2008 BMW X5 4.8I Wheels and tires

Wheels and tires
238
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.<
RSC – run-flat tires
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side
of the tire, refer to page239.
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.
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 Sports Activity Vehicle Center or
tire shop that works according to BMW repair
procedures with correspondingly trained per-
sonnel. If necessary, have the vehicle towed
there. Otherwise, tire damage can be extremely
dangerous to vehicle occupants and other road
users.<

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239Reference
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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 partially self-contained
tires and special rims. The sidewall reinforce-
ment 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 page93
>With Tire Pressure Monitor, refer to Mes-
sage with low tire inflation pressure page95
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and tires installed only
by your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center or a tire shop that works according to
BMW repair procedures with correspondingly
trained personnel. If this work is not carried out
properly, there is a danger of subsequent dam-
age and related safety hazards. Make sure that
the new wheels are balanced.<
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
When mounting new tires or changing over
from summer to winter tires and vice versa,
mount Run-Flat Tires for your own safety. Your
BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center will be
happy 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.<
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.<
When changing to larger wheels and tires,
it may be necessary to make changes to
the wheel-well trim piece, as otherwise road
users could be endangered or the vehicle could
be damaged. Only have this work carried out by
a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center or a
workshop that works in accordance with BMW
guidelines and uses appropriately trained per-
sonnel.<
You can ask your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center for the correct wheel/tire combination.
The correct wheel/tire combination also affects
various systems whose function would other-
wise be impaired, e.g. ABS, DSC, xDrive or Flat
Tire Monitor.
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
240
Wheels with electronics for
TPM Tire Pressure Monitor
When mounting new tires or changing 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 page94. Your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle 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.<
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. Your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center
can provide you with this information.
Use is only permissible in pairs 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.
After mounting snow chains, do not ini-
tialize the Flat Tire Monitor
*, as otherwise
incorrect displays can occur.
When you are driving with snow chains, it can
be beneficial to activate DTC briefly, refer to
page89.<

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251Reference
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Changing wheels
Your BMW is equipped with run-flat tires as
standard. As a result, it is not necessary to
change the wheel immediately in the case of air
loss in the event of a breakdown.
To continue driving with a damaged tire:
>With Flat Tire Monitor, refer to Indication of
a flat tire page93
>With Tire Pressure Monitor, refer to Mes-
sage with low tire inflation pressure page95
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, page239.
When mounting new tires, or changing from
summer to winter tires or vice versa, use run-flat
tires for your own safety. No spare tire is avail-
able in case of a flat tire. Your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center will be happy to advise
you. Also refer to New wheels and tires,
page239.
Suitable tools for changing tires are avail-
able as accessories at your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle Center.<
Jacking points for vehicle jack
The jacking points for the vehicle jack are
located in the positions shown.
Compact wheel*
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.
Set the parking brake and engage transmission
position P.
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 id 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.
The tools are located in the mount under the
floor panel flap.
1Vehicle jack
*
2Vehicle jack crank*
3Lug wrench*

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253Reference
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3.Check and correct the tire inflation pressure
at the earliest opportunity.
Protect valve stems with valve screw
caps against dirt and contamination.
Dirt in valve stems is a frequent source of
gradual air loss.<
4.Initialize the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to
page92, or reset the Tire Pressure Monitor,
refer to page94.
5.Replace the damaged tire as soon as possi-
ble and have the new wheel/tire balanced.
Driving with compact wheel
Drive reservedly and do not exceed a speed of
50 mph/80 km/h.
The driving characteristics change, for example
reduced track stability on braking, extended
braking distance, and altered self-steering
characteristics in the limit range. In conjunction
with winter tires, these characteristics are more
pronounced.
Only one compact wheel may be
mounted. Restore the wheels and tires to
their original size as quickly as possible. Failure
to do so is a safety risk.<
Vehicle battery
Battery care
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 Sports Activity Vehicle 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. Connections, refer to
Jump starting on page256.
Disposal
Have old batteries disposed of following
replacement at your BMW Sports Activity
Vehicle Center or bring them to a collection
point. Maintain the battery in an upright position
for transport and storage. Always restrain the
battery to prevent it from tipping over during
transport.<
Power failure
After a temporary power loss, the functioning of
some equipment may be limited and require
reinitialization. Individual settings are also lost
and must be updated:
>Seat, mirror and steering wheel memory
The positions must be stored again, refer to
page44.
>Time and Date
The values must be updated, refer to
pages81, 82.
>Radio
Stations must be stored again if necessary,
refer to page168.
>Navigation system
Wait until the system starts, refer to
page159.
Fuses
Never attempt to repair a blown fuse and
do not replace a defective fuse with a sub-
stitute of another color or amperage rating, as
this could lead to a circuit overload, ultimately
resulting in a fire in the vehicle.<
Spare fuses, a pair of plastic tweezers and infor-
mation on the fuse assignment are located near
the fuses in the cargo bay.

