2015 BMW 7 SERIES run flat

Wheels and tiresVehicle features and options
This chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to
the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and
systems. The respectively applicable country
provisions must be observed when using the
respective features 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 tire inflation pressure
WARNING
A tire with low or missing tire inflation
pressure impacts handling, such as steering
and braking response. There is risk of an acci‐
dent. Regularly check the tire inflation pres‐
sure, and correct it as needed, e.g. twice a
month and before a long trip.◀
Also check the tire inflation pressure of the
emergency wheel in the trunk regularly, and
correct it as needed.
Tires have a natural, consistent loss of tire in‐
flation pressure.
Tires heat up while driving, and the tire infla‐
tion pressure increases along with the tire's
temperature. The tire inflation pressure speci‐
fications relate to cold tires or tires with the
ambient temperature.
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.
The displays of inflation devices may under-
read by up to 0.1 bar, 2 psi.
For Flat Tire Monitor: after correcting the tire
inflation pressure, reinitialize the Flat Tire
Monitor.
For Tire Pressure Monitor: after correcting the
tire inflation pressure, reset the Tire Pressure
Monitor.
Tire inflation pressure specifications
The tire inflation pressure table, refer to
page 255, contains all tire inflation pressure
specifications for the specified tire sizes at the
ambient temperature. The tire inflation pres‐
sure values apply to tire sizes approved by the
manufacturer of the vehicle for the vehicle
type.
To identify the correct tire inflation pressure,
please note the following:▷Tire sizes of your vehicle.▷Maximum permitted 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
values in the tire inflation pressure table, refer
to page 255, and adjust as necessary.
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Tire Identification NumberDOT code: DOT xxxx xxx 0115
xxxx: manufacturer code for the tire brand
xxx: tire size and tire design
0115: tire age
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of
the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Tire age DOT … 0115: the tire was manufactured in the
1st week of 2015.
Recommendation
Regardless of wear and tear, 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 Fed‐
eral Safety Requirements in addition to these
grades.
TreadwearThe treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov‐
ernment test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and one-half, 1 g,
times as well on the government course as a
tire graded 100. The relative performance of
tires depends upon the actual conditions of
their use, however, and may depart signifi‐
cantly from the norm due to variations in driv‐ing habits, service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire's ability to
stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction tests,
and does not include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
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 ma‐
terial 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
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades Band
A represent higher levels of performance on
the laboratory test wheel than the minimum re‐
quired by law.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is es‐
tablished for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinfla‐
tion, or excessive loading, either separately or
in combination, can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure.◀
RSC – Run-flat tires Run-flat tires, refer to page 260, are labeled
with a circular symbol containing the letters
RSC marked on the sidewall.Seite 257Wheels and tiresMobility257
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Wheel and tire combination
You can ask the dealer’s service center or an‐
other qualified service center or repair shop
about the right wheel/tire combination and
wheel rim versions for the vehicle.
Incorrect wheel and tire combinations impair
the function of a variety of systems such as
ABS or DSC.
To maintain good handling and vehicle re‐
sponse, use only tires with a single tread con‐
figuration from a single manufacturer.
Following tire damage, have the original wheel
and tire combination remounted on the vehicle
as soon as possible.
WARNING
Wheels and tires which are not suitable
for your vehicle can damage parts of the vehi‐
cle, e. g. due to contact with the body due to
tolerances despite the same official size rating.
There is risk of an accident.◀
WARNING
Mounted steel wheels can cause techni‐
cal problems, e.g. independent loosening of
the lug bolts, damage to the brake discs. There
is risk of an accident. Do not mount steel
wheels.◀
Recommended tire brands
For each tire size, the manufacturer of your ve‐
hicle recommends certain tire brands. These
can be identified by a star on the tire sidewall.
New tires
Tire traction is not optimal due to manufactur‐
ing circumstances when tires are brand-new;
they achieve their full traction potential after a
break-in time.
Drive conservatively for the first
200 miles/300 km.
Retreaded tires
The manufacturer of your vehicle does not rec‐
ommend the use of retreaded tires.
WARNING
Retreated tires can have different tire
casing structures. With advanced age the serv‐
ice life can be limited. There is risk of an acci‐
dent. Do not use retreated tires.◀
Winter tires
Winter tires are recommended for operating on
winter roads.
Although so-called all-season M+S tires pro‐
vide better winter traction than summer tires,
they do not provide the same level of perform‐
ance as winter tires.
Maximum speed of winter tires If the maximum speed of the vehicle is higher
than the permissible speed for the winter tires,
then a respective symbol is displayed in your
field of vision. The plate is available from a
dealer’s service center or another qualified
service center or repair shop.
With mounted winter tires, observe and adhere
to the permissible maximum speed.
Run-flat tires If you are already using run-flat tires, for your
own safety you should replace them only with
the same kind. No spare tire is available in the
case of a flat tire. A dealer’s service center or
another qualified service center or repair shop
will be glad to answer additional questions at
any time.Seite 259Wheels and tiresMobility259
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Rotating wheels between axlesDifferent wear patterns can occur on the frontand rear axles depending on individual driving
conditions. The tires can be rotated between
the axles to achieve even wear. A dealer’s
service center or another qualified service cen‐
ter or repair shop will be glad to answer addi‐
tional questions at any time. After rotating,
check the tire pressure and correct if needed.
