2008 BMW 6 SERIES tire pressure

Things to remember when driving
126 the road surface, ultimately undermining your
ability to steer and brake the vehicle.<
The risk of hydroplaning increases as the tread
depth of the tires decreases, also refer to Mini-
mum tire tread on page213.
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the road if it
is deeper than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only at
walking speed at the most. Otherwise, the vehi-
cle's engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.<
Using handbrake on inclines
On inclines, do not hold the vehicle in
place for a long time by riding the clutch;
use the handbrake. Otherwise, greater clutch
wear will result.<
Braking safely
Your BMW is equipped with ABS as a standard
feature. In situations that require it, it is best to
brake with full force. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can still avoid
possible obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combines with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits to indicate to
the driver that ABS is in its active mode.
Do not drive with your foot resting on the
brake pedal. Even light but consistent
pedal pressure can lead to high temperatures,
brake wear and possibly even brake failure.<
Driving in wet conditions
When driving on wet roads or in heavy rain, it is
a good idea to apply light pressure to the brake
pedal every few miles. Monitor traffic conditions
to ensure that this maneuver does not endan-
ger other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors to ensure
that full braking efficiency will then be available
when you need it.
Hills
To prevent overheating and thus reduced
efficiency of the brake system, downshift
to a gear in which only minimal brake applica-
tions are needed when descending long or
steep downhill stretches. Even light but consis-
tent pressure on the brake pedal can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
The braking effect of the engine can be further
increased by downshifting, if necessary all the
way down into first gear. This strategy helps
you avoid placing excessive loads on the brake
system. For information on downshifting in the
manual mode of the sport automatic transmis-
sion, refer to page61.
Do not drive with the clutch depressed, in
idle or with the engine switched off, other-
wise there will be no engine braking action or
support of the braking force and steering.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area of movement
of the pedals and impair their operation.<
Corrosion on brake rotors
When the vehicle is driven only occasionally,
during extended periods when the vehicle is not
used at all, and in operating conditions where
brake applications are less frequent, there is an
increased tendency for corrosion to form on
rotors, while contaminants accumulate on the
brake pads. This occurs because the minimum
pressure which must be exerted by the pads
during brake applications to clean the rotors is
not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors, the
brakes will tend to respond with a pulsating
effect that even extended application will fail to
cure.
When vehicle is parked
Condensation forms in the automatic climate
control during operation, and then exits under
the vehicle. Traces of condensed water under
the vehicle are therefore normal.

Wheels and tires
210
Wheels and tires
Tire inflation pressure
Information for your safety
The condition of the tires and the maintenance
of the specified tire pressure are crucial not only
to the tire's service life, but also to driving com-
fort and most importantly, driving safety.
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 increases.
Check the tire inflation pressure regularly
and correct it as needed: at least twice a
month and before starting long trips. Other-
wise, driving instability or tire damage, and
therefore accidents, can result from incorrect
tire inflation pressures.<
After correcting the tire inflation pressure,
reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to
page89, or reset the Tire Pressure Monitor,
refer to page91.<
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 and tire brands respectively
approved and recommended by BMW; a list of
these is available from your BMW center.<
For correct identification of the right tire infla-
tion pressure for your tires, observe the follow-
ing:
>Tire sizes for your vehicle
>Load conditions
>Maximum allowable driving speed
Tire inflation pressures for driving
up to 100 mph/160 km/h
For normal driving up to 100 mph/160 km/h,
adjust pressures to the respective tire inflation
pressures listed on the following pages in the
column for traveling speeds up to a max. of
100 mph/160 km/h to achieve optimum driving
comfort.
These pressure specifications can be found on
the door post when you open the driver's door.
The permissible top speed for these tire
inflation pressures is 100 mph/160 km/h.
Do not exceed this speed; otherwise, tire dam-
age and accidents may result.<
Tire inflation pressures for driving
above 100 mph/160 km/h
In order to drive at maximum speeds in
excess of 100 mph/160 km/h, please
note the tire pressures for speeds exceeding
100 mph/160 km/h listed in the relevant column
of the table on the following pages and adjust
your tire inflation pressures as needed. Other-
wise, tire damage and accidents could occur.<
Observe all national and local maximum speed
limits, otherwise violations of the law could
occur.

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Tire inflation pressures for 650i Coupe
Tire inflation pressures for 650i Convertible
Tire sizePressure specifications in psi/kPa
Traveling speeds
up to max. of
100 mph/160 km/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
245/45 R 18 96 V M+S
245/50 R 17 99 H M+S32/220 33/230 32/220 33/230 33/230 39/270
Front: 245/45 R 18 96 W
Rear: 275/40R1899W32/220 33/230 32/220 33/230 33/230 39/270
Front: 245/40 R 19 94 W
Rear: 275/35R1996W32/220 33/230 32/220 33/230 33/230 39/270
Front: 245/35 R 20 91 W
Rear: 275/30R2093Y32/220 33/230 32/220 33/230 33/230 39/270
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page237.
Tire sizePressure specifications in psi/kPa
Traveling speeds
up to max. of
100 mph/160 km/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
245/45 R 18 96 V M+S
245/50 R 17 99 H M+S32/220 38/260 32/220 38/260 39/270 46/320
Front: 245/45 R 18 96 W
Rear: 275/40R1899W32/220 38/260 32/220 38/260 39/270 46/320
Front: 245/40 R 19 94 W
Rear: 275/35R1996W32/220 38/260 32/220 38/260 39/270 46/320
Front: 245/35 R 20 91 W
Rear: 275/30R2093Y32/220 39/270 32/220 38/260 39/270 46/320
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page237.

