Wheels and tires
200
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
suitable for winter conditions. For the sake of
safety, new tires should be installed.
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Mobility
201Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Wear indicators at the tread-groove base, refer
to arrow, are distributed over the tire's circum-
ference and are marked on the side of the tire
with TWI – Tread Wear Indicator. If the tire tread
has been driven down to the wear indicators, a
tread depth of 0.063 in/1.6 mm has been
reached.
Wheel/tire damage
Please note that low-profile tires cause wheels,
tires and suspension parts to be more suscep-
tible to road hazards and consequential dam-
ages.
Unusual vibrations encountered during normal
vehicle operation can indicate tire failure or
some other vehicle defect. This can, for exam-
ple, be caused by driving over curbs. These
kinds of problems may also be signaled by other
changes in vehicle response, such as a strong
tendency to pull to the left or right.
In these cases, reduce speed immedi-
ately and have wheels and tires thor-
oughly checked. To do so, drive carefully to the
nearest BMW center or tire shop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel. If necessary,
have the vehicle towed there. Tire damage can
be extremely dangerous for vehicle occupants
and other road users.<
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and tires installed only
by your BMW center or tire shop that
works according to BMW repair procedures
with correspondingly trained personnel. If this
work is not carried out properly, there is a dan-
ger of subsequent damage and related safety hazards. Make sure that the new wheels are bal-
anced.<
Retreaded tires
BMW does not recommend that you use
retreaded tires, as driving safety may be
impaired. The causes for this include the possi-
bly different tire casing structures and the often
wide variations in their age, which can result in a
limited service life.<
The right wheels and tires
BMW recommends that you use only
wheel and tire combinations that BMW
has tested and approved for your particular
vehicle. Variations in factors such as manufac-
turing tolerances mean that even wheels and
tires with identical official size ratings could
actually have different dimensions than the
approved units – these differences could lead to
body contact, and with it the risk of severe acci-
dents. When selecting the tires, also ensure
that they have a sufficient load-carrying capac-
ity. If non-approved wheels and tires are used,
BMW cannot evaluate their suitability, and
therefore cannot be held liable for driving
safety.<
You can inquire about the right wheel/tire com-
bination at your BMW center.
The correct wheel/tire combination also affects
various systems whose function would other-
wise be impaired, e.g. ABS or DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single tread config-
uration from a single manufacturer. Following
tire damage, have the original wheel and tire
combination remounted on the vehicle as soon
as possible.
Wheels with electronics for
TPM Tire Pressure Monitor
When mounting new tires or converting from
summer to winter tires or vice versa, only use
wheels with TPM electronics, otherwise the
Tire Pressure Monitor cannot detect a flat tire,
refer to page83. Your BMW center will be
happy to advise you on this subject.
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Wheels and tires
202
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.<
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Everything from A to Z
234
Everything from A to Z
Index
"..." Identifies Control Display
texts used to select
individual functions, and
indicates where to find them
in the text.
