
Wheels and tires
196 BMW recommends that you replace all tires
after 6 years at most, even if some tires may last
for 10 years. This also concerns the tire of the
spare wheel.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality 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
DOT Quality Grades
Tread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform to
Federal Safety Requirements in addition
to these grades.<
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1γ) times as
well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, how-
ever, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteris-
tics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration, cor-
nering, hydroplaning, or peak traction charac-
teristics.<
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,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either sep-
arately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.<
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than sum-
mer tires.
XL
Indicates specially reinforced 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.
Minimum tread depth
The tread depth should not drop below 0.12 in/
3 mm, although, for example, European legisla-
tion only specifies a minimum tread depth of
0.063 in/1.6 mm. At tread depths below 0.12 in/
3 mm there is an increased risk of high-speed
hydroplaning, even when only small amounts of
water are present on the road surface.
When winter tires wear down past a tread depth
of 0.16 in/4 mm, they become perceptibly less

Wheels and tires
198 Tire Pressure Monitor cannot detect a flat tire,
refer to page84. Your BMW center will be
happy to advise you on this subject.
Recommended tire brands
Certain tire makes are recommended by BMW
depending on the tire size. You can recognize
these from the clearly visible BMW marking on
the tire sidewall.
When used properly, these tires comply with
the most demanding standards for safety and
vehicle response.
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 observe the maximum permissi-
ble speed for the winter tires, otherwise
tire damage may occur, which can result in acci-
dents.<
After changing wheels/tires
After changing tires or wheels, the slip detec-
tion of the Sequential Manual Transmission
must become familiar with the changed state.
Reinitialize the system for this purpose:
1.Move the selector lever into the idling
position N on a straight stretch of road at
a speed between 20 mph/30 km/h and
90 mph/150 km/h.2.Pull both shift paddles for approx. 2 sec-
onds.
If you do not carry out initialization, the system
will automatically learn the changed state grad-
ually during driving. This may be noticeable
from the clutch opening and closing briefly.
Storage
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 side wall of
the tire.
Rotating wheels between axles
BMW does not recommend moving the front
wheels to the rear or vice versa, as otherwise
the handling characteristics may be impaired.
Snow chains*
BMW only tests certain fine-link snow chains,
classifies them as road-safe and recommends
them. Consult your BMW center for more infor-
mation.
Use is only permitted in pairs, with winter tires
of the size 245/45 R 18 on the rear wheels.
Observe the manufacturer's instructions when
mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed
of 30 mph/50 km/h with the chains mounted.
Make sure that the snow chains are always suf-
ficiently tensioned. Retension in accordance
with the chain manufacturer's specifications if
necessary.
After mounting snow chains, do not ini-
tialize the Flat Tire Monitor, otherwise
incorrect displays can occur.
After mounting or removing snow chains, the
slip detection of the Sequential Manual Trans-
mission must become familiar with the altered
state. To do this, reinitialize the system, refer to
After changing wheels/tires.<

Replacing components
208 3.Press together the two clips at the top and
bottom on the bulb holder and remove the
bulb holder.
4.Backup lamps:
Remove and replace the bulb.
Other lamps:
Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and replace-
ment.
Lamps in luggage compartment lid
License plate lamp
5-watt bulb, C5W
1.Insert screwdriver into the slot and press to
the right, refer to arrows. This releases the
lamp.
2.Remove the lamp and replace the bulb.
Repairing flat tire with
M Mobility System
To repair a flat tire, an M Mobility System is pro-
vided in the BMW M5. Using this system you
can apply a sealant in the inside of the tire, seal
off the damaged area, restore the tire inflation
pressure and then continue driving.
Safety measures in case of a breakdown:
Park the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic and on solid ground. Switch on
the hazard warning flashers.
Lock the steering wheel in straight-ahead set-
ting of the wheels. Apply the handbrake and
engage the first or reverse gear. Have all vehicle
occupants get out of the vehicle and ensure
that they remain outside the immediate area in a
safe place, such as behind a guardrail.
If a warning triangle
* or portable hazard warning
lamp
* is required, set it up on the roadside at an
appropriate distance from the rear of the vehi-
cle. Comply with all safety guidelines and regu-
lations.<
Preparation
The M Mobility System is located in the cargo
bay under the floor panel flap.
Do not remove foreign bodies which have pen-
etrated the tire if possible.
Corresponding information on using the
M Mobility System are also provided on
the device.<
Before using the M Mobility System,
observe the information on the sealant
bottle.<
Pull the sticker for the speed limit off the sealant
bottle and apply it to the steering wheel.

