winter tires BMW 325Ci CONVERTIBLE 2002 E46 Owner's Manual

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Controls and features
Operation, maintenance

Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)81
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)83
Flat Tire Monitor85

Lamps:

Parking lamps/Low beams87
Instrument lighting88
High beams/Standing lamps88
Fog lamps88
Interior lamps89

Controlling the climate for
pleasant driving:

Air conditioning90
Automatic climate control93

Interior conveniences:

Glove compartment96
BMW Universal Transmitter97
Storage compartments99
Cellular phone100
Ashtray, front100
Ashtray, rear101

Loading and transporting:

Ski bag102
Cargo loading103
Roof-mounted luggage rack for
the hardtop105

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedures108
Driving notes109
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)109
Brake system109
Hardtop110

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressure113
Tire condition113
Tire replacement114
Wheel and tire
combinations116
Winter tires116

In the engine compartment:

Hood118
Engine compartment
essentials119
Washer fluids120
Engine oil121
Coolant123
Brake fluid124

Maintenance:

The BMW Maintenance
System125

Laws and regulations:

Technical modifications126
California Proposition
65 Warning126
OBD interface socket127

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Winter tiresChoosing the right tireBMW recommends winter tires (M+S
radial tires) for operation under
inclement winter driving conditions.
While all-season tires (M+S designa-
tion) provide better winter traction than
summer tires with the load ratings H, V,
W, Y and ZR, they generally do not
achieve the performance of winter tires.
In the interest of safe tracking and
steering response, install winter tires
made by the same manufacturer and
with the same tread configuration on all
four wheels.Never exceed the maximum
speed for which the winter tires
are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
Have this work performed by trained
professionals only. Any BMW center
has the required technical knowledge
and the proper equipment and will be
happy to assist you.<
Tire condition, tire pressureOnce the tire wears to below 0.16 in
(4 mm), winter tires display a percep-
tible decrease in their ability to cope
with winter driving conditions, and
should be replaced in the interest of
safety.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures Ñ and be sure to have the
wheel and tire assemblies balanced
every time you change the tires.
StorageStore tires in a cool, dry place,
protecting them against light whenever
possible. Protect the tires against
contact with oil, grease and fuel.Snow chains
*
BMW narrow-link snow chains are
intended for mounting on summer or
winter tires in pairs at the rear wheels
only. Comply with all manufacturer's
safety precautions when mounting the
chains.
You cannot mount snow chains with the
following tires:
225/50 R 16 92
225/45 R 17 91
245/40 ZR 17

Page 138 of 159

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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.<

Page 156 of 159

Everything from A to ZW

Warning lamps17
Warning messages76
Warning triangle22
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet (Canadian
models)125
Washer fluid, adding120
Washer nozzles,
adjusting120
Washer reservoir, filling120
Washing your vehicle, refer
to the "Caring for your
vehicle" manual
Weights146
Wheel and tire
combinations116
Wheelbase145
Wheels and tires113
Wheelslip control, refer to
DSC81
Width145
Wind deflector46
Windows38 Windshield washer
system120
capacity147
filling120
Windshield wiper70
Winter tires117
Wiper system70
Work in the engine
compartment118
X
Xenon lamps131

Page 157 of 159

To ensure that you always have conve-
nient access to all essential information
when you stop for fuel, we recommend
that you fill out the adjoining chart by
entering the data that apply to your
vehicle.
Consult the index for individual specifi-
cations.
Fuel Please enter your preferred fuel here. Engine oil The oil volume between the two marks
on the dipstick corresponds to approx.
1.1 US quarts (1 liter). Designation
QualityTire inflation pressures
Summer tires Winter tires
Front Rear Front Rear
Up to 2 passengers
4 passengers plus luggage
Refueling