2011 BMW 3 SERIES tire pressure

Loading
Vehicle equipment
All standard, country-specific and optional
equipment that is offered in the model series is
described in this chapter. Therefore, equipment
is also described that is not available in a vehicle,
e. g., because of the selected optional equip‐
ment or country variant. This also applies for
safety-related functions and systems.
General information
Overloading the vehicle
To avoid exceeding the approved carrying
capacity of the tires, never overload the vehicle.
Overloading can lead to overheating and in‐
creases the rate at which damage develops in‐
side the tires. This could result in a sudden loss
of tire inflation pressure.◀
No fluids in the trunk
Make sure that fluids do not leak into the
trunk; otherwise, the vehicle may be damaged.◀
Determining the load limit
1.Locate the following statement on your ve‐
hicle’s placard:
▷The combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or
YYY lbs. Otherwise, damage to the ve‐
hicle and unstable driving situations may
result.
2.Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kilograms or YYY
pounds.
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the YYY amount equals
1,000 lbs and there will be four 150 lbs pas‐
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail‐
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
400 lbs: 1,000 lbs minus 600 lbs = 400 lbs.
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in Step 4.
Load
The maximum load is the sum of the weight of
the occupants and the cargo.
The greater the weight of the occupants, the
less cargo that can be transported.
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Saving fuel
Vehicle equipment
All standard, country-specific and optional
equipment that is offered in the model series is
described in this chapter. Therefore, equipment
is also described that is not available in a vehicle,
e. g., because of the selected optional equip‐
ment or country variant. This also applies for
safety-related functions and systems.
General information
Your vehicle contains advanced technology for
the reduction of fuel consumption and emis‐
sions.
Fuel consumption depends on a number of dif‐
ferent factors.
The implementation of certain measures, driv‐
ing style and regular maintenance can have an
influence on fuel consumption and on the envi‐
ronmental impact.
Remove unnecessary cargo
Additional weight increases fuel consumption.
Remove attached parts
following use
Remove auxiliary mirrors, roof or rear luggage
racks which are no longer required following
use.
Attached parts on the vehicle impair the aero‐
dynamics and increase the fuel consumption.
Close the windows and glass
sunroof
Driving with the glass sunroof and windows
open results in increased air resistance and
raises fuel consumption.
Check the tire inflation
pressure regularly
Check and, if necessary, correct the tire inflation
pressure at least twice a month and before start‐
ing on a long trip.
Low tire inflation pressure increases rolling re‐
sistance and thus raises fuel consumption and
tire wear.
Drive away without delay
Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the
vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right
away, but at moderate engine speeds.
This is the fastest way for the cold engine to
reach its operating temperature.
Look well ahead when driving
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.
By maintaining a suitable distance to the vehicle
driving ahead of you.
Driving smoothly and looking ahead reduces
fuel consumption.
Avoid high engine speeds
Use 1st gear to get the vehicle in motion. Be‐
ginning with 2nd gear, accelerate rapidly. When
accelerating, shift up before reaching high en‐
gine speeds.
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Wheels and tires
Vehicle equipment
All standard, country-specific and optional
equipment that is offered in the model series is
described in this chapter. Therefore, equipment
is also described that is not available in a vehicle,
e. g., because of the selected optional equip‐
ment or country variant. This also applies for
safety-related functions and systems.
Tire inflation pressure
Safety information
The tire characteristics and tire inflation pres‐
sure influence the following:
▷The service life of the tires.
▷Road safety.
▷Driving comfort.
Checking the pressure
Only check the tire inflation pressure when the
tires are cold. This means after driving no more
than 1.25 miles/2 km or when the vehicle has
been parked for at least 2 hours. When the tires
are warm, the tire inflation pressure is higher.
Check the tire inflation pressure regularly
Regularly check the tire inflation pressure
and correct it as needed: at least twice a month
and before a long trip. If you fail to observe this
precaution, you may be driving on tires with in‐
correct tire pressures, a condition that may not
only compromise your vehicle's driving stability,
but also lead to tire damage and the risk of an
accident.◀
After correcting the tire inflation pressure:
▷Reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor.
▷Reinitialize the Tire Pressure Monitor.
Pressure specifications
The tire inflation pressure table, refer to
page 264, contains all pressure specifications
for the specified tire sizes at the ambient tem‐
perature. Pressure specifications apply to ap‐
proved tire sizes and recommended tire brands.
This information can be obtained from your
service center.
To identify the correct tire inflation pressure,
please note the following:
▷Tire sizes of your vehicle.
▷Maximum allowable driving speed.
Tire inflation pressures up to 100 mph/
160 km/h
For speeds of up to 100 mph/160 km/h and for
optimum driving comfort, note the pressure val‐
ues in the tire inflation pressure table, refer to
page 264, and adjust as necessary.
