
Technology for driving comfort and safety
92
Drive-off assistant
The drive-off assistant enables you to drive off 
smoothly on uphill gradients. It is not necessary 
to use the parking brake for this.
1.Hold the car in place by depressing the 
brake.
2.Release the brake and drive off without 
delay.
The drive-off assistant holds the car in 
place for approx. 2 seconds after the 
brake is released. Drive off without delay after 
releasing the brake. Otherwise, the drive-off 
assistant will no longer hold the car in place 
after approx. 2 seconds and the car will start to 
roll backwards.<
Flat Tire Monitor FTM*
The concept
The system does not measure the actual infla-
tion pressure in the tires.
The system detects a tire pressure loss due to 
speed comparisons among the individual 
wheels as you drive.
In the event of pressure loss, the rolling circum-
ference changes and, thus, the rotating speed 
of the affected wheel. The system detects this 
and reports it as a flat tire.
Functional requirement
The system has to have been initialized at the 
correct inflation pressure; otherwise, a reliable 
reporting of a flat tire is not assured.
Each time a tire inflation pressure has been cor-
rected or a wheel or tire has been changed, 
reinitialize the system.
System limitations
It is impossible to provide advance warn-
ing of sudden, severe tire damage caused 
by outside influences.<
The system will not detect a natural, uniform 
pressure loss in all four tires. Therefore you 
should check the inflation pressure regularly.
In the following situations, the system could be 
delayed or malfunction:
>System has not been initialized
>Driving on snowy or slippery road surface
>Performance-oriented style of driving: slip 
in the drive wheels, high lateral acceleration
>Driving with snow chains
*
Status display
The current status of the Flat Tire Monitor can 
be displayed on the Control Display, e.g. 
whether or not the FTM is active.
1."Vehicle Info"
2."Vehicle status"
3."Flat Tire Monitor"
The status is displayed. 

Controls
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Initialization
In the initialization, the set inflation pressures 
are adopted as reference values for the detec-
tion of a flat tire. The initialization is begun by 
confirmation of the inflation pressures.
Do not initialize the system while snow chains 
are attached.
1."Vehicle Info"
2."Vehicle status"
3."Reset"
4.Start the engine – do not drive away.
5.Start the initialization using "Reset".
6.Start driving.
The initialization is completed during driv-
ing, which can be interrupted at any time. 
When driving resumes, the initialization is con-
tinued automatically.<
Indication of a flat tire
The warning lamps come on in yellow 
and red. A message appears on the 
Control Display. In addition, an 
acoustic signal sounds. There is a flat 
tire or substantial loss of tire pressure.
What to do in case of a flat tire
Run-flat tires
With a damaged tire, is possible to continue 
driving at speeds of up to 50 mph/80 km/h.
Do not continue driving if the vehicle is 
not equipped with run-flat tires, refer to 
page220; continued driving could result in a 
severe accident.<
When continuing to drive with a damaged tire:
1.Avoid sudden braking and steering maneu-
vers.
2.Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
3.At the next opportunity, check the air pres-
sure in all four tires.
If all four tires are inflated to the cor-
rect pressures, the Flat Tire Monitor 
might not have been initialized. The system 
must then be initialized.<
Possible travel distance with complete tire 
pressure loss:
>With a light load: 
1 to 2 persons without luggage: 
Approx. 155 miles/250 km
>With a medium load: 
2 persons, cargo area full, or 4 persons 
without luggage: 
Approx. 94 miles/150 km
>With a full load: 
4 persons, cargo area full: 
Approx. 30 miles/50 km
Drive cautiously and do not exceed 
a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
When there is a tire pressure loss, the handling 
characteristics change, e.g. there will be 
reduced directional stability during braking, 
braking distances will be longer, and self-steer-
ing response will change.<
Vibrations or loud noises during driving 
may indicate the final failure of the tire. 
Reduce your speed and bring the vehicle to a 
stop; otherwise, tire components may become 
detached, which could result in an accident. 
Do not continue driving; instead, contact your 
BMW center.< 