Rotating the tires is not permissible on vehi‐
cles with different tire sizes or rim sizes on the
front and rear axles.
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 pres‐
sure indicated on the side wall of the tire.
Run-flat tires
Label
RSC label on the tire sidewall.
The wheels consist of tires that are self-sup‐
porting, to a limited degree, and possibly spe‐
cial rims.
The support of the sidewall allows the tire to
remain drivable to a restricted degree in the
event of a tire inflation pressure loss.
Follow the instructions for continued driving
with a flat tire.
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. A
dealer’s service center or another qualified
service center or repair shop will be glad to an‐
swer additional questions at any time.
Repairing a flat tire Safety measures▷Park the vehicle as far away as possible
from passing traffic and on solid ground.▷Switch on the hazard warning system.▷Secure the vehicle against rolling away by
setting the parking brake.▷Turn the steering wheel until the front
wheels are in the straight-ahead position
and engage the steering wheel lock.▷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 necessary, set up a warning triangle at an
appropriate distance.
Mobility System
The concept
With the Mobility System, minor tire damage
can be sealed quickly to enable continued
travel. To accomplish this, sealant is pumped
into the tires, which seals the damage from the
inside.
The compressor can be used to check the tire
inflation pressure.
Information
▷Follow the instructions on using the Mobi‐
lity System found on the compressor and
sealant container.Seite 260MobilityWheels and tires260
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While the tire is being filled with sealant, the
tire inflation pressure may sporadically reach
approx. 5 bar. Do not switch off the compres‐
sor at this point.
If a tire inflation pressure of 2 bar is not
reached:1.Switch off the compressor.2.Unscrew the filling hose from the wheel.3.Drive 33 ft/10 m forward and back to dis‐
tribute the sealant in the tire.4.Inflate the tire again using the compressor.
If a tire inflation pressure of 2 bar cannot be
reached, contact your dealer’s service cen‐
ter or another qualified service center or
repair shop.
Stowing the Mobility System
1.Unscrew the filling hose of the sealant con‐
tainer from the wheel.2.After pressing the red unlock button on the
compressor, remove the sealing container.3.Wrap the empty sealant container in suita‐
ble material to avoid dirtying the trunk.4.Stow the Mobility System back in the vehi‐
cle.
Distributing the sealant
Immediately drive approx. 5 miles/10 km to en‐
sure that the sealant is evenly distributed in the
tire.
Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
If possible, do not drive at speeds less than
12 mph/20 km/h.
To correct the tire inflation pressure1.Stop at a suitable location.2.Screw the connection hose of the com‐
pressor directly onto the tire valve stem.3.Insert the connector into the power socket
inside the vehicle.4.Correct the tire inflation pressure to at
least 2.0 bar.▷Increase pressure: with operating read‐
iness switched on or the engine run‐
ning, switch on the compressor.▷To reduce the pressure: press the but‐
ton on the compressor.
Continuing the trip
Do not exceed the maximum permissible
speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
Reinitialize the Tire Pressure Monitor.
Replace the nonworking tire and the sealant
container of the Mobility System as soon as
possible.
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Snow chains
Fine-link snow chains The manufacturer of your vehicle recommends
use of fine-link snow chains. Certain types of
fine-link snow chains have been tested by the
manufacturer of the vehicle and recommended
as road-safe and suitable.
Information regarding suitable snow chains is
available from a dealer’s service center or an‐
other qualified service center or repair shop.
Use
Use only in pairs on the rear wheels, equipped
with the tires of the following size:▷245/50 R 18.▷245/45 R 19.
Follow the snow chain manufacturer's instruc‐
tions.
Make sure that the snow chains are always
sufficiently tight. Retighten as needed accord‐
ing 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 needed.
Maximum speed with snow chains Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph/50 km/hwhen using snow chains.
Rear wheel steering during operation with snow chains
General information
In order to guarantee free running of the
wheels when operating with snow chains, the
rear wheel steering of the integral active steer‐
ing must be switched off when snow chains
are mounted. For this, it is possible to confirm
via iDrive that snow chains are mounted.
Information WARNING
When rear wheel steering is switched on
and snow chains are mounted, there can be
contact between snow chains and the chassis.
There is risk of accidents or risk of property
damage. With mounted snow chains, switch
off the rear wheel steering.◀
Switching off rear wheel steering With the setting that snow chains are
mounted, the rear wheel steering is switched
off.
About iDrive:1."My Vehicle"2."Vehicle settings"3."Tire chains"4."Tire chains installed"
Starting with the permissible maximum speed
with snow chains of 30 mph/50 km/h the rear
wheel steering will be switched on automati‐
cally.
Tire Pressure Monitor TPM
The concept
The system monitors tire inflation pressure in
the four mounted tires. The system warns you
if there is a loss of pressure in one or more
tires. For this purpose, sensors in the tire
valves measure the tire inflation pressure and
tire temperature.
