tire size BMW 325Ci CONVERTIBLE 2002 E46 Owner's Manual

Page 24 of 159

24n
Tire inflation pressures The specified inflation pressures are
provided on a sticker attached to the
B-pillar and visible with the driver's
door open.Checking tire pressuresAll pressures are specified in the stan-
dard units of pressure for your country,
psi or kilopascal, and apply to cold tires
(tires at ambient temperature, refer to
tire pressure table on the following
page).
Vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitor
(RDC)/Flat Tire Monitor: after correcting
the inflation pressures, reactivate the
system, refer to pages 83, 85.
Another instruction plate regarding
inflation pressures on the door pillar
indicates which system is equipped on
your vehicle.
Check the tire pressures on a
regular basis Ð at least twice a
month Ð and before every extended
journey. Otherwise, incorrect tire pres-
sure can lead to poor handling, to tire
damage and accidents.
Remember to check the inflation pres-
sure in the space-saver or standard
spare tire.

Inflate the spare tire to the highest infla-
tion pressure of any tire on your
vehicle.<
Comply with tire approval
specificationsThe inflation pressures in the table
apply to BMW approved tire sizes and
tire manufacturers. Your BMW center is
familiar with these pressures. Higher
pressures may be specified for tires
made by other manufacturers.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that
not only meet US standards, but also
European standards. We recommend
the exclusive use of BMW approved
tires.

Page 138 of 159

138n
Changing a wheelDriving with the space-saver
spare tireDrive cautiously. Do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
You can anticipate changes in vehicle
handling such as delayed braking
response, longer braking distances and
sacrifices in roadholding.
The changes in handling characteristics
will be even more pronounced in
conjunction with winter tires.
Only one space-saver spare tire
may be mounted at one time.
Reinstall wheels and tires of the same
size and specification as soon as
possible. Maintain correct tire pres-
sures, refer to page 25.<
Safety tires
*
Safety tires consist of self-supporting
tires and special rims. The tire rein-
forcement ensures that the tire retains
some residual safety in the event of
pressure drop and driving remains
possible to a restricted degree. The
vehicle is equipped with Tire Pressure
Monitor (RDC) or Flat Tire Monitor,
which indicate a flat tire.Flat tireIf there is a tire failure, the red warning
lamp symbol lights up. A supplemen-
tary gong is also heard.
For additional information on Tire Pres-
sure Monitor (RDC) or Flat Tire Monitor
refer to page 83 or 85.
Reduce vehicle speed carefully to
under 50 mph (80 km/h), avoiding hard
brake applications and steering maneu-
vers.
With the safety tires, you can drive
another approx. 155 miles (250 km) to
reach a safe parking location, a service
station or the nearest BMW center.
With a low vehicle load, this can also be
considerably more than 155 miles
(250 km).Safety tires are only possible in
conjunction with Tire Pressure
Monitor (RDC) or Flat Tire Monitor.<
If the defective wheel cannot be seen
as such immediately from the outside,
check the tire inflation pressure at all
four wheels.
Have the tires changed by your
BMW center. For safety reasons,
do not have a safety tire repaired. Your
BMW center has the information
needed for working with safety tires
and is equipped with the necessary
special tools.<
If appropriate, please consult your
BMW center to reequip your
vehicle from summer to winter tires Ð or
vice versa.<