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System78
– indicator/warning lamp80
Accepted calls180
Accessories6
Accident, refer to Emergency
call219
Acoustic signal, refer to Check
Control70
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control99
"Activation time" for parked-
car ventilation100
Active seat ventilation47
Adapter for spare key28
Adaptive brake lamps, refer to
Brake force display85
Adaptive Head Light93
"Add digits" for mobile
phone180
Additives
– coolant206
– engine oil, refer to Approved
engine oils206
"Address book" for navigation
system130
Address for navigation
– deleting131
– entering122,125
– selecting130
– storing130
– storing current position130
"Add to address book"129"Add to destination
list"125,127
Adjusting active backrest
width43
Adjusting interior
temperature96
Adjusting the tone during
audio operation, refer to
Tone control147
Adjusting thigh support42
Adjustment in audio mode
– front/rear balance148
– right/left balance148
"After door opened"44
"After unlocking"44
Airbags86
– indicator/warning lamp87
– indicator lamp for front
passenger airbags87
– sitting safely41
Air distribution
– automatic96
– manual97
Airing, refer to Ventilation99
Air recirculation
– AUC Automatic
recirculated-air control
98
– recirculated-air mode98
"Air recirculation on / off"50
Air supply, automatic climate
control95
Air volume97
AKI, refer to Fuel quality197
Alarm system35
– avoiding unintentional
alarms35
– interior motion sensor35
– switching off alarm35
– switching off tilt alarm
sensor and interior motion
sensor36
– tilt alarm sensor35"All channels"157
"All doors"31
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires202
"All stations", calling up with
radio150,154
Alterations, technical, refer to
For your own safety5
Altering stretch of road138
"AM", reception
range146,150
Antenna, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
Antenna for mobile phone172
Antifreeze
– coolant206
– washer fluid63
Antilock Brake System
ABS78
– indicator/warning lamp80
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system35
Anti-theft system, refer to
Central locking system30
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights228
Approved engine oils206
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights228
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest, rear107
Around the center console14
Around the steering wheel10
Arrival time
– refer to Computer67
– refer to Starting destination
guidance134
"Arrow display" for navigation
system135
Artificial leather, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
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Reference 243
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Light switch91
"Limit"73
Loading
– securing cargo116
– stowing cargo115
– vehicle114
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo116
"Lock after driving"33
Lock buttons in the doors,
refer to Locking33
Locking31
– confirmation signals31
– from inside33
– from outside31
– without key, refer to Comfort
access36
Locking and unlocking doors
– confirmation signals31
– from inside32
– from outside30
Low beams91
– automatic91
– indicator lamp13
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support42
Lug bolts216
– tightening torque, refer to
After mounting217
– wrench216
Luggage compartment lid33
– emergency release34
– locking with remote
control31
– opening from inside33
– opening from outside34
– opening with remote
control31
– unlocking and locking from
inside32
Luggage compartment lid/
tailgate, comfort access37
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack116
Lumbar support42
LW, waveband150M
M Dynamic Mode MDM79
– indicator lamp13,79
M Engine Dynamic Control58
– "P 400"58
– "P 500"58
– "P 500 Sport"58
M Mobility System213
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires202
Maintenance208
– refer to Service and
Warranty Information
Booklet for US models208
– refer to Service
requirements68
– refer to Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models208
Maintenance system208
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control70
Manual air distribution97
"Manual" on the radio151
Manual operation
– door lock32
– driver's door32
– fuel filler door196
– glass sunroof39
– luggage compartment lid34
Manual transmission57
– tow-starting223
"Map direction of travel"136
Map display136
"Map facing north"136
Map for navigation
– changing scale136
– destination entry127
Map view facing north136
Master key, refer to Keys/
remote control28
Maximum cooling98
Maximum speed with winter
tires202
MDM, refer to M Dynamic
Mode79MDrive50
"M Dynamic Mode"79
Measurements, refer to
Dimensions227
Memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory43
MENU, button refer to Start
menu17
Menus, refer to iDrive16
Message list for traffic
information139