These pressure values can also be found on the
tire inflation pressure label on the driver's door
pillar.
Maximum permissible speed
Do not exceed 100 mph/160 km/h; other‐
wise, tire damage and accidents may result.◀
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Tire inflation pressure values up to
100 mph/160 km/h
320i
Tire sizePressure specifications
in bar/PSI
Specifications in
bar/PSI with cold
tires
225/50 R 17 94 V M
+S A/S RSC
225/50 R 17 94 V
RSC
225/50 R 17 94 H M
+S RSC
2.2 / 32 2.2 / 32
225/45 R 18 91 V M
+S RSC
225/45 R 18 91 Y
RSC
225/45 R 18 95 V M
+S XL RSC
2.2 / 32 2.4 / 35
F: 225/50 R 17 94 W
RSC
R: 255/45 R 17 98 W
RSC
2.2 / 32
-
-
2.2 / 32
F.: 225/45 R 18 91 Y
RSC
R: 255/40 R 18 95 Y
RSC
2.2 / 32
-
-
2.2 / 32
F: 225/40 R 19 89 Y
RSC
R: 255/35 R 19 92 Y
RSC
2.2 / 32
-
-
2.4/ 35
Tire sizePressure specifications
in bar/PSI
F: 225/35 R 20 90 Y
XL RSC
R: 255/30 R 20 92 Y
XL RSC
2.4 / 35
-
-
2.8/ 41
Compact wheel:
T 135/80 R 18 104
M
Speed up to a max. of
50 mph / 80 km/h
4.2 / 60
328i
Tire sizePressure specifications
in bar/PSI
Specifications in
bar/PSI with cold
tires
225/50 R 17 94 V M
+S A/S RSC
225/50 R 17 94 W
RSC
225/50 R 17 94 H M
+S RSC
2.2 / 32 2.2 / 32
225/45 R 18 91 V M
+S A/S RSC
225/45 R 18 91 Y
RSC
225/45 R 18 95 V M
+S XL RSC
2.2 / 32 2.4 / 35
F: 225/50 R 17 94 W
RSC
R: 255/45 R 17 98 W
RSC
2.2 / 32
-
-
2.2 / 32
F: 225/45 R 18 91 Y
RSC
R: 255/40 R 18 95 Y
RSC
2.2 / 32
-
-
2.2 / 32
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Tire sizePressure specifications
in bar/PSI
F: 225/40 R 19 89 Y
RSC
R: 255/35 R 19 92 Y
RSC
2.2 / 32
-
-
2.4 / 35
F: 225/35 R 20 90 Y
XL RSC
R: 255/30 R 20 92 Y
XL RSC
2.4 / 35
-
-
2.8 / 41
Compact wheel:
T 135/80 R 18 104
M
Speed up to a max. of
50 mph / 80 km/h
4.2 / 60
335i
Tire sizePressure specifications
in bar/PSI
Specifications in
bar/PSI with cold
tires
225/45 R 18 91 V M
+S A/S RSC
225/45 R 18 91 Y
RSC
225/45 R 18 95 V M
+S XL RSC
2.2 / 32 2.6 / 38
F: 225/45 R 18 91 Y
RSC
R: 255/40 R 18 95 Y
RSC
2.2 / 32
-
-
2.4 / 35
F: 225/40 R 19 89 Y
RSC
R: 255/35 R 19 92 Y
RSC
2.4 / 35
-
-
2.6 / 38
Tire sizePressure specifications
in bar/PSI
F: 225/35 R 20 90 Y
XL RSC
R: 255/30 R 20 92 Y
XL RSC
2.6 / 38
-
-
3.0 / 44
Compact wheel:
T 135/80 R 18 104
M
Speed up to a max. of
50 mph / 80 km/h
4.2 / 60
Tire inflation pressures at max. speeds
above 100 mph/160 km/h
Speeds above 100 mph/160 km/h
In order to drive at maximum speeds in ex‐
cess of 100 mph/160 km/h, please observe, and,
if necessary, adjust tire pressures for speeds
exceeding 100 mph/160 km/h from the relevant
table on the following pages. Otherwise tire
damage and accidents could occur.◀
Tire inflation pressure values over
100 mph/160 km/h
320i
Tire sizePressure specifications
in bar/PSI
Specifications in
bar/PSI with cold
tires
225/50 R 17 94 V M
+S A/S RSC
225/50 R 17 94 V
RSC
225/50 R 17 94 H M
+S RSC
2.2 / 32 2.7 / 39
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Tire sizePressure specifications
in bar/PSI
225/45 R 18 91 V M
+S RSC
225/45 R 18 91 Y
RSC
225/45 R 18 95 V M
+S XL RSC
2.4 / 35 2.9 / 42
F: 225/50 R 17 94 W
RSC
R: 255/45 R 17 98 W
RSC
2.2 / 32
-
-
2.2 / 32
F: 225/45 R 18 91 Y
RSC
R: 255/40 R 18 95 Y
RSC
2.2 / 32
-
-
2.2 / 32
F: 225/40 R 19 89 Y
RSC
R: 255/35 R 19 92 Y
RSC
2.2 / 32
-
-
2.5 / 36
F: 225/35 R 20 90 Y
XL RSC
R: 255/30 R 20 92 Y
XL RSC
2.4 / 35
-
-
2.9 / 42
Compact wheel
T 135/80 R 18 104
M
Speed up to a max. of
50 mph / 80 km/h
4.2 / 60
328i
Tire sizePressure specifications
in bar/PSI
Specifications in
bar/PSI with cold
tires
225/50 R 17 94 V M
+S A/S RSC
225/50 R 17 94 W
RSC
225/50 R 17 94 H M
+S RSC
2.3 / 33 2.8 / 41
225/45 R 18 91 V M
+S RSC
