
Technology for driving comfort and safety
88
Malfunction
The warning lamps for the brake sys-
tem light up in yellow. The drive-off 
assistant has failed. The car will not 
be held in place after the brake is 
released. Have the system checked as soon as 
possible.
Canadian models display these warn-
ing lamps.
Flat Tire Monitor FTM
The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor monitors tire pressures 
while the car is being driven. The system 
reports any significant loss of pressure in one 
tire in relation to another.
If a tire loses pressure, its rolling radius 
changes, and this in turn alters the speed of 
rotation. This change is detected and is 
reported as a flat tire.
Functional requirement
In order to assure the reliable reporting of a flat 
tire, the system must be initialized for the cor-
rect tire inflation pressure.
The system must be reinitialized each 
time a tire inflation pressure has been cor-
rected or a wheel or tire has been changed.<
System limitations
The Flat Tire Monitor is unable to warn 
the driver of sudden, severe tire damage 
caused by external factors, nor can it identify 
the gradual loss of pressure that will inevitably 
occur in all four tires over a lengthy period of 
time.<
In the following situations, the system could be 
delayed or malfunction:
>System has not been initialized
>Driving on snowy or slippery road surface
>Performance-oriented style of driving: slip 
in the drive wheels, high lateral acceleration>If snow chains are attached
Initializing the system
The initialization is completed during driv-
ing, which can be interrupted at any time. 
When driving resumes, the initialization is con-
tinued automatically. 
Do not initialize the system while snow chains 
are attached.<
iDrive concept, refer to page16.
1.Press the   button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the   menu.
3.Select "Vehicle settings" and press the 
controller.
4.If necessary, move the highlight marker to 
the uppermost field. Turn the controller 
until "FTM" is selected and press the con-
troller.
5.Start the engine, but do not start driving.
6.Select "Set tire pressure" and press the 
controller.
7.Select "Yes" and press the controller.
8.Start to drive.
"Status: FTM active" reappears in the Con- 

Wheels and tires
188
Wheels and tires
Tire inflation pressures
Information for your safety
It is not merely the tires' service life, but also 
driving comfort and, to a great extent, driving 
safety that depend on the condition of the tires 
and the maintenance of the specified tire pres-
sure.
Check the tire inflation pressure regularly 
and correct it, if necessary: at least twice a 
month and before starting long trips. If you fail 
to observe this precaution you may be driving 
on tires with incorrect tire pressures, a condi-
tion that can not only compromise your vehi-
cle's driving stability, but also lead to tire dam-
age and the risk of an accident. Do not drive 
with deflated, i.e. flat tires, except when using 
Run-Flat Tires. A flat tire will seriously impair 
your vehicle's handling and braking response. 
Attempts to drive on a flat tire can lead to loss of 
control over the vehicle.<
Checking pressure
Only check tire inflation pressure when the 
tires are cold. This means after a maximum of 
1.25 miles/2 km driving or when the vehicle has 
been parked for at least 2 hours. When tires are 
warm, the tire inflation pressure is higher.
After correcting tire inflation pressures, 
always reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor, 
refer to page88.<
Inflation pressure specifications
The tables below provide all the correct inflation 
pressures for the specified tire sizes at ambient 
temperature.
The inflation pressures apply to the tire 
sizes approved and tire brands recom-
mended by BMW; a list of these is available 
from your BMW Center.<
For correct identification of the right tire infla-
tion pressures, observe the following:
>Tire sizes for your vehicle>Load conditions
>Maximum allowable driving speed
Tire inflation pressures for driving up to 
100 mph or 160 km/h
For normal driving up to 100 mph or 160 km/h 
and to achieve optimum driving comfort, adjust 
pressures to the respective tire inflation pres-
sures listed on the following pages in the col-
umns for traveling speeds up to a maximum of 
100mph or 160km/h.
These tire inflation pressures can also be found 
on the driver's-side door post when the driver's 
door is open.
The maximum permissible speed for 
these tire pressures is 100 mph or 
160 km/h. Do not exceed this speed, otherwise 
tire damage and accidents could occur.<
Tire inflation pressures for driving 
above 100 mph or 160 km/h
In order to drive at maximum speeds in 
excess of 100 mph or 160 km/h, adjust 
pressures to the respective tire inflation pres-
sures listed on the following pages in the col-
umns for traveling speeds including those 
exceeding 100 mph or 160 km/h. Otherwise tire 
damage and accidents could occur.<
Observe all national and local maximum speed 
limits, otherwise violations of the laws could 
occur. 