Wheels and tires
214
Run-flat tires
You will recognize run-flat tires by the circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side
of the tire.
Run-flat tires consist of self-contained tires and
special rims. The sidewall reinforcement
ensures that the tire retains some residual
safety in the event of pressure drop and driving
remains possible to a restricted degree.
To continue driving with a damaged tire:
>With Flat Tire Monitor, refer to Indication of
a flat tire, page90
>With Tire Pressure Monitor, refer to Mes-
sage with low tire inflation pressure,
page92
New wheels and tires
Only have new wheels and tires mounted
by a BMW center or a repair shop that
works in accordance with BMW guidelines and
uses appropriately trained personnel. If this
work is not carried out properly, there is a dan-
ger of subsequent damage and related safety
h a z a r d s . M a k e s u re t h a t t h e n e w w h ee l s a r e b a l-
anced.<
Retreaded tires
BMW does not recommend the use of
retreaded tires; otherwise, driving safety
may be reduced. Potentially substantial varia-
tions in the design and the age of the carcasses
can result in a reduced 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. If non-approved wheels and tires are
used, BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
and therefore cannot be held liable for driving
safety.<
You can find out the right wheel-tire combina-
tion from your BMW center.
The right wheel-and-tire combination is
another vital factor in ensuring reliable opera-
tion of various vehicle systems such as ABS
and DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single tread config-
uration from a single manufacturer. After a tire is
damaged, always remember to 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 page90. Your BMW center will be
happy to advise you on this subject.

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215Reference
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Recommended tire brands
BMW recommends particular tire brands for
each tire size. You can recognize these from the
clearly visible BMW marking on the tire sidewall.
With proper use, these tires meet the highest
standards for safety and handling characteris-
tics.
Run-flat tires
When installing new tires or when changing
from summer tires to winter tires, for your own
safety, use run-flat tires. No spare wheel is pro-
vided in the event of a flat. Your BMW center will
be glad to advise you.
For safety reasons, BMW recommends
that you do not have damaged run-flat
tires repaired; they should be replaced. Other-
wise it is not possible to rule out occurrences of
consequential damage.<
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.
Watch speed
Always observe the maximum permissi-
ble speed for the winter tires, otherwise
tire damage may occur, which can result in acci-
dents.<
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.
With tires of different makes and types
* such a
change is not permissible.
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.
These snow chains are approved exclusively for
use in pairs on the rear wheels with the tire size:
>245/50 R 17 Y
>245/45 R 18 Y
Observe the manufacturer's instructions when
mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed
of 30 mph/50 km/h with the chains mounted.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor after
installing snow chains as this could cause
the Flat Tire Monitor to malfunction.
When driving with snow chains, it may be prac-
tical to briefly activate DTC, refer to page88.<

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License plate lamps
5-watt bulb, W5W
1.Push a screwdriver from the left under the
lamp and pry out the lamp toward the right.
2.Turn the bulb holder to the left by 905 and
remove.
3.Remove and replace the bulb.
Changing wheels
Your BMW is equipped with run-flat tires as a
standard feature. An immediate wheel change
in the event of a flat tire is therefore no longer
required.
To continue driving with a damaged tire:
>With Flat Tire Monitor, refer to Indication of
a flat tire, page90
>With Tire Pressure Monitor, refer to Mes-
sage with low tire inflation pressure,
page92
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side
of the tire, refer to Run-flat tires on page214.
If you have new tires mounted or switch from
summer to winter tires, or vice versa, use run-
flat tires because no spare tire is provided in
case of a flat. Your BMW center will be glad to
advise you.
Also refer to New wheels and tires, page214.
The suitable tools for changing tires are
available as accessories from your BMW
center.<
Car jacking points
The jacking points for the car jack are located in
the positions shown.
Vehicle battery
Maintenance
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, i.e., the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
mate.
Your BMW center will be glad to advise in all
matters concerning the battery.
Charging battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via the
terminals in the engine compartment with the
engine switched off. For the connections, refer
to Jump starting on page228.
Disposal
After replacement, have old batteries dis-
posed of by your BMW center or deposit
them at a recycling center. Maintain the battery
in an upright position for transport and storage.
Always secure the battery to prevent it from tip-
ping over during transport.<

