tire size BMW 323Ci CONVERTIBLE 2000 E46 Owner's Manual

28n
Tire inflation pressureObserve tire approval
specificationsThe inflation pressures in the table ap-
ply to tires made by BMW-approved
manufacturers. Your BMW center is
familiar with these pressures. Higher
pressures may be specified for tires
made by other manufacturers. Ap-
proved tire sizes are listed on
page 128.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that
meet US and European standards. We
recommend the exclusive use of
BMW-approved tires.BMW Tires
All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in psi
(kilopascal) with cold tires
(cold = ambient temperature)
323CiAll summer tires as well as
extra-load tires30 (220) 33 (230) 36 (250) 44 (300)
Winter tires 33 (230) 36 (250) 39 (270) 46 (320)
Space-saver tire 61 (420)
For all-season tires, use the same tire inflation pressure as for summer tires.

125n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Tire replacement Tire rotationTire ageThe date on which the tire was manu-
factured is indicated by the code on the
sidewall:
DOT ... 150 indicates that the tire was
manufactured during week 15 of the
year 2000.
BMW recommends the replacement of
all tires when the tires are no more than
6 years old, even if a tire life of 10 years
is possible.
Spare tires over 6 years old should be
used only in case of emergency. A tire
in this condition should be replaced by
a new tire immediately, and should not
be mounted together with new tires.
Between the axlesThe tread wear patterns at the front
end differ from those at the rear – the
actual patterns will vary according to
individual driving conditions. In the
interests of safety and maintaining opti-
mal handling characteristics, tire rota-
tion is not recommended.
If a proposed interaxle rotation of tires
is based on economic considerations,
one should consider whether the costs
for the rotation are likely to be recap-
tured by any increase in the service life
of the tires that might be realized. Rota-
tion should always be carried out at
short intervals, with a maximum of
3,000 miles (5,000 km). Consult your
BMW center for more information.
Should you decide to rotate the tires, it
is essential to comply with the following:
Rotate tires on the same side only, since
braking characteristics and road grip
could otherwise be adversely affected.
Following rotation, the tire inflation
pressure should always be corrected.If different tire sizes are mounted
on the front and rear axles (refer
to page 12 8), the wheels may not be
rotated from one axle to the other.<

126n
Wheel and tire combinations The right choice Use only tires approved by BMW.
Refer to the information beginning on
page 128.
Due to the high speeds this vehicle can
reach, the use of specific brands, spec-
ifications and sizes is mandatory. Con-
sult any BMW center for details.
Comply with local/national regulations.
The correct wheel-tire combina-
tion affects different systems, e.g.
ABS, ATC
* and DSC, whose function
would otherwise be impaired if im-
proper wheel-tire combinations are
used.
For this reason, use only tires of the
same brand and tread pattern. In the
event of a flat tire, for example, remount
the approved wheel-tire combination as
soon as possible.<
Codes on tires and wheels The tire codes will aid you in selecting
the correct tire.
The codes on radial tires:
The speed rating indicates the ap-
proved maximum speed for the tire.
Summer tires:
S = up to 112 mph (180 km/h)
T = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
V = up to 150 mph (240 km/h)
W = up to 167 mph (270 km/h)
Y = over 167 mph (270 km/h)
ZR = over 150 mph (240 km/h) For example:
Nominal width
in mm
Aspect ratio in X
Radial tire code
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating
(not on ZR tires)
Speed rating
(before R on ZR tires)
225/50 R
1692W
Winter tires:
Q M+S = up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
T M+S = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H M+S = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
Codes stamped on light-alloy wheels:
Protect tire valves from dirt by using
screw-on valve stem caps. Dirt in the
valves frequently leads to slow leaks. For example:
Rim width
in inches
Code letter for
flange type
Symbol for full-drop
center rim
Rim diameter in inches
Hump on the 2 rim shoulders
7 x 16 H 2
J

128n
Approved wheel and tire specifications Tire specifications Steel rim
(wheel rim)Light-alloy
wheel
Summer tires
205/55 R 16 91 H
225/50 R 16 92 W
225/50 ZR 16 –
–
–7Jx16
7Jx16
7Jx16
205/50 R 17 93 W extra load – 7Jx17
225/45 R 17 91 W – 8Jx17
Front: 225/40 ZR 18 – 8Jx18
Rear: 255/35 ZR 18 – 8.5Jx18
Winter tires (M+S)
205/55 R 16 91 Q/T/H
225/50 R 16 92 Q/T/H–
7Jx167Jx16
7Jx16
205/50 R 17 93 Q/T/H extra load – 7Jx17
225/45 R 17 91 Q/T/H – 8Jx17
Space-saver spare tire
T 115/90 R 16 92 M 3.0Bx16 –
T 125/90 R 16 98 M 3.5Bx16 –
T 125/80 R 17 99 M 3.5Bx17 –
Comply with the specifications for tires and wheels in the
vehicle's documents.
If you install tire sizes not approved by the manufacturer, you
may have to enter this information in the vehicle documents.
Only light-alloy wheels are to be used
for summer tires.Snow chains
*
You cannot mount snow chains on the
following tires:
225/50 R 16 92 W
225/50 ZR 16
225/40 ZR 18
255/35 ZR 18
225/45 R 17 91 W
225/50 R 16 92 Q/T/H
225/45 R 17 91 Q/T/HMixed tiresFor details concerning tire manufactur-
ers for mixed tires, refer to the specifi-
cations in the vehicle documents.

162n
Changing a wheel Battery Driving with the space-saver
spare tireDrive cautiously. Do not exceed a speed
of 45 mph (80 km/h).
You can anticipate changes in vehicle
handling such as delayed braking re-
sponse, longer braking distances and
changes in self-steering properties
when approaching stability limits.
The changes in handling characteristics
will be even more pronounced in con-
junction with winter tires.
Only one space-saver spare tire
may be mounted at one time. Re-
install wheels and tires of the same size
and specification as soon as possible.
Maintain correct tire pressures. Refer to
page 28.<
Installation locationThe battery is located at the right-rear
of the luggage compartment. Raise the
luggage compartment floor panel (refer
to page 40). Release the two fasteners
plus an additional fastener in the upper-
center side trim panel by turning a
screwdriver or a coin 1/4-turn counter-
clockwise. In order to remove the stor-
age tray, slide the side trim panel
slightly upward.46cde045
Charge conditionYou can read the charge condition of
the battery with the "Magic Eye"
*
(= hydrometer):
>Green: adequate charge
>Black: not adequately charged. The
battery must be recharged. Please
contact your BMW center for addi-
tional information
>Yellow: replace the battery.
The service life specified for the
battery can be achieved only if it is
always kept adequately charged. If the
vehicle is primarily used for driving
short distances, be sure to check the
charge status often.<
46cde044