Reference 273
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Catalytic converter, refer to
Hot exhaust system129
"Categories", with satellite
radio173
CBC Cornering Brake
Control88
CBS Condition Based
Service245
"CD"163,175
– for DVD system in rear194
CD, refer to Playing audio
tracks, DVD system in
rear198
CD/DVD player, DVD system
in rear193
CD changer175
– compressed audio files175
– controls162
– fast forward/reverse178
– random sequence178
– repeating a track177
– sampling tracks177
– selecting a CD175
– selecting a track176
– switching on/off162
– tone control163
– volume163
CD player175
– compressed audio files175
– controls162
– fast forward/reverse178
– random sequence178
– repeating a track177
– sampling tracks177
– selecting a track176
– switching on/off162
– tone control163
– volume163
Cell phone, refer to Mobile
phone
Center armrest119
Center brake lamp250
Center console14
"Central locking"30
Central locking system29
– comfort access36
– from inside vehicle32Changes, technical
– refer to For your own
safety5
– refer to Parts and
accessories6
Changing language on
Control Display83
Changing tires239
Changing units of measure on
Control Display
82
Changing wheels251
Check Control78
"Check Control
messages"79
Checking the air pressure,
refer to Tire inflation
pressure234
Children, transporting55
Child restraint fixing system
LATCH56
Child restraint systems55
Child-safety locks58
Child seats55
Chime, refer to Check
Control78
Chrome parts, care, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cigarette lighter, refer to
Lighter121
Cleaning, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
"Climate"50
Clock71
– 12h/24h mode82
– setting time81
Closing
– from inside32
– using remote control29
Closing fuel filler cap232
Clothes hooks119
Cockpit10
Cold start, refer to Starting
engine60
"Color" for DVD system in
rear196
Comfort access36
– observe in car wash37
– replacing battery38Comfort area, refer to Around
the center console14
Comfort start, refer to Starting
engine60
"Communi-
cation"214,224,225,226
Compact Disc
– refer to CD changer175
– refer to CD player175
Compact wheel
– inflation pressure235
– wheel change251
Compartment for remote
control, refer to Ignition
lock59
Compartments, refer to
Storage compartments119
Compass, digital117
Computer73
– displays in instrument
panel73
– displays on Control
Display73
– trip computer74
"Concierge"226
Concierge service226
Condition Based Service
CBS245
"Confirmation"31
Connecting car vacuum
cleaner, refer to Connecting
electrical devices121
Connecting headphones193
Consumption, refer to
Average fuel
consumption73
Consumption indicator,
Energy Control72
Consumption statistics, refer
to Average fuel
consumption73
"Continue guidance to
destination?"151
"Contrast"
– for DVD system in rear196
– in TV mode184
Control Center, refer to
iDrive16

