
Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
92 ing driving. The tires are shown in green on the 
Control Display.
If a flat tire is detected during resetting 
and applying the tire inflation pressures, 
all tires are shown in yellow on the Control Dis-
play. The message "Tire low!" is displayed.<
Message with low tire inflation 
pressure
The warning lamp lights up yellow. A 
message appears on the Control Dis-
play. In addition, an acoustic signal 
sounds. There is a flat tire or extensive inflation 
pressure loss.
1.Cautiously reduce speed to below 50 mph/
80 km/h. Avoid sudden braking and steer-
ing maneuvers. Do not exceed a speed of 
50 mph/80 km/h.
Stop driving if the vehicle is no longer 
equipped with run-flat tires, as it was 
when it came from the factory, refer to 
page214. Continued driving after a flat tire 
can result in serious accidents.<
2.In the event of complete tire pressure loss, 
0 psi/0 kPa, you can estimate the possible 
distance for continued driving on the basis 
of the following guide values:
>With low load:
1 to 2 persons without luggage:
approx. 155 miles/250 km
>With medium load:
2 persons, cargo bay full, or 
4 persons without luggage:
approx. 95 miles/150 km
>With full load:
4 persons, luggage compartment full:
approx. 30 miles/50 km
Drive reservedly and do not exceed a 
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h. In the event of 
pressure loss, vehicle handling changes. This 
includes reduced tracking stability in braking, 
extended braking distances and altered natural 
steering characteristics.
If unusual vibrations or loud noises occur while 
the vehicle is being driven, this can indicate final 
failure of the damaged tire. Reduce speed and stop at a suitable location as soon as possible; 
otherwise, pieces of the tire could become 
detached and cause an accident. Do not con-
tinue driving, but instead contact your BMW 
center.<
Malfunction
The yellow warning lamp flashes and 
then lights up continuously. The tires 
are shown in gray on the Control Dis-
play and a message is displayed. No flat tire can 
be detected.
A message like this is displayed in the following 
situations:
>In case of a malfunction;
have the system checked.
>If a wheels is mounted without TPM elec-
tronics.
>If TPM is temporarily interfered with by 
other systems or devices which use the 
same radio frequency.
Declaration according to NHTSA/
FMVSS 138 Tire Pressure Monitoring 
Systems
Each tire should be checked monthly when cold 
and inflated to the inflation pressure recom-
mended by the vehicle manufacturer on the 
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. If 
your vehicle has tires of a different size than the 
size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire infla-
tion pressure label, you should determine the 
proper tire inflation pressure for those tires. As 
an added safety feature, your vehicle has been 
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring sys-
tem, TPMS, that illuminates a low tire pressure 
indicator when one or more of your tires are sig-
nificantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the 
low tire pressure indicator illuminates, you 
should stop and check your tires as soon as 
possible, and inflate them to the proper pres-
sure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated 
tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to 
tire failure. Underinflation also reduces fuel effi-
ciency and tire tread life, and may affect the 
vehicle's handling and stopping ability. Please 
note that the TPMS is not a substitute for  

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. 

Mobility
 211Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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
212
Tire identification marks
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire 
makes it easier to identify and choose the right 
tires.
Tire size
Speed letter
T = up to 118 mph/190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph/210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph/240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph/270 km/h
Y = up to 186 mph/300 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of 
the US Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
Tire age
The tire's date of manufacture is indicated on 
the sidewall:
DOT ... 3307 indicates that the tire was manu-
factured in week 33 of 2007.
BMW recommends replacing all tires at least 
every 6 years, even if some tires may last for 
10 years.
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 govern-
ment course as a tire graded 100. The relative 
performance of tires depends upon the actual 
conditions of their use, however, and may 
depart significantly from the norm due to varia-
tions in driving habits, service practices and dif-
ferences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are 
AA, A, B, and C.
These 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.< e.g.
Nominal width in mm
Aspect ratio in Ξ 
Belted construction – radial
Rim diameter in inches
Carrying capacity ID-code
(not in ZR tires)
Speed code letter
(in ZR tires before the R)
245/45 R 18 96 W
e.g.
Manufacturer code 
for tire make 
Tire size and tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 3307 

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. 

Mobility
 215Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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.< 

Reference 257
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
"Stop" for stopwatch82
"Stopwatch"82
Stopwatch82
Storage compartments117
"Store in address book" for 
navigation system142
"Store" on the radio164,171
Storing current position142
Storing sitting position, refer 
to Seat, mirror and steering 
wheel memory49
Storing tires215
"Street" for destination 
entry136
Summer tires, refer to Wheels 
and tires210
"Surround Settings", refer to 
Tone control160
SW, waveband162
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching automatically 
between high beams and 
low beams, refer to High-
beam assistant104
Switching on
– audio158
– CD changer158
– CD player158
– radio158
Swiveling headlamps, refer to 
Adaptive Head Light104
Symbols4
– indicator and warning 
lamps13
– navigation system152
– status information20
– traffic information with 
navigation system150
T
Tachometer74
Tail lamps224
– replacing bulbs224
Tank capacity
– also refer to Capacities237
– fuel tank capacity208
Target cursor for 
navigation139Technical alterations, refer to 
For your own safety6
Technical data234
Telematics, refer to 
BMW Assist199
Telephone
– installation location, refer to 
Center armrest117
– refer to Mobile phone184
– refer to separate operating 
instructions
"Telephone list"55
TeleService201
Temperature
– adjusting in upper body 
region110
– adjusting with automatic 
climate control109
– changing units of 
measure84
– refer to Coolant 
temperature74
Temperature display
– changing units of 
measure84
– outside temperature74
– outside temperature 
warning74
Temperature gauge, engine 
oil75
Tempomat, refer to Cruise 
control65
"Terminate services"204
"Text language"84
"Theater", refer to Tone 
control161
The individual vehicle5
Tie-down points, refer to 
Securing cargo128
Tilt alarm sensor36
– switching off36
Tilting down passenger-side 
exterior mirror54
"Time"83
"Time / Date"82
"Time format"83
Timer, refer to Preselecting 
activation time113"Timer 1" for parked-car 
ventilation113
"Timer 2" for parked-car 
ventilation113
Tire inflation pressure210
Tire pressure loss90,91
Tire Pressure Monitor 
TPM90
Tire Quality Grading212
Tire replacement, new wheels 
and tires214
Tires
– age212
– air loss90,92
– breaking-in124
– condition213
– damage213
– inflation pressure210
– minimum tread depth213
– monitoring inflation 
pressure, refer to Flat Tire 
Monitor89
– new wheels and tires214
– pressure monitoring, refer to 
Tire Pressure Monitor90
– replacing214
– retreaded tires214
– run-flat tires214
– size211
– size, refer to The right 
wheels and tires214
– wear indicators213
– wheel/tire combination214
– winter tires215
– with run-flat properties, refer 
to Run-flat tires214
TMC station, refer to Traffic 
information150
"Tone"159
Tone dialing method194
Tone in audio mode
– adjusting159
– middle setting161
Tone on locking/unlocking31
Tools, refer to Onboard tool 
kit223
Top42
"Top 8" for mobile phone192