Mobility
203Reference
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. Otherwise, tire
damage can be extremely dangerous to 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 and tires
204
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 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.
Paying 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.
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.
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.
Mobility
205Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Make sure that the snow chains are always suf-
ficiently tensioned. Retighten as needed in
accordance with the chain manufacturer's
specifications.
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.<
Mobility
217Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
3.Turn the lock to the left 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.
Apply the handbrake and engage the first or
reverse gear. Have all vehicle occupants get out
of the vehicle and ensure that they remain out-
side 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.
Replacing components
218 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 page218.
>Distribute sealant, refer to page219.
>Produce tire inflation pressure, refer to
page219.
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.
Mobility
219Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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 page108.
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
button8 or turn screw8 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 page224, 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.
Apply the handbrake and shift into first gear or
reverse with the manual transmission, or move
Replacing components
220 the selector lever into a drive position with the
sequential transmission.
Have all vehicle occupants get out of the vehicle
and ensure that they remain outside the imme-
diate area in a safe place, such as behind a
guardrail.
If a warning triangle
* or portable hazard warning
lamp
* is r e q u ir e d, s et i t up o n t h e ro a d s i d e a t a n
appropriate distance from the rear of the vehi-
cle. Comply with all safety guidelines and regu-
lations.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm surface
which is not slippery. The vehicle or the jack
could slip to the side if you attempt to raise the
vehicle on a soft or slippery surface such as
snow, ice, tiles, etc.
Position the jack on a firm support surface.
Do not use a wooden block or similar object as a
support base for the jack, as this would prevent
it from extending to its full support height and
reduce its load-carrying capacity.
To avoid serious or fatal injury: never lie under
the vehicle, and never start the engine while it is
supported by the jack.<
What you will need
To avoid rattling noises later on, note the posi-
tions of the tools before removing them, then
return them to their initial positions after com-
pleting work.
1Chock
*
2Vehicle jack*
3Lug wrench*
The tools are located in the hollow of the spare
wheel.
Spare wheel*
1.Pull back lock1, fold open tensioning lock2
completely and loosen the belt3.
2.Remove the cover4.
3.Remove the tool mount form the spare tire
and stow the belt in the net bag included if
necessary.
4.Remove the spare wheel.
Preparing wheel change
1.Observe the safety precautions above.
2.Prevent the vehicle from rolling:
Place the chock behind the front wheel on
the other side of the vehicle, or on inclines,
in front of this wheel. On steeply inclined
roads, always secure the vehicle against
rolling.
3.Loosen the lug bolts a half turn.
Jacking up vehicle
1.Position the vehicle jack at the jacking point
closest to the wheel so that the entire sur-
face of the jack base rests on the ground
perpendicularly beneath the jacking point.
The vehicle jack is designed for
changing wheels only. Do not attempt
to raise another vehicle model with it or to
raise any load of any kind. To do so could
cause accidents and personal injury.<
Mobility
221Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
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. Otherwise, incorrectly tight-
ened lug bolts are a hidden safety risk. 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 page204.
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.
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.<