Technology for driving comfort and safety
94
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM*
The concept
Check the inflation pressure in the four installed 
tires. The system notifies you if there is a signif-
icant loss of pressure in one or more tires.
Functional requirement
The system has to have been reset at the cor-
rect inflation pressure; otherwise, a reliable 
reporting of a flat tire is not assured.
Always use wheels with TPM electronics to 
assure a trouble-free function of the system.
Each time a tire inflation pressure has 
been corrected or a wheel or tire has been 
changed, reset the system.<
System limitations
It is impossible to provide advance warn-
ing of sudden, severe tire damage caused 
by outside influences.<
The system does not function correctly if it has 
not been reset. For example, a flat tire may be 
indicated even though the tire inflation pres-
sures are correct.
The system is inactive and cannot indicate a flat 
tire:
>when a wheel without TPM electronics is 
installed.
>when other systems or devices that use the 
same radio frequency interfere with TPM.
Status display
The current status of the TPM Tire Pressure 
Monitor can be displayed on the Control Dis-
play, e.g. whether or not the TPM is active.
1."Vehicle Info"
2."Vehicle status"
3."Tire Pressure Monitor - TPM"
The status is displayed.
Status indicator on the Control Display
The color of the tires represents the status of 
the tires and the system.
A change in the inflation pressure during driving 
is taken into account.
A correction is only needed if TPM indicates it.
Green
The inflation pressure corresponds to the 
desired state.
"TPM active" appears on the Control Display.
One wheel yellow
There is a flat tire or substantial loss of tire pres-
sure in the indicated tire.
All wheels yellow
>There is a flat tire or substantial loss of tire 
pressure in several tires.
>The system was not reset after a wheel 
change and will thus issue warnings at the 
last initialized inflation pressures. 

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Gray
The system cannot detect a puncture.
The reasons for this are as follows:
>TPM is being reset.
>Interference from systems or devices that 
use the same radio frequency.
>Malfunction.
Resetting the system
Each time a tire inflation pressure has been 
corrected or a wheel or tire has been changed, 
reset the system.
1."Vehicle Info"
2."Vehicle status"
3."Reset TPM"
4.Start the engine – do not drive away.
5.Start the initialization using "Reset TPM".
6.Start driving.
The tires are shown in gray and "Resetting 
TPM..." is displayed.
After driving a few minutes, the set inflation 
pressures in the tires are accepted as the target 
values to be monitored. The resetting is com-
pleted automatically as you drive. On the Con-
trol Display, the tires are shown in green and 
"Status: TPM active" is displayed again.
You can stop driving at any time. The resetting 
continues automatically when you resume driv-
ing.
If a flat tire is detected during the reset-
ting process, all tires are displayed in 
yellow in the Control Display. The message 
"Low tire!" is shown.<
Message for low tire inflation pressure
The warning lamps come on in yellow 
and red. A message appears on the 
Control Display. In addition, a signal 
sounds.
>There is a flat tire or substantial loss of tire 
pressure.
>The system was not reset after a wheel 
change and will thus issue warnings at the 
last initialized inflation pressures.
Cautiously reduce speed to below 50 mph/
80 km/h. Avoid sudden braking and steering 
maneuvers. Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/
80 km/h.
Do not continue driving if the vehicle is 
not equipped with run-flat tires, refer to 
page220; continued driving could result in a 
severe accident.<
Continuing to drive with a flat tire
Possible travel distance with complete tire 
pressure loss:
>With a light load:
1 to 2 persons without luggage:
Approx. 155 miles/250 km
>With a medium load:
2 persons, cargo area full, or 4 persons 
without luggage:
Approx. 95 miles/150 km
>With a full load:
4 persons, cargo area full:
Approx. 30 miles/50 km
Drive cautiously and do not exceed a 
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
When there is a tire pressure loss, the handling 
characteristics change, e.g. there will be 
reduced directional stability during braking, 
braking distances will be longer, and self-steer-
ing response will change.<
Vibrations or loud noises during driving 
may indicate the final failure of the tire. 
Reduce your speed and bring the vehicle to a 
stop; otherwise, tire components may become 
detached, which could result in an accident. 
Do not continue driving; instead, contact your 
BMW center.< 

