– storage compartments64
Manual transmission38
Manufacturer5
Master key16
– with remote control16
Maximum cooling62
Maximum speed, winter
tires82
MD operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
Measurements, refer to
Dimensions104
Mechanical seat28
Memory, refer to
– Seat Memory29
– Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory31
Microfilter
– air conditioning59
– automatic climate control63
Microphone, refer to
Preparations for the cellular
phone65
Minidisc operation, refer to
Owner's Manual for Radio/
Onboard Computer
Mirrors31
– heated31
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual5
Mobile Service96
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety6
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to
– Tire inflation pressure78
M Sports seat29Multifunction steering wheel,
refer to Buttons in the
steering wheel10
Multifunction switch
– turn signal indicators/
headlamp flasher42
– washer/wiper system43
N
Neck supports, refer to Head
restraints28
Nets64
Nylon rope, refer to Towing
and tow-starting99
O
OBD interface socket90
Octane numbers, refer to Fuel
specifications76
Odometer46
Oil, refer to Engine oil
– additives, refer to Approved
oils87
– alternative oils87
– approved oils87
– capacity105
– dipstick86
– indicator/warning lamp13
Oil change intervals,
refer to the Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models,
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models
Oil consumption86
Oil filter change105
Oil level86
– checking86
– indicator lamp13
Oil pressure86
– indicator/warning lamp13
Oil sensor86
– indicator lamp13
Oil service47
Oil types87Onboard computer
– button BC48
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 kit91
Opening and closing the
vehicle
– at the door lock17
– from inside18
– from outside16,17
– with the remote
control16,17
Operating elements10
Outlets, refer to
Ventilation59,63
Outside air mode59
– air conditioning59
Outside air mode, automatic
climate control62
Outside temperature
display47
– changing units of
measure48
– in the onboard computer48
P
Paintwork, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Parking brake37
– indicator lamp13
Parking lamps/Low beams56
Parking lock, refer to
Parking39
Parts and accessories,
refer to Your individual
vehicle5
Passenger airbags
– deactivation33
– reactivation33
Placing the vehicle in storage,
refer to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure