Wheels and tires
198
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 page199.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than sum-
mer tires.
XL
Designation for 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 1/8 in/
3mm, although, for example, European legisla-
tion only specifies a minimum tread depth of 1/16 in/1.6 mm. At tread depths below 1/8 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 1/6 in/4 mm, they become perceptibly less
suitable for winter conditions. In the interest of
safety, new tires should be installed.
Wear indicators in the base of the tread groove
are distributed around the tire's circumference;
the letters TWI, for Tread Wear Indicator, on the
tire's sidewalls identify tires that incorporate
these wear indicators. Once the tire tread has
worn down to the wear indicators, the tire has
worn to a depth of 1/16 in/1.6 mm.
Wheel/tire damage
Please note that low-profile tires cause wheels,
tires and suspension parts to be more sus-
ceptible to road hazard and consequential
damages.
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. The same
applies to any other abnormal road behavior,
such as pulling severely to the right or left.
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 dan-
gerous for vehicle occupants and other road
users.<
Mobility
199Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Tire age
For various reasons, such as the development
of brittleness, BMW recommends tire replace-
ment after no more than 6 years, regardless of
the actual wear of the tires.
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in
the tire coding:
DOT ... 3709 means that the tire was manufac-
tured in week 37 of 2009.
Run-flat tires
The symbol identifying run-flat tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall.
Run-flat tires comprise a conditionally self-sup-
porting tire and a special rim. The reinforce-
ment in the sidewalls ensures that the tire can
continue to be used subject to certain restric-
tions, even if depressurized.
For information on continuing to drive with a flat
tire, refer to Indication of a flat tire, page81.
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
balanced.<
Retreaded tires
BMW recommends that you do not use
retreaded tires, since driving safety may
be impaired. The causes for this include poten-
tially different tire casing structures and often
wide variations in tire age, which can result in a
limited service life.<
Correct 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. In the
event of a flat, no spare wheel is available. Your
BMW center will be glad to advise you.
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, which could
lead to body contact and thus to severe acci-
dents. If non-approved wheels and tires are
used, BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
and therefore cannot guarantee their driving
safety.<
You can inquire about the right wheel/tire com-
bination at your BMW center.
The correct combination of wheels and tires is
also necessary to ensure reliable operation of
various vehicle systems such as ABS, DSC
or TPM.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single brand and
tread configuration. After a tire has been dam-
aged, mount the previous wheel and tire combi-
nation again as soon as possible.
Wheels with Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM electronics
When mounting new tires or changing over
from summer to winter tires, or vice versa, only
use wheels with TPM electronics; otherwise,
the Tire Pressure Monitor may not be able to
detect a puncture, refer to page82. Your BMW
center will be glad to advise you.
Wheels and tires
200
Recommended tire brands
Certain makes of tire are recommended by
BMW for each tire size. They are marked with a
clearly visible BMW designation on the sidewall
of the tire.
When properly used, these tires meet the high-
est standards in terms of safety and handling
characteristics.
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for winter roads
or at temperatures below +457/+76.
Although all-season M+S tires provide better
winter traction than summer tires, they gener-
ally fail to provide the same levels of cold-
weather performance as winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the
winter tires mounted on your car; failure
to do so could result in tire damage and acci-
dents.<
If the car is capable of speeds higher than that
permitted for the winter tires, a label stating the
maximum permitted speed for the mounted
tires must be displayed in your field of view.
Specialist tire dealers and your BMW center
can supply these labels.
Storage
Always 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 sidewall
of the tire.
Swapping wheels between axles
BMW advises against swapping wheels
between the front and rear axles, even if all tires
have the same size, as this could impair driving
characteristics. If the tires are of mixed sizes,
swapping wheels between the axles is not per-
missible.
Snow chains*
Only certain fine-link snow chains have been
tested by BMW, classified as safe for use and
recommended. Consult your BMW center for
more information.
Snow chains must be mounted in pairs and on
the rear wheels only. Observe the manufac-
turer's instructions when mounting snow
chains. Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph or
50 km/h.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if
snow chains are mounted; otherwise, the
instrument might issue an incorrect reading.
When driving with snow chains, you may find it
helpful to activate DTC temporarily, refer
to page78.<
Mobility
215Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
2.Pull out the bulb holder, see arrow, and
change the bulb.
3.Attach the bulb holder.
4.Reattach the cover.
License plate lamp, rear lamp, center
brake lamp and turn signal
These lamps use LED technology for operation.
In the event of a malfunction, please contact
your BMW center or a workshop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel.
Changing wheels
Your BMW is equipped with run-flat tires as
standard. This removes the need to change a
wheel immediately in the event of a puncture.
For information on continuing to drive with a
damaged tire, refer to Indication of a flat tire
on page81.
The symbol identifying run-flat tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall, refer to
Run-flat tires, page199.
When mounting new tires or changing over
from summer to winter tires and vice versa,
mount run-flat tires for your own safety. In the
event of a flat, no spare wheel is available. Your
BMW center will be glad to advise you. Refer
also to New wheels and tires, page199.
The tools for changing wheels are avail-
able as optional accessories from your
BMW center.<
Jack mounting points
The jacking points are at the positions shown in
the illustration.
Lug bolt lock*
1Lug bolt for adapter
2Adapter, in onboard vehicle tool kit
Removing the wind deflector
1.Remove the adapter 2 from the onboard
vehicle tool kit and insert it in the lug bolt.
2.Unscrew the lug bolt1.
Remove the adapter after screwing the lug bolt
back on.
The code number is stamped on the front of the
adapter. Please note down this number and
keep it in a safe place in case the adapter should
get lost.
Everything from A to Z
236
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System78
Acceleration assistant, refer to
Launch Control58
Accident, refer to Sending an
Emergency Request218
Activated-charcoal filter for
automatic climate control98
Adaptive light control89
Additional connection of the
music player in the mobile
phone163
Additives
– coolant204
– engine oil204
Address for navigation
– entering121
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Air
conditioner94
Adjusting temperature inside
the car, refer to Automatic
climate control96
Adjusting the thigh support42
Adjusting the tone during
audio operation, refer to
Tone control140
Airbags85
– indicator/warning lamp87
– sitting safely41
Air conditioner93
Air conditioning mode
– air conditioner94
– automatic climate control96
– ventilation95,98Air distribution
– automatic97
– individual94
– manual94
Air flow rate94,97
Airing, refer to
Ventilation95,98
Air outlets, refer to Air
vents93
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure194
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode94,98
Air supply
– air conditioner94
– automatic climate control96
– ventilation95,98
Air vents93
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications193
Alarm system33
– avoiding unintentional
alarms34
– interior motion sensor34
– switching off an alarm34
– tilt alarm sensor34
Albums of music
collection160
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires200
AM, waveband143
Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode94,98
Antenna for mobile phone170
Antifreeze
– coolant204
– washer fluid61Antilock Brake System
ABS78
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system33
Anti-theft system29
– for lug bolts, refer to Lug bolt
lock215
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights228
Approved engine oils, refer to
Specified engine oils204
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights228
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest104
Arrival time, refer to
Computer66
Assistance systems, refer to
Driving stability control
systems78
AUC automatic recirculated-
air control98
Audio140
– controls140
– switching on/off140
– tone control140
– volume140
Audio device, external104
Automatic
– air distribution97
– air flow rate97
– cruise control61
– headlamp control88
Automatic car washes208
Automatic climate control93
– automatic air distribution97
Automatic curb monitor46
Reference 241
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Exhaust system, refer to Hot
exhaust system113
Exterior mirrors45
– adjusting45
– automatic dimming
feature46
– automatic heating46
– folding in and out45
External audio device104
Eyes
– for tow-starting and towing
away220
– for tying down loads116
F
Failure messages, refer to
Check Control73
Failure of an electrical
consumer216
False alarm
– avoiding unintentional
alarm34
– switching off an alarm34
Fastening safety belts, refer to
Safety belts44
Fastest route for
navigation130
Fast forward
– CD changer153
– CD player153
Fault
– parking brake53
Filter
– refer to Microfilter/activated-
charcoal filter for automatic
climate control98
– refer to Microfilter for air
conditioner95
First aid pouch219
Fixture for remote control,
refer to Ignition lock50
Flash when locking/
unlocking31
Flat tire
– run-flat tires199
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM82Flat Tire Monitor FTM81
– indicating a flat tire81
– indicator/warning lamp81
– initializing the system81
– snow chains81,200
– system limits81
Flat tires, refer to Tire
condition198
Fluid reservoir, refer to
Washer fluid reservoir61
FM, waveband143
Folding in the mirrors, before
driving into a car wash45
Footbrake, refer to Braking
safely114
Footwell lamps, refer to
Interior lamps92
Forward gear, engaging, refer
to Transmission
positions56
For your own safety5
Free memory capacity, music
collection161
Front airbags85
FTM, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor81
Fuel193
– average consumption66
– gauge65
– high-quality brands193
– quality193
– specifications
193
– tank contents, refer to
Capacities228
Fuel clock, refer to Fuel
gauge65
Fuel display, refer to Fuel
gauge65
Fuel filler flap192
– releasing in the event of
electrical malfunction192
Fuses216
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control100Gasoline
– refer to Average
consumption66
Gasoline, refer to Required
fuel193
Gasoline display, refer to Fuel
gauge65
Gas station
recommendations131
Gear display, refer to Displays
in the instrument cluster56
Gear indicator, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic53
Gears, changing57
Gearshift lever
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic54
– manual transmission53
Gearshifts
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic54
– manual transmission53
General driving notes113
Glove compartment103
GPS navigation, refer to
Navigation system120
Grills, refer to Air vents93
Gross vehicle weight, refer to
Weights228
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake52
Hands-free system14
Hazard warning flashers14
HD Radio144
Head airbags85
Headlamp control,
automatic88
Headlamp flasher59
– indicator lamp11,13
Heated
– mirrors46
– rear window95,98
– seats43
Everything from A to Z
242 Heating93
– mirrors46
– rear window95,98
– seats43
Heating and ventilation, refer
to Climate93
Heavy loads, refer to Stowing
cargo116
Height, refer to
Dimensions227
Height adjustment
– seats42
– steering wheel46
High-beam assistant90
High beams90
– headlamp flasher90
– indicator lamp13
High beams and low beams,
automatic, refer to High-
beam assistant90
High-pressure
washer208,209
High water, refer to Driving
through water114
Highways, refer to Route
criteria130
Hills114
Holders for cups105
Homepage BMW4
Hood201
Horn10,11
Hot exhaust system113
Hydraulic brake assist, refer to
Dynamic Brake Control
DBC78
Hydroplaning113
I
IBOC, refer to HD Radio144
Ice warning, refer to Outside
temperature warning64
Identification marks
– run-flat tires199
– tire coding197iDrive16
– adjusting brightness76
– changing language75
– changing settings75
– changing units of measure
and display format68
– controls16
– menu guidance17
– operating principle16
– overview16
– setting the date and
time71,72
– status information20
iDrive operating principle16
Ignition50
– switched off50
– switched on50
Ignition key, refer to Remote
control with integrated
key28
Ignition key position 1, refer to
Radio readiness50
Ignition key position 2, refer to
Ignition on50
Ignition lock50
Imprint2
Indicator and warning
lamps13
– Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM83
Individual air distribution94
Inflation pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure194
Inflation pressure monitoring,
refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor TPM82
Initializing
– after power failure216
– compass, refer to
Calibrating103
– Flat Tire Monitor FTM81
– radio, refer to Station,
storing144
– refer to Setting the time and
date72Installation location
– telephone104
Instructions for navigation
system, refer to Voice
instructions132
Instrument cluster12
Instrument lighting91
Instrument panel, refer to
Cockpit10
Integrated key28
Integrated universal remote
control100
Interactive map127
Interior lamps92
– remote control30
Interior motion sensor34
Interior rearview mirror46
– automatic dimming
feature46
– compass102
Interlock, refer to Disengaging
the remote control53
Intermittent mode of the
wipers60
Intersection, entering,
navigation122
iPod, connecting, refer to
AUX-IN port163
iPod, connecting, refer to USB
audio interface163
J
Jacking points215
Joystick, refer to iDrive16
Jumpering, refer to Jump-
starting219
Jump-starting219
K
Key, refer to Integrated key/
remote control28
Keyless go, refer to Comfort
Access34
Everything from A to Z
244 Microfilter
– BMW Maintenance
System206
– for air conditioner95
– for automatic climate
control98
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter
– BMW Maintenance
System206
Mirror dimming feature46
Mirrors45
– automatic curb monitor46
– exterior mirrors45
– heating46
– interior rearview mirror46
– memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory43
Mobile phone
– adjusting volume173
– connecting, refer to Mobile
phone, pairing170
– installation location, refer to
Center armrest104
– operation via iDrive173
– pairing170
– refer to separate Owner's
Manual
Mobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest104
Mobile phone, refer to
Telephone170
Mobile phone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Modifications, technical, refer
to For your own safety5
Monitor, refer to iDrive
controls16
Monitoring system for tire
pressures, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor81
MP3 player, connecting, refer
to AUX-IN port163MP3 player, connecting, refer
to USB audio interface163
Multi-channel playback141
Multifunctional steering
wheel, refer to Buttons on
the steering wheel11
Multifunction switch
– refer to Turn signals/
headlamp flasher59
– refer to Wiper system60
Multimedia screen, refer to
iDrive16
Music, playing159
Music collection158
– backup162
– deleting162
– random sequence161
– restoring162
Music player, connecting,
refer to AUX-IN port163
Music player, connecting,
refer to USB audio
interface163
Music search159
My Info177
N
Navigation
– starting destination
guidance after entering a
destination123
– storing current position123
– voice activation127
Navigation announcements,
refer to Switching voice
instructions on/off132
Navigation data120Navigation system120
– address book123
– bypassing a route
section131
– continuing destination
guidance130
– destination entry121
– dynamic destination
guidance131
– entering a destination by
voice127
– entering a destination
manually121
– frequently asked
questions137
– gas station
recommendations131
– planning a trip128
– route list131
– selecting destination via
map126
– selecting route criteria130
– special destinations124
– starting destination
guidance130
– terminating destination
guidance130
– traffic bulletins133
– voice instructions132
– volume adjustment132
Nets, refer to Storage
compartments104
Neutral56
New tires199
NORMAL program, Dynamic
Driving Control79,80
North-facing map132
Number of cylinders, refer to
Engine data226
Nylon rope, refer to Tow
rope222