Technology for driving comfort and safety
96
Message for unsuccessful 
system reset
Yellow warning lamp comes on. 
A message appears on the 
Control Display.
The system is not reset, e.g. after a wheel 
change.
Check the tire inflation pressure and reset 
the system, refer to page95.
Malfunction
The small warning lamp flashes in 
yellow and then lights up continu-
ously; the large warning lamp comes 
on in yellow. The tires appear in gray 
in the Control Display. No punctures can be 
detected.
Display in the following situations:
>Malfunction
Have the system checked.
>A wheel without TPM electronics has been 
installed:
Have it checked by your BMW center.
>Interference from systems or devices that 
use the same radio frequency: 
The system automatically becomes active 
again when the vehicle moves out of the 
interference zone.
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 
telltale when one or more of your tires are signif-
icantly underinflated. Accordingly, when the 
low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, 
and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving 
on a significantly underinflated tire causes the 
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. 
Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and 
tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s han-
dling and stopping ability. Please note that the 
TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to 
maintain correct tire pressure, even if underin-
flation has not reached the level at which the 
TPMS low tire pressure telltale illuminates.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined 
with the low tire pressure telltale. When the sys-
tem detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash 
for approximately one minute and then remain 
continuously lit. This sequence will continue 
upon subsequent vehicle startups as long as 
the malfunction exists. When the malfunction 
indicator is illuminated, the system may not be 
able to detect or signal low tire pressure as 
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a 
variety of reasons, including the installation of 
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the 
vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning 
properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction 
telltale after replacing one or more tires or 
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the 
replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow 
the TPMS to continue to function properly.
Active steering*
The concept
Active steering varies the turning angle of the 
front wheels in relation to steering wheel move-
ments. It also varies the steering force required 
to turn the wheels depending on the speed at 
which you are driving.
When you are driving in the low road speed 
range, e.g. in a town or when parking, the steer-
ing angle is increased, i.e. steering becomes 
very direct and less effort is required to turn the 
wheels. In the higher speed range, on the other 
hand, the steering angle is reduced as the 
speed increases. This improves the handling of 
your BMW over the entire speed range. 

Things to remember when driving
126
Things to remember when driving
Break-in period
Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to 
each other. Please follow the instructions below 
in order to achieve the optimal service life and 
economy of operation for your vehicle.
Engine and differential
Always obey all official speed limits.
Up to 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Drive at varying engine and road speeds, but do 
not exceed an engine speed of 4,500 rpm or a 
road speed of 100 mph/160 km/h.
Avoid full-throttle operation and use of the 
transmission's kickdown mode.
After driving 1,200 miles/2,000 km
Engine and vehicle speeds can be gradually 
increased.
Tires
Due to technical factors associated with their 
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac-
tion potential until after an initial break-in 
period. Therefore, drive cautiously during the 
first 200 miles/300 km.
Brake system
Brakes require an initial break-in period of 
approx. 300 miles/500 km to achieve optimized 
contact and wear patterns between brake pads 
and rotors. Drive cautiously during this break-in 
period.
Clutch
The function of the clutch reaches its optimal 
level only after a distance driven of approx. 
300 miles/500 km. During this break-in period, 
engage the clutch gently.
Following part replacement
The same break-in procedures should be 
observed if any of the components mentioned 
above have to be renewed in the course of the 
vehicle's operating life.
Saving fuel
The fuel consumption of your vehicle depends 
on several factors. You can lower fuel consump-
tion and the environmental impact by taking 
certain measures, adjusting your driving style 
and having the vehicle serviced regularly.
Remove any unneeded cargo
Additional weight increases fuel consumption.
Remove any mounted parts after you 
have finished using them
Remove unneeded additional mirrors, the roof 
rack and the rear luggage rack after use. 
Mounted parts affect the vehicle's aerodynam-
ics and increase fuel consumption.
Close the windows and glass roof
An open glass roof or window causes higher air 
resistance and thus increases fuel consump-
tion.
Check tire inflation pressure regularly
Check the tire inflation pressure at least twice a 
month and before embarking on a long journey, 
and correct it if necessary.
Low tire inflation pressure causes higher rolling 
resistance and thus increases fuel consumption 
and tire wear.
Set off immediately
Do not let the engine warm up while the car is 
still standing, but set off immediately at moder-
ate engine speed. This is the fastest way for the 
cold engine to reach its operating temperature. 