Mobility
209Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Please observe the best-by date on the
sealant bottle.<
The M Mobility System consists of
1Sealant bottle and sticker with speed limit
2Filling hose from sealant bottle to wheel
Model with pressure gauge on hose*
3Connector and cable for lighter socket
4Mounting for sealing bottle
5Compressor
6On/Off switch
7Pressure gauge for indicating tire inflation
pressure
8Screw on pressure gauge for reducing tire
inflation pressure
9Connecting hose for connecting compres-
sor and sealant bottle or compressor and
wheel
Connector, cable and connecting hose are
stored in the compressor housing.
Model with pressure gauge integrated
in housing*
3Connector and cable for lighter socket
4Mounting for sealing bottle
5Compressor
6On/Off switch
7Pressure gauge for indicating tire inflation
pressure
8Button for reducing tire inflation pressure
9Connecting hose for connecting compres-
sor and sealant bottle or compressor and
wheel
Connector, cable and connecting hose are
stored on underside of compressor.
Using M Mobility System
To repair a flat tire with the M Mobility System,
proceed as follows:
>Fill sealant into wheel, refer to page209.
>Distribute sealant, refer to page210.
>Produce tire inflation pressure, refer to
page210.
Filling sealant into wheel
Strictly comply with the specified order,
otherwise highly pressurized sealant
could escape.<
1.Shake sealant bottle.
2.Screw hose9 onto connection of sealant
bottle.
3.For model with pressure gauge on hose:
Make sure that screw8 on pressure gauge
is closed.

Replacing components
210 4.Screw dust cap off valve of defective wheel
and screw filling hose2 of sealant bottle
onto valve.
5.Insert sealant bottle on compressor hous-
ing so that it is positioned upright.
6.Make sure that the device is switched off,
position 0.
7.Insert connector3 into lighter socket in
vehicle interior, refer to page106.
8.With the ignition switched on:
Switch on the device and allow to run for
approx. 3 minutes to fill wheel with sealant.
It is not important what inflation pressure
the tire has after filling.
9.Switch off device.
10.Remove connecting hose from connection
of sealant bottle and tire valve.
Stow the M Mobility System in the vehicle
again.
Distributing sealant
Immediately drive approx. 2 miles/3 km so that
sealant is evenly distributed in tire.
Do not exceed a maximum speed of
35 mph/60 km/h. Do not drop below
12 mph/20 km/h if possible.<
Producing tire inflation pressure
1.After approx. 2 miles/3 km, stop at suitable
location.
2.Screw compressor hose9 directly onto tire
valve.
3.Insert connector 3 in lighter socket in vehi-
cle interior.4.Correct tire inflation pressure to 29 psi/
200 kPa. With the ignition switched on:
>Increase inflation pressure: switch on
compressor, position I. To check cur-
rently set inflation pressure, briefly
switch off device.
Do not allow compressor to run
longer than 10 minutes, otherwise
the device will overheat and may be dam-
aged.<
>Reduce inflation pressure: press but-
ton8 or turn s crew8 on pressure gauge.
If the inflation pressure is not held, drive
the vehicle again, refer to Distributing
sealant. Then repeat steps 1 to 4 once.
Using the M Mobility System can be ineffective
with tire damage from a size of approx. 0.16 in/
4 mm. Please contact the nearest BMW center,
refer to page215, or a workshop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel if the tire can-
not be made ready for driving with the
M Mobility System.<
The tire inflation pressure must be at least
29 psi/200 kPa. Otherwise do not con-
tinue driving.<
Continue driving
Do not exceed the permissible maximum
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h, otherwise
accidents can occur.<
Reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor.
For details, refer to page83.
Have the defective tire and the sealant bottle of
the M Mobility System replaced as soon as
possible.<
Changing wheels*
Safety precautions in the event of a flat
tire or wheel change: park the vehicle as
far as possible from passing traffic and on solid
ground. Switch on the hazard warning flashers.
Lock the steering wheel in straight-ahead set-
ting of the wheels. Apply the handbrake and
engage first gear or reverse gear with a manual