Reference 245
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
CD changer172
– controls158
– fast forward/reverse176
– installation location176
– random sequence175
– repeating a track175
– sampling a track174
– selecting a CD173
– selecting a track173
– switching on/off158
– tone control159
– volume159
CD player172
– controls158
– fast forward/reverse176
– random sequence175
– repeating a track175
– sampling a track174
– selecting a track173
– switching on/off158
– tone control159
– volume159
Center armrest, adjusting
height117
Center console14
"Central locking"30
Central locking
– from inside32
– from outside30
Central locking system30
– comfort access36
– hotel function33
Changes, technical, refer to
For your own safety6
Changing a wheel225
Changing language on
Control Display84
Changing scale for navigation
system display148
Changing units of measure on
Control Display84
Changing wheels214
CHECK button80
Check Control79
"Check Control
messages"80
Check Gas Cap208
Checking air pressure, refer to
Tire inflation pressure210Child-restraint fixing system
LATCH56
Child restraint systems56
Child seats, refer to
Transporting children
safely56
Chrome parts, refer to Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Cigarette lighter
119
Cigarette lighter socket, refer
to Connecting electrical
devices119
Cleaning, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
"Climate"109
Clock74
– 12h/24h format83
– hour signal83
– setting time and date82
Closing
– from inside32
– from outside30
Closing fuel filler cap208
Clothes hooks, Coupe118
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting
engine59
Comfort access36
– observe in car wash38
– replacing battery, remote
control38
Comfort closing
– windows, with comfort
access with Coupe37
– with comfort access37
"Communication"190,200
Compact disc
– refer to CD changer172
– refer to CD player172
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock58
Compartments, refer to
Storage compartments117
Compressed audio files172
Computer75
– displays on Control
Display76
– hour signal83"Concert hall", refer to Tone
control161
"Concierge"202
Concierge service202
Condensation, refer to When
vehicle is parked126
Condition Based Service
CBS221
"Confirmation"31
Confirmation signals for
locking and unlocking31
Connecting car vacuum
cleaner, refer to Connecting
electrical devices119
Consumption display, refer to
Average fuel
consumption75
Consumption statistics, refer
to Average fuel
consumption75
"Continue guidance to
destination?"147
"Contrast" with BMW Night
Vision100
Control Center, refer to
iDrive16
Control Display, refer to
iDrive16
– setting brightness83
– switching off/on21
Controller, refer to iDrive16
Controls, refer to Cockpit10
Convenient operation
– convertible top31,32
– glass sunroof31,32
– windows31,32
Convertible
– convertible program for
automatic climate
control109
– opening and closing
windows39
– rollover protection
system96
– top42
– wind deflector45
– window and convertible top
operation with comfort
access37

Everything from A to Z
246 Convertible top
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– closing manually43
– convenient operation32
– emergency closing43
– opening and closing43
Coolant219
– checking level220
– temperature74
Cooling, maximum111
Cooling function, automatic
climate control111
Cooling system, refer to
Coolant219
Copyright2
Cornering Brake Control
CBC86
Country of destination for
navigation135
Courtesy lamps, refer to
Interior lamps106
Cradle for telephone or mobile
phone117
Cruise control65
– active cruise control66
Cruising range75
Cup holders15,118
Curb weight, refer to
Weights237
"Current position"153
Current position
– displaying153
– entering142
– storing142
"Curve mode" with
BMW Night Vision100
"Customer
Relations"194,202
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data234
D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit10
Data, technical234
– capacities237
– dimensions235
– engine234
– measurements235
– weights237
"Date"83
Date74
– date format83
– setting83
"Date format"83
"Daytime running
lamps"103,106
Daytime running lamps103
– replacing bulbs224
DBC Dynamic Brake Control
– warning lamp88
"Deactivated"50
Decommissioning the vehicle,
refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Defect, tires
– refer to Flat Tire Monitor89
– refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor90
Defrosting windows110
Defrosting windows and
removing condensation110
Defrosting windshield, refer to
Defrosting windows110
Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows110
"Delete address book" for
navigation system143
"Delete all numbers" for
mobile phone193
"Delete data" for navigation
system143
"Delete" for mobile
phone193
Destination address
– deleting143
– entering134,137Destination for navigation
– destination list141
– entering via voice137
– entry134
– home address144
– selecting from address
book142
– selecting using
information140
– storing142
Destination guidance146
– bypassing route
sections150
– canceling voice
instructions55
– changing specified
route144
– displaying route147
– distance and arrival146
– interrupting146
– starting146
– terminating/continuing146
– voice instructions149
– volume of voice
instructions150
Destination list for
navigation141
Destinations recently driven
to141
"Details" in audio
mode174,180
"Dial" for mobile phone191
"Dial number"191
"Diamond button"55
Digital clock74
Digital radio, refer to High
Definition Radio166
Dimensions
– Convertible236
– Coupe235
Directional indicators, refer to
Turn signals63
Direction instructions, refer to
Voice instructions149
Directory, refer to Phone
book192
Directory for navigation, refer
to Address book142