Microfilter99
Microphone
– for telephone14
– for voice command
system14
Mirror dimming feature49
Mirrors48
– automatic curb monitor48
– folding in and out48
– heating48
– memory, refer to Seat, mirror
and steering wheel
memory43
"Missed calls"180
Missed calls181
Mobile communications
devices in vehicle113
Mobile phone
– accepted calls181
– adjusting volume178
– calling179
– ending call179
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest104
– missed calls181
– operation by voice183
– operation via iDrive178
– redialing181
– refer to separate operating
instructions
– Top 8181
– touch tone dialing, refer to
Tone dialing method182
Mobile phone battery186
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Everything from A to Z
248 Settings
– changing on Control
Display73
– clock, 12h/24h mode74
– configuring, refer to
MDrive50
– configuring, refer to
Personal Profile29
– date75
– language76
– units of measure75
Settings menu, refer to
imenu17
Setting time, refer to
Preselecting activation
times100
Shifting60
Shift lights61
Shiftlock59
Shift paddles on steering
wheel60
Shock absorber control, refer
to EDC Electronic Damping
Control81
Short commands of voice
command system229
"Short route" for
navigation132
Short route in navigation, refer
to Selecting route132
Shoulder support42
"Show current position"127
"Show destination
position"127
Shuffled, refer to Random
– CD changer162
– CD player162
Side airbags86
Side marker lamps, replacing
bulbs212
Side-mounted turn signals,
replacing bulbs212
Side window blinds, refer to
Sun blinds103
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely41
– with airbags41
– with head restraint41
– with safety belts41Ski bag108
Sliding/tilt sunroof, refer to
Glass sunroof, electric38
Slope assistant, refer to
Starting off on slopes113
SMG, refer to Sequential
Manual Transmission with
Drivelogic58
"SMG Drivelogic"51,61
Snap-in adapter
– mounting/removing185
– using172
Snow chains
202
Socket for Onboard
Diagnostics interface209
Socket for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock55
Sockets, refer to Connecting
electrical devices107
Soft closure aid, refer to
Automatic soft closing33
Song search on CD, refer to
Sampling tracks161
SOS, refer to Initiating an
emergency call219
Spare
– adapter for spare key28
– fuses218
– key28
Spare wheel
– driving with spare wheel217
– refer to Changing
wheels215
Special oils, refer to Approved
engine oils206
Specified oil grades, refer to
Approved engine oils206
Speed-dependent
volume148
Speed limit72
Speed limit warning, refer to
Speed limit72
Speedometer12
"Speed volume", tone
control148
Speed with winter tires202
"Sport" with EDC81Stability control, refer to
Driving stability control
systems78
Start/Stop button55
– starting the engine56
– switching off the engine56
"Start" for stopwatch73
"Start guidance"125,134
Starting, refer to Starting
engine56
Starting assistance, refer to
Jump starting220
Starting assistant, refer to
Starting off on slopes113
Starting difficulties, jump
starting220
Starting off
– on a slippery surface113
– on slopes113
Start menu, iDrive17
"Start route guidance"127
"Start service"188
"Start Service" for BMW
Assist190
"State / Province" for
destination entry123
"State inspection"70
Station, refer to Radio150
"Status"69
Status information on Control
Display20
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing5
Steering wheel
– adjustment49
– automatic adjustment, refer
to Steering wheel
memory43
– buttons on steering
wheel11
– easy entry/exit49
– heating49
– lock, refer to Ignition lock55
– MDrive button50
– memory43
– programmable button49
– shift paddles60
"Steering wheel button"50
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Reference 249
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Steering-wheel shift buttons,
refer to Shift paddles60
"Stop" for stopwatch73
"Stopwatch"73
Stopwatch73
Storage compartments105
"Store in address book" for
navigation system130
"Store" on the radio152,158
Storing current position130
Storing radio stations152
Storing sitting position, refer
to Seat, mirror and steering
wheel memory43
Storing tires202
"Street" for destination
entry124
Summer tires, refer to Wheels
and tires198
Sun blinds103
"Surround Settings", refer to
Tone control148,149
SW, waveband150
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching off engine56
Switching on
– audio146
– CD changer146
– CD player146
– radio146
Switching on hour signal74
Swiveling headlamps, refer to
Adaptive Head Light93
Symbols4
– indicator/warning lamps13
– navigation system141
– status information20
– traffic information with
navigation system138
T
Tachometer65
Tail lamps212
– replacing bulbs212
Tank contents, refer to
Capacities228
Target cursor for
navigation127Technical alterations, refer to
For your own safety5
Technical data226
– capacities228