Mobility
 189Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Tire inflation pressures for the 323i, for Canada only
Tire size Pressure specifications in psi/kPa 
Traveling speeds
up to a max. of
100 mph / 160 km/hTraveling speeds
including those exceeding
100mph / 160km/h
All pressure specifications in 
the table are indicated in 
psi/kilopascal with cold tires. 
Cold = ambient temperature
without Sports package
225/50 R 16 92 V 
225/50 R 16 92 H M+S 
205/55 R 16 91 H M+S
225/45 R 17 91 H M+S29/200 33/230 29/200 33/230 30/210 38/260
225/45 R 17 94 V M+S XL 29/200 35/240 29/200 35/240 32/220 39/270
Front: 225/35 R 19 88 Y XL 35/240 - 30/210 - 35/240 -
Rear: 255/30 R 19 91 Y XL - 39/270 - 33/230 - 39/270
with Sports package
225/50 R 16 92 V 
225/50 R 16 92 H M+S 
205/55 R 16 91 H M+S
225/45 R 17 91 H M+S29/200 33/230 29/200 35/240 35/240 42/290
225/45 R 17 94 V M+S XL 29/200 35/240 30/210 38/260 36/250 45/310
Front: 225/35 R 19 88 Y XL 35/240 - 33/230 - 38/260 -
Rear: 255/30 R 19 91 Y_XL - 39/270 - 36/250 - 42/290
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page220. 

Wheels and tires
190
Tire inflation pressures for the 325i
Tire size Pressure specifications in psi/kPa 
Traveling speeds
up to a max. of
100mph / 160km/hTraveling speeds
including those exceeding
100 mph / 160 km/h
All pressure specifications in 
the table are indicated in 
psi/kilopascal with cold tires. 
Cold = ambient temperature
without Sports package
225/50 R 16 92 H M+S 
205/55 R 16 91 H M+S
225/45 R 17 91 H M+S
225/45 R 17 94 V M+S XL33/230 41/280 - - 33/230 41/280
Front: 225/45 R 17 91 V 29/200 - 29/200 - 32/220 -
Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 V - 32/220 - 32/220 - 35/240
Front: 225/35 R 19 88 Y XL 35/240 - 32/220 - 35/240 -
Rear: 255/30 R 19 91 Y XL - 41/280 - 35/240 - 41/280
with Sports package
225/50 R 16 92 H M+S 
225/45 R 17 91 H M+S
205/55 R 16 91 H M+S33/230 41/280 - - 35/240 42/290
225/45 R 17 94 V M+S XL 33/230 41/280 - - 38/260 45/310
Front: 225/45 R 17 91 V 29/200 - 29/200 - 35/240 -
Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 V - 32/220 - 33/230 - 39/270
Front: 225/35 R 19 88 Y XL 35/240 - 33/230 - 38/260 -
Rear: 255/30 R 19 91 Y XL - 41/280 - 36/250 - 42/290
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page220. 

Mobility
 191Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Tire inflation pressures for the 325xi
Tire size Pressure specifications in psi/kPa 
Traveling speeds
up to a max. of
100 mph / 160 km/hTraveling speeds
including those exceeding
100mph / 160km/h
All pressure specifications in 
the table are indicated in 
psi/kilopascal with cold tires. 
Cold = ambient temperature
without Sports package:
205/55 R 16 91 H M+S 
225/45 R 17 91 H M+S 
225/50 R 16 92 H M+S
225/45 R 17 94 V M+S XL30/210 36/250 30/210 33/230 35/240 41/280
Front: 225/45 R 17 91 V 30/210 - 30/210 - 35/240 -
Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 V - 32/220 32/220 - 35/240
Front: 225/35 R 19 88 Y XL 39/270 - 35/240 - 39/270 -
Rear: 255/30 R 19 91 Y XL - 41/280 - 35/240 - 41/280
with Sports package:
205/55 R 16 91 H M+S 
225/50 R 16 92 H M+S 
225/45 R 17 91 H M+S30/210 36/250 30/210 33/230 35/240 41/280
225/45 R 17 94 V M+S XL 30/210 36/250 35/240 38/260 39/270 45/310
Front: 225/45 R 17 91 V 30/210 - 33/230 - 38/260 -
Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 V - 32/220 - 33/230 - 39/270
Front: 225/35 R 19 88 Y XL 39/270 - 38/260 - 42/290 -
Rear: 255/30 R 19 91 Y XL - 41/280 - 38/260 - 44/300
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page220. 