225/45 R 18 91 Y
RSC
225/45 R 18 95 V M
+S XL RSC
2.5 / 36 3.0 / 44
F: 225/50 R 17 94 W
RSC
R: 255/45 R 17 98 W
RSC
2.3 / 33
-
-
2.5 / 36
F: 225/45 R 18 91 Y
RSC
R: 255/40 R 18 95 Y
RSC
2.3 / 33
-
-
2.5 / 36
F: 225/40 R 19 89 Y
RSC
R: 255/35 R 19 92 Y
RSC
2.5 / 36
-
-
2.7 / 39
F: 225/35 R 20 90 Y
XL RSC
R: 255/30 R 20 92 Y
XL RSC
2.7 / 39
-
-
3.2 / 46
Compact wheel
T 135/80 R 18 104
M
Speed up to a max. of
50 mph / 80 km/h
4.2 / 60
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335i
Tire sizePressure specifications
in bar/PSI
Specifications in
bar/PSI with cold
tires
225/45 R 18 91 V M
+S RSC
225/45 R 18 91 Y
RSC
225/45 R 18 95 V M
+S XL RSC
2.6 / 38 3.2 / 46
F: 225/45 R 18 91 Y
RSC
R: 255/40 R 18 95 Y
RSC
2.6 / 38
-
-
2.8 / 41
F: 225/40 R 19 89 Y
RSC
R: 255/35 R 19 92 Y
RSC
2.6 / 38
-
-
3.0 / 44
F: 225/35 R 20 90 Y
XL RSC
R: 255/30 R 20 92 Y
XL RSC
2.8 / 41
-
-
3.4 / 49
Compact wheel
T 135/80 R 18 104
M
Speed up to a max. of
50 mph / 80 km/h
4.2 / 60
Tire identification marks
Tire size
255/50 R 19 103 Y
255: nominal width in mm
50: aspect ratio in %
R: radial tire code
19: rim diameter in inches
103: load rating, not for ZR tires
Y: speed rating, before the R on ZR tires
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
DOT code: DOT xxxx xxx 3510
xxxx: manufacturer code for the tire brand
xxx: tire size and tire design
3510: tire age
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of the
U.S. Department of Transportation.
Tire age
DOT … 3510: the tire was manufactured in the
35th week in 2010.
Recommendation
Regardless of wear, replace tires at least every
6 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: Treadwear 200; Traction AA;
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Treadwear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform to Federal
Safety Requirements in addition to these
grades.
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Always protect tires against all contact with oil,
grease and fuels.
Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation pres‐
sure indicated on the side wall of the tire.
Run-flat tires
Label
RSC label on the tire sidewall.
The wheels are composed of special rims and
tires that are self-supporting, to a limited de‐
gree.
The support of the sidewall allows the tire to re‐
main drivable to a restricted degree in the event
of a pressure loss.
Continued driving with a damaged tire, refer to
page 99.
Changing run-flat tires
For your own safety, only use run-flat tires. No
spare tire is available in the case of a flat tire. Your
service center will be glad to advise you.
Snow chains
Fine-link snow chains
Only certain types of fine-link snow chains have
been tested by the manufacturer of your vehicle,
classified as road-safe and recommended.
Consult your service center for more informa‐
tion.
Use
Use only in pairs on the rear wheels, equipped
with the tires of the following size:
▷205/60 R 16.
▷225/55 R 16.
▷225/50 R 17.
▷225/45 R 18.
Follow the chain manufacturer's instructions.
Make sure that the snow chains are always suf‐
ficiently tight. Retighten as needed according to
the chain manufacturer's instructions.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor after
mounting snow chains, as doing so may result
in incorrect readings.
Do not initialize the Tire Pressure Monitor after
mounting snow chains, as doing so may result
in incorrect readings.
When driving with snow chains, briefly activate
Dynamic Traction Control if necessary.
Maximum speed with snow chains
Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph/50 km/h when
using snow chains.
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