Wheels and tires
208
Wheels and tires
Tire inflation pressures
Information for your safety
It is not merely the tires' service life, but also 
driving comfort and, to a great extent, driving 
safety that depend on the condition of the tires 
and the maintenance of the specified tire pres-
sure.
Check the tire inflation pressure regularly 
and correct it, if necessary: at least twice a 
month and before starting long trips. If you fail 
to observe this precaution you may be driving 
on tires with incorrect tire pressures, a condi-
tion that can not only compromise your vehi-
cle's driving stability, but also lead to tire dam-
age and the risk of an accident. Do not drive 
with deflated, i.e. flat tires, except when using 
run-flat tires. A flat tire will seriously impair your 
vehicle's handling and braking response. 
Attempts to drive on a flat tire can lead to loss of 
control over the vehicle.<
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 is higher.
After correcting the tire inflation pressure, 
reset the Tire Pressure Monitor, refer to 
page95, or reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor, 
refer to page93.<
Inflation 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 approved and tire brands recom-
mended by BMW; a list of these is available 
from your BMW center.<
For correct identification of the right tire infla-
tion pressures, observe the following:>Tire sizes for your vehicle
>Load conditions
>Maximum allowable driving speed
Tire inflation pressures for driving up 
to 100 mph or 160 km/h
For normal driving up to 100 mph or 160 km/h 
and to achieve optimum driving comfort, adjust 
pressures to the respective tire inflation pres-
sures listed on the following pages in the col-
umns for traveling speeds up to a maximum of 
100 mph or 160 km/h.
These tire inflation pressures can also be found 
on the driver's side door post when the driver's 
door is open.
The maximum permissible speed for 
these tire pressures is 100 mph or 
160 km/h. Do not exceed this speed; otherwise, 
tire damage and accidents could occur.<
Tire inflation pressures for driving 
above 100 mph or 160 km/h
In order to drive at maximum speeds in 
excess of 100 mph or 160 km/h, adjust 
pressures to the respective tire inflation pres-
sures listed on the following pages in the col-
umns for traveling speeds including those 
exceeding 100 mph or 160 km/h. Otherwise, 
tire damage and accidents could occur.<
Observe all national and local maximum speed 
limits; otherwise, violations of the laws could 
occur. 

Mobility
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Coupe: tire inflation pressures for the 328i
Tire size Pressure specifications in psi/kPa 
Traveling speeds
up to a 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
Without Sport Package:
205/55 R 16 91 H M+S
225/50 R 16 92 H M+S
225/45 R 17 91 H M+S
225/45 R 17 91 V32/220 38/260 36/250 44/300
225/45 R 17 94 V M+S XL 32/220 39/270 36/250 44/300
Front: 225/45 R 17 91 V 32/220 - 36/250 -
Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 V - 35/240 - 39/270
Front: 225/40 R 18 88 W 32/220 - 36/250 -
Rear: 255/35 R 18 90 W - 39/270 - 42/290
Front: 225/35 R 19 88 Y XL 36/250 - 36/250 -
Rear: 255/30 R 19 91 Y XL - 44/300 - 44/300
With Sport Package:
205/55 R 16 91 H M+S 
225/50 R 16 92 H M+S 
225/45 R 17 91 H M+S32/220 38/260 36/250 44/300
225/45 R 17 91 V 32/220 38/260 42/290 49/340
225/45 R 17 94 V M+S XL 32/220 39/270 42/290 49/340
Front: 225/45 R 17 91 V 32/220 - 42/290 -
Rear: 255/40 R 17 94 V - 35/240 - 44/300
Front: 225/40 R 18 88 W 32/220 - 39/270 -
Rear: 255/35 R 18 90 W - 39/270 - 46/320
Front: 225/35 R 19 88 Y XL 36/250 - 39/270 -
Rear: 255/30 R 19 91 Y XL - 44/300 - 46/320
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page249.