Information
With use of the system observe further infor‐
mation found under Tire inflation pressure, re‐
fer to page 254.
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▷The system has detected a wheel change,
but no reset was done.▷No reset was performed for the system.
The system therefore issues a warning
based on the tire inflation pressures before
the last reset.▷Inflation was not carried out according to
specifications.▷The tire inflation pressure has fallen below
the level of the last reset.
In these cases:
1.Check the tire pressure and correct as
needed.2.Reset the system.
Message in case of low tire pressure
The yellow warning lamp lights up.
A Check Control message is displayed.
▷There is a tire inflation pressure loss.▷No reset was performed for the system.
The system therefore issues a warning
based on the tire inflation pressures before
the last reset.
In these cases:
1.Reduce your speed and drive moderately.
Do not exceed a speed of
80 mph/130 km/h.2.At the next opportunity, e.g. gas station,
check and if necessary correct the tire in‐
flation pressure in all four tires.3.Reset the system.
Message in case of sharp tire inflation pressure loss
The yellow warning lamp lights up.
A symbol with the affected tires will be dis‐
played in the Check Control message.▷There is a flat tire or a major loss in tire in‐
flation pressure.▷No reset was performed for the system.
The system therefore issues a warning
based on the tire inflation pressures before
the last reset.
In these cases:
1.Reduce your speed and stop cautiously.
Avoid sudden braking and steering maneu‐
vers.2.Check whether the vehicle is fitted with
normal tires or run-flat tires.
Run-flat tires, refer to page 260, are la‐
beled with a circular symbol containing the
letters RSC marked on the tire's sidewall.
WARNING
A damaged regular tire with low or miss‐
ing tire inflation pressure impacts handling,
such as steering and braking response. Run-
flat tires can maintain limited stability. There is
risk of an accident. Do not continue driving if
the vehicle is not equipped with run-flat tires.
Observe the information on run-flat tires and
continued driving with these tires.◀
A low tire inflation pressure might turn on DSC
Dynamic Stability Control.
Actions in the event of a flat tire
Normal tires
1.Identify the damaged tire.
Do this by checking the air pressure in all
four tires.
The tire pressure gauge of the Mobility
System, refer to page 260, can be used for
this purpose.
If the tire inflation pressure in all four tires
is shown to be correct, it is possible that
the Tire Pressure Monitor did not perform
a reset. Then perform the reset.Seite 266MobilityWheels and tires266
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If identification of flat tire damage is not
possible, please contact a dealer’s service
center or another qualified service center
or repair shop.2.Fixing a flat tire, where applicable with the
Mobility System.3.Replacing a damaged tire, where applica‐
ble with the emergency wheel.
Use of sealant, e.g., the Mobility System, may
damage the TPM wheel electronics. In this
case, have the electronics checked at the next
opportunity and have them replaced if needed.
Run-flat tires Maximum speed
You may continue driving with a damaged tire
at speeds up to 50 mph/80 km/h.
Continued driving with a flat tire
If 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.Check the air pressure in all four tires at
the next opportunity.
If the tire inflation pressure in all four tires
is shown to be correct, it is possible that
the Tire Pressure Monitor did not perform
a reset. In that case, carry out a reset.
Possible driving distance with complete loss of
tire inflation pressure:
The possible driving distance after a loss of tire
inflation pressure depends on cargo load, driv‐
ing style and road conditions.
A vehicle with an average load has a possible
driving range of approx. 50 miles/80 km.
A vehicle with a damaged tire reacts differ‐
ently, e.g., it has reduced lane stability during
braking, a longer braking distance and different
self-steering properties. Adjust your driving
style accordingly. Avoid abrupt steering ma‐
neuvers or driving over obstacles, e.g., curbs,
potholes, etc.
Because the possible driving distance de‐
pends on how the vehicle is used during the
trip, the actual distance may be shorter or lon‐
ger depending on the driving speed, road con‐
ditions, external temperature, cargo load, etc.
WARNING
Your vehicle handles differently when a
run-flat tire is damaged and has low or missing
tire inflation pressure, e.g., your lane stability is
reduced when braking, braking distances are
longer and the self-steering properties will
change. There is risk of an accident.
Drive moderately and do not exceed a speed of
50 mph/80 km/h.◀
System limits
The system does not function properly if a re‐
set has not been carried out, e.g., a flat tire is
reported though tire inflation pressures are
correct.
The tire inflation pressure depends on the
tire's temperature. Driving or exposure to the
sun will increase the tire's temperature, thus
increasing the tire inflation pressure. The tire
inflation pressure is reduced when the tire
temperature falls again. These circumstances
may cause a warning when temperatures fall
very sharply.
The system cannot indicate sudden serious
tire damage caused by external circumstances.
Malfunction The yellow warning lamp flashes andthen lights up continuously. A Check
Control message is displayed. No flat
tire or loss of tire inflation pressure can be de‐
tected.
Examples and recommendations in the follow‐
ing situations:▷A wheel without TPM electronics is
mounted, e.g. emergency wheel: Have itSeite 267Wheels and tiresMobility267
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