Wheels and tires
192
Tire inflation pressures for the 330i
Tire size Pressure specifications in psi/kPa 
Traveling speeds
up to a max. of
100mph / 160km/hTraveling speeds
including those exceeding
100 mph / 160 km/h
All pressure specifications in 
the table are indicated in 
psi/kilopascal with cold tires. 
Cold = ambient temperature
without Sports package:
225/45 R 17 91 H M+S
225/45 R 17 94 V M+S XL33/230 41/280 - - 33/230 41/280
Front: 225/45 R 17 91 V 29/200 - 29/200 - 33/230 -
Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 V - 32/220 - 32/220 - 36/250
Front: 225/40 R 18 88 W 32/220 - 32/220 - 36/250 -
Rear: 255/35 R 18 90 W - 36/250 - 36/250 - 41/280
Front: 225/40 R 18 88 Y - - 29/200 - 30/210 -
Rear: 255/35 R 18 90 Y - - - 32/220 - 36/250
Front: 225/35 R 19 88 Y XL 36/250 - 32/220 - 36/250 -
Rear: 255/30 R 19 91 Y XL - 41/280 - 36/250 - 41/280
with Sports package:
225/45 R 17 91 H M+S
225/45 R 17 94 V M+S XL33/230 41/280 - - 38/260 45/310
Front: 225/45 R 17 91 V 29/200 - 32/220 - 38/260 -
Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 V - 32/220 - 35/240 - 41/280
Front: 225/40 R 18 88 W 32/220 - 35/240 - 38/260 -
Rear: 255/35 R 18 90 W - 36/250 - 38/260 - 45/310
Front: 225/40 R 18 88 Y - - 30/210 - 33/230 -
Rear: 255/35 R 18 90 Y - - - 33/230 - 39/270
Front: 225/35 R 19 88 Y XL 36/250 - 35/240 - 38/260
Rear: 255/30 R 19 91 Y XL - 41/280 - 38/260 - 45/310
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page220. 

Mobility
 193Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Tire inflation pressures for the 330xi
Tire size Pressure specifications in psi/kPa 
Traveling speeds
up to a max. of
100 mph / 160 km/hTraveling speeds
including those exceeding
100mph / 160km/h
All pressure specifications in 
the table are indicated in 
psi/kilopascal with cold tires. 
Cold = ambient temperature
without Sports package:
225/45 R 17 91 H M+S
225/45 R 17 94 V M+S XL32/220 36/250 32/220 35/240 35/240 41/280
Front: 225/45 R 17 91 V 32/220 - 32/220 - 35/240 -
Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 V - 32/220 - 32/220 - 36/250
Front: 225/40 R 18 88 W 35/240 - 33/230 - 36/250 -
Rear: 255/35 R 18 90 W - 36/250 - 33/230 - 39/270
Front: 225/40 R 18 88 Y 35/240 - 32/220 - 35/240 -
Rear: 255/35 R 18 90 Y - 36/250 - 32/220 - 36/250
Front: 225/35 R 19 88 Y XL 39/270 - 35/240 - 39/270 -
Rear: 255/30 R 19 91 Y XL - 41/280 - 35/240 - 41/280
with Sports package:
225/45 R 17 91 H M+S 32/220 36/250 32/220 35/240 35/240 41/280
225/45 R 17 94 V M+S XL 32/220 36/250 35/240 39/270 39/270 45/310
Front: 225/45 R 17 91 V 32/220 - 35/240 - 39/270 -
Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 V - 32/220 - 35/240 - 41/280
Front: 225/40 R 18 88 W 35/240 - 38/260 - 42/290 -
Rear: 255/35 R 18 90 W - 36/250 - 38/260 - 44/300
Front: 225/40 R 18 88 Y 35/240 - 33/230 - 36/250 -
Rear: 255/35 R 18 90 Y - 36/250 - 33/230 - 39/270
Front: 225/35 R 19 88 Y XL 39/270 - 38/260 - 42/290 -
Rear: 255/30 R 19 91 Y XL - 41/280 - 38/260 - 44/300
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page220. 

Mobility
 197Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Run-Flat Tires
When mounting new tires or changing over 
from summer to winter tires and vice versa, 
mount Run-Flat Tires for your own safety. In the 
event of a flat, moreover, no spare wheel is 
available. Your BMW Center will be glad to 
advise you.
For safety reasons, BMW recommends 
that damaged Run-Flat Tires be replaced 
rather than repaired.<
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for use in cold 
winter driving conditions. Although all-season 
M+S tires provide better winter traction than 
summer tires, they generally fail to provide the 
same levels of cold-weather performance as 
winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the 
winter tires mounted on your car; failure 
to do so could result in tire damage and acci-
dents.<
If the car is capable of speeds higher than that 
permitted for the winter tires, a label stating the 
maximum permitted speed for the mounted 
tires must be displayed in your field of view. 
Specialist tire dealers and your BMW Center 
can supply these labels.
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry 
place with as little exposure to light as possible. 
Always protect tires against all contact with oil, 
grease and fuels.  Do not exceed the maximum 
tire inflation pressure indicated on the sidewall 
of the tire.
Snow chains*
Only certain fine-link snow chains have been 
tested by BMW, classified as safe for use and 
recommended. Consult your BMW Center for 
more information. Attach snow chains in pairs 
and only to the rear wheels. Observe the manu-facturer's instructions when mounting snow 
chains. Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph or 
50 km/h.
You are not permitted to mount snow chains to 
tires of the following sizes:
>255/40 R 17
>255/35 R 18
>255/30 R 19
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if 
snow chains are mounted, otherwise the 
instrument might issue an incorrect reading.
When driving with snow chains, you may find it 
helpful to activate DTC temporarily, refer to 
page85.<