Replacing components
212 2.Guide the jack head into the rectangular
recess of the jacking point when cranking
up, refer to illustration detail.
3.Jack the vehicle up until the wheel you are
changing is raised from the ground.
Mounting a wheel
1.Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the
wheel.
2.Remove accumulations of mud or dirt from
the mounting surfaces of the wheel and
hub. Also clean the lug bolts.
3.Position the new wheel or spare wheel.
Secure the wheel by screwing at least two
lug bolts into opposite bolt holes.
When you mount wheels other than Genu-
ine BMW light-alloy wheels, different lug
bolts may also be required.
4.Screw in the remaining lug bolts. Tighten all
the bolts securely in a diagonal pattern.
5.Lower the vehicle and remove the jack from
beneath the vehicle.
After mounting
1.Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal pattern.
To ensure safety, always have the
lug bolts checked with a calibrated
torque wrench as soon as possible to
ensure that they are tightened to the speci-
fied torque. The tightening torque is
88.5 lb ft/120 Nm.<
2.Check and correct the tire inflation pressure
at the earliest opportunity.
Protect valve stems with valve stem
seal caps against dirt and contamina-tion. Dirt in valve stems is a frequent source
of gradual air loss.<
3.Initialize the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to
page83, and the Sequential Manual Trans-
mission, refer to After changing wheels/
tires on page198.
4.Replace the damaged tire as soon as possi-
ble and have the new wheel/tire balanced.
Stowing wheel and tools
1.Lay the wheel in the tool mounting.
2.Lay the cover on the mounting.
3.Center the wheel and cover relative to the
lashing eyes5.
4.Hook the belt into the lashing eyes.
5.Completely open the tensioning lock.
6.Thread the belt3 through the axis6 of the
tensioning lock without twisting it and ten-
sion it by hand.
7.Tighten the belt firmly with the tensioning
lock by opening and closing the lock several
times.
8.Fold the tensioning lock closed and stow
the protruding belt end.
Driving with spare wheel
With certain wheel-and-tire combinations
the size of the spare wheel differs from
that of the other wheels. The spare wheel is
equivalent to them in all load and speed ranges.
However, to restore the original state, the nor-
mal wheel should be remounted as soon as
possible.<