Everything from A to Z
276 Engine oil
– adding243
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils243
– approved engine oil243
– checking oil level242
– electronic oil level check242
"Engine oil level"243
Engine output, refer to Engine
data262
Engine overheating, refer to
Coolant temperature72
Engine speed262
Engine starting, refer to
Starting engine60
"Enter address"139
Entering country of
destination139
Entering destination139
Entering house number or
intersection140
Entering intersection140
Entering street140
"Entertainment"162
Entertainment sound output
on/off163
"Equalizer", refer to Tone
control165
Equalizer, refer to Tone
control165
"ESN"172
ESP Electronic Stability
Program, refer to DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control89
Event Data Recorders246
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system129
Exterior mirrors51
– adjusting51
– automatic dimming
feature52
– automatic heating52
– folding in and out51
– tilting down passenger-side
exterior mirror52External audio device119
– refer to AUX-In
connection188
Eye for tow-starting and
towing, refer to Tow
fitting257
F
Fader, refer to Tone
control164
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control78
False alarm, refer to Avoiding
unintentional alarms36
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts48
– warning lamp49
Fastening system,
adaptive124
Fastest route for
navigation148
Fast forward
– CD changer178
– CD player178
– DVD changer183
"Fast route" for
navigation148
Fault displays, refer to Check
Control78
Filler neck for washer fluid68
First-aid kit256
Flashing during locking/
unlocking, refer to Setting
confirmation signals31
Flashlight119
Flat tire
– changing wheels251
– compact wheel251
– Flat Tire Monitor92
– run-flat tires93,95,239
– TPM Tire Pressure
Monitor94
Flat Tire Monitor FTM92
Fluid reservoir, refer to Filler
neck for washer fluid68
"FM", reception
range163,166FM, waveband166
Fog lamps105
– indicator lamp13,105
Folding display screen open/
closed, DVD system in
rear192
Folding rear seat backrest123
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely129
Footwell lamps105
For your own safety5
4-wheel drive system, refer to
xDrive90
Fresh-air nozzles, refer to Air
vents106
Front airbags97
Front passenger airbags97
– deactivating98
– refer to Exception of front
passenger seat55
Front seat adjustment43
FTM Flat Tire Monitor92
– false alarms92
– indicating a flat tire93
– initializing the system92
– malfunction96
– snow chains240
– system limits92
– warning lamp93
Fuel233
– capacity264
– display72
– high-quality brands233
– quality233
– saving128
– specifications233
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge72
Fuel consumption display,
computer, average fuel
consumption73
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge72
Fuel filler door232
– closing232
– opening232
– releasing manually232
Fuses253

Everything from A to Z
280 Mobile phone
– accepted calls217
– adjusting volume214
– calling215
– ending call215
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest119
– missed calls217
– operation via iDrive214
– redialing217
– refer to separate operating
instructions
– Top 8217
– touch tone dialing218
Monitor, refer to iDrive16
Monitoring tire pressure, refer
to FTM Flat Tire Monitor92
"Monitor on / off"53
MP3, refer to Compressed
audio files175
Multifunction steering wheel,
refer to Buttons on steering
wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher/high
beams66
– refer to Washer/wiper
system67
Music track, refer to
Tracks176
"Mute on / off"53
N
"Navigation"73,138,144
Navigation destination
– entering manually139,141
– home address148
– selecting via map143
Navigation drive, installation
location136
Navigation DVD136
Navigation instructions, refer
to Switching voice
instructions on/off153Navigation system136
– address book146
– changing route154
– destination entry138
– destination guidance in
assistance window136
– destination list145
– displaying current
position157
– displaying route151
– ending/continuing
destination guidance150
– entering a destination
manually139,141
– last destinations145
– navigation DVD136
– opening138
– route list152
– searching for a special
destination144
– selecting destination using
information144
– selecting destination via
map143
– selecting route criteria148
– starting destination
guidance150
– switching off, refer to
Ending/continuing
destination guidance150
– voice instructions153
– volume adjustment154
"Navigation voice
instructions"53,137
Neck support, refer to Head
restraints46
"New address" for navigation
system146
"New destination"139,143
New remote control28
"New route"154
New wheels and tires239
"Next entertainment
source"53
"No video signal" for DVD
system in rear203
Nozzles, refer to Windshield
washer nozzles68"NTSC color" for DVD system
in rear204
Nylon rope, refer to Tow-
starting and towing257
O
OBD socket246
Octane ratings, refer to Fuel
specifications233
Odometer71
Oil
– additives, refer to Approved
engine oils243
– approved engine oils243
– consumption, refer to
Checking engine oil
level242
– level242
– refilling, refer to Adding
engine oil243
Oil change interval, refer to
Service requirements75
"On a new destination" for
navigation system144
Onboard computer, refer to
iDrive16
"Onboard info"73
Onboard toolkit247
"On destination"144
"On location"144
Opening and closing
– comfort access36
– from inside32
– panorama glass sunroof39
– using remote control29
– using the door lock31
Operation by voice for mobile
phone219
– adjusting volume220
– canceling219
– correcting phone
number220
– dialing phone number220
– placing a call220
– redialing221
– voice commands219
– voice phone book220