– dimensions227
Telematics, refer to
BMW Assist187
Telephone
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest104
– refer to Mobile phone172
"Telephone list"50
TeleService189
Temperature
– adjusting in upper body
region96
– adjusting with automatic
climate control96
– changing units of
measure75
– refer to Coolant
temperature65
Temperature display
– changing units of
measure75
– outside temperature65
– outside temperature
warning66
Temperature gauge, engine
oil66
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control63
"Terminate services"192
"Text language"76
"Theater", refer to Tone
control149
The individual vehicle5
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center brake lamp212
Through-loading system108
Tightening torque of the lug
bolts, refer to After
mounting217
Tilt alarm sensor35
– switching off36
Tilting down passenger-side
exterior mirror48
"Time"74
"Time format"74Timer, refer to Preselecting
activation times100
"Timer 1" for parked-car
ventilation100
"Timer 2" for parked-car
ventilation100
Tire inflation pressures198
Tire pressure
– loss83
Tire pressure loss83
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM83
Tire Quality Grading199
Tire replacement, new wheels
and tires201
Tires
– age199
– air loss83,84
– breaking-in112
– changing201
– condition200
– damage201
– flat tire, refer to Changing
wheels215
– inflation pressure198
– M Mobility System213
– new wheels and tires201
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor81
– pressure monitoring, refer to
TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor83
– replacing215
– retreaded tires201
– size199
– tread200
– wear indicators200
– wheel/tire combination201
– winter tires202
Tire trouble, changing
wheels215
TMC station, refer to Traffic
information138
"Tone"147
Tone dialing method182
Tone in audio mode
– adjusting147
– middle setting149
Tone on locking/unlocking31
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Reference 251
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
V
Valve screw caps, refer to
After mounting217
Vehicle
– battery218
– breaking-in112
– care209
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– loading114
– measurements, refer to
Dimensions227
– parking56
– washing, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
– weights228
"Vehicle / Tires" for
unlocking30
Vehicle jack216
– jacking points216
Vehicle position, refer to
Displaying current
position142
Ventilation99
– draft-free99
– in rear99
– while stationary99
Venting, refer to Ventilation99
Vent outlets95
– automatic climate control95
– refer to Ventilation99
"Vent settings"97
Viscosity206
Voice, refer to Destination
guidance with voice
instructions137
Voice command system
– overview23
– short commands229
Voice instructions for
navigation system137
– muting50
– repeating50,138
– switching on/off50,137
– volume138
Voice phone book184Volume146
– audio sources146
– cargo bay228
– fuel tank, refer to
Capacities228
– mobile phone178
– setting speed-
dependent148
– voice instructions138
– windshield cleaning system,
refer to Capacities228
W
Warning lamps, refer to
Indicator and warning
lamps13
Warning messages, refer to
Check Control70
Warning triangle219
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet for Canadian
models208
Washer fluid63
– capacity of the reservoir63
Washing the vehicle, also refer
to Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Waste container, refer to
Ashtray106
Water on roads, refer to
Driving through water113
Waveband for radio150
"WB"146,154
Wear indicators in tires, refer
to Minimum tread depth200
Weather news flashes154
Website BMW4
Weights228
Welcome lamps91
"Welcome light"92
Wheel/tire combination, refer
to New wheels and tires201
Wheel/tire damage201
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions227
Wheels and tires198
Width, refer to
Dimensions227Windows37
– comfort operation31
– comfort operation from
outside32
– comfort operation with
comfort access36
– safety switch38
Windshield
– cleaning, refer to Wiper
system62
– defrosting, refer to
Defrosting windows97
– displays, refer to Head-Up
Display88
Windshield wash
– automatic, refer to Rain
sensor62
– capacities, reservoir228
– filler neck for washer
fluid204
– washer fluid63
– windshield washer
nozzles63
– wiper system62
Windshield wipers, refer to
Wiper system62
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– wiper blade
replacement210
Winter tires202
– setting speed limit72
– storage202
Wiper blades
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– replacement210
Wiper system62
– rain sensor62
– washer fluid63
– windshield washer
nozzles63
"With highways" for
navigation system132
Wood decoration, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Word matching principle for
navigation133
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