Reference 233
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
CD changer159
– controls146
– fast forward/reverse163
– installation location163
– random order162
– repeating a track162
– sampling tracks161
– selecting a CD159
– selecting a track160
– switching on/off146
– tone control147
– volume147
CD player159
– controls146
– fast forward/reverse163
– random order162
– repeating a track162
– sampling a track161
– selecting a track160
– switching on/off146
– tone control147
– volume147
Center armrest
– front104
– rear107
Center brake lamp207
Center console14
"Central locking"30
Central locking
– from inside32
– from outside30
Central locking system30
– comfort access36
Change "Route
preference"131
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Changes, technical, refer to
Parts and accessories6
Changing language on
Control Display76
Changing scale for
navigation135
Changing units of measure on
Control Display76
Changing wheels197,210
CHECK button72
Check Control71"Check Control
messages"72
Check Gas Cap192
Checking the air pressure,
refer to Tire inflation
pressure194
Child restraint fixing system
LATCH53
Child restraint systems52
Child-safety lock54
Child seats, refer to
Transporting children
safely52
Chime, refer to Check
Control71
Chock211
Chrome parts, refer to Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Cigarette lighter106
Cigarette lighter socket, refer
to Connecting electrical
devices106
Cleaning, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
"Climate"46,97
Clock67
– 12h/24h mode75
– hour signal75
– setting time and date74
Closing
– from inside32
– from outside30
Closing fuel filler cap192
Clothes hooks105
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting
engine56
"Comfort", active backrest
width adjustment43
Comfort access36
– replacing battery, remote
control37
Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14Comfort operation
– glass sunroof31
– windows31
– windows with comfort
access37
– with comfort access37
"Comfort" with EDC82
"Communication"173,183
Compact Disc
– refer to CD changer159
– refer to CD player159
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock55
Compartments, refer to
Storage compartments105
Compressed audio files159
Computer67
– clock67
– displays on Control
Display68
– hour signal75
"Concert hall", refer to Tone
control148
"Concierge"
185
Condensation, refer to When
vehicle is parked114
Condition Based Service
CBS204
"Confirmation"31
Confirmation signals for
locking and unlocking31
Connecting car vacuum
cleaner, refer to Connecting
electrical devices106
Consumption, refer to
Average fuel
consumption68
Consumption statistics, refer
to Average fuel
consumption68
"Continue guidance to
destination?"134
Control Center, refer to
iDrive16

Everything from A to Z
236 Engine oil
– adding201
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils202
– approved engine oil202
– checking oil level200
– exact measurement201
– fast measurement201
– interval between changes,
refer to Service
requirements69
– oil change202
– oil grades, refer to Approved
engine oils202
– possible displays201
– temperature67
– temperature gauge67
Engine output, refer to Engine
data222
Engine overheating, refer to
Coolant temperature66
Engine speed, refer to Engine
data222
Engine starting, refer to
Starting engine56
"Enter address"122,129
Entering destination via town/
city name122
Entering intersection,
navigation123
Entering the
address121,124
Entering town/city for
navigation122
Entering zip code for
navigation123
"Entertainment"146
Entertainment sound output
on/off147
Entry map for destination126
"Equalizer", refer to Tone
control149Equalizer, refer to Tone
control149
"ESN"156
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control80
Event Data Recorders205
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system112
Exterior mirrors47
– adjusting47
– automatic dimming
feature48
– automatic heating48
– folding in and out47
– tilting down passenger-side
exterior mirror48
External audio
device105,165
Eye for tow-starting and
towing, refer to Tow
fitting216
F
"Fader", refer to Tone
control148
Fader, refer to Tone
control148
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control71
False alarm
– refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms36
– refer to Switching off
alarm35
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts45
– warning lamp46
Fastest route for
navigation131
"Fast route" for
navigation131
"Favorites" calling up with
radio153
Filling bottle, refer to
M Mobility System208
Filling sealant into wheel209Filter, refer to Microfilter/
activated-charcoal filter100
Fine wood, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
First aid, refer to First-aid
kit215
First-aid kit215
Flashing
– during locking/unlocking,
refer to Setting confirmation
signals31
– Triple turn signal
activation62
Flashlight, refer to
Rechargeable flashlight104
Flat tire
– changing wheels210
– Flat Tire Monitor82,84
– M Mobility System84,208
– spare wheel211
– TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor84
– warning lamp84,85
Flat tire, refer to Tire
condition196
Flat Tire Monitor82
– false alarms83
– initializing system83
– show chains198
– system limits83
– warning lamp84
Floor mat, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Floor mats/carpets, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Fluid reservoir, refer to
Washer fluid reservoir63
"FM", reception
range147,
150
FM, waveband150
Folding rear backrest108
Fold-over rear backrest108
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely113
Footwell lamps, refer to
Interior lamps94