spare wheel BMW 330i SEDAN 2001 E46 Owner's Manual

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
*
In the event of a flat tireIf there is a tire failure with loss of pres-
sure, the indicator lamp comes on with
a red lamp. In addition, an acoustic
signal is sounded.
If this occurs, reduce vehicle speed
immediately and stop the vehicle in a
safe location. Avoid hard brake applica-
tions. Do not oversteer. Replace the
wheel and flat tire.
The space-saver spare tire is
provided for temporary use only in
the event of a tire failure. It does not
have RDC electronics and is not moni-
tored. A full-size spare tire that has the
same dimensions as the tires already
mounted on the vehicle is equipped
with the necessary RDC electronics,
and will be also be monitored once the
tires have been mounted and the
system activated.<
RDC cannot alert you to severe
and sudden tire damage caused
by external factors.<
Have the tires changed by your
BMW center.
Your BMW center has been trained to
work with the RDC system and is
equipped with the necessary special
tools.<
System interferenceLocal devices using the same radio
frequency can interfere with the RDC.
The yellow indicator lamp will come on
during the malfunction.
The indicator lamp also comes on
>in the event of a system fault
>if a wheel is mounted without the
appropriate electronics
>if, in addition to the spare tire
*, addi-
tional wheels with RDC electronics
are on board.
Please contact your BMW center for
additional information.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Tire replacement Tire rotationTire ageThe date on which the tire was manu-
factured is indicated by the code on the
sidewall:
DOT ... 4100 means that the tire was
manufactured in week 41 of 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 Ð the actual
patterns will vary according to indi-
vidual driving conditions. In the inter-
ests of safety and maintaining optimal
handling characteristics, tire rotation 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. In
principle, interaxle rotation must be
performed in 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 130), the wheels may not be
rotated from one axle to the other.<

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Approved wheel and tire specifications Tire specifications Steel rim Alu-wheel
(black)Light-alloy
wheel
Winter tires
195/65 R 15 91 Q M+S 6.5Jx15 6.5Jx15 6.5Jx15
205/60 R 15 91 Q M+S 6.5Jx15 6.5Jx15
Ð6.5Jx15
7Jx15
205/55 R 16 91 Q M+S
225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S7Jx16 7Jx16
205/50 R 17 93 Q M+S extra load Ð 7Jx17
225/45 R 17 91 Q M+S Ð Ð 8Jx17
Space-saver spare tire Ð
T 125/90 R 15 96 M 3.5Bx15 Ð Ð
T 115/90 R 16 92 M 3.0Bx16 Ð Ð
T 125/90 R 16 98 M 3.5Bx16 Ð Ð
T 125/80 R 17 99 M 3.5Bx17 Ð Ð
Comply with the specifications for tires and wheels in the vehicle's manuals.
If you install tire sizes not approved by the manufacturer, an entry in the
vehicle documents may be necessary.
Snow chains
*
You cannot mount snow chains with
the following tires:
225/50 R 16 92 W
225/50 ZR 16
225/45 R 17 91 W
245/40 ZR 17
225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S
225/45 R 17 91 Q M+SMixed tiresFor details concerning tire manufac-
turers for mixed tires, refer to the
vehicle documents.

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Approved wheel and tire specificationsTire specifications Steel rim Light-alloy wheel
BMW 325i/330xi
All season tires
205/55 R 16 91 H M+S 7Jx16 7Jx16
205/50 R 17 93 V M+S extra load 7Jx17 7Jx17
Summer tires
205/55 R 16 91 V
225/50 R 16 92 W (not on 325xi)
225/50 ZR 16 (not on 325xi)Ð 7Jx16
205/50 R 17 93 W extra load Ð 7Jx17
225/45 R 17 91 W Ð 8Jx17
Front: 225/45 ZR 17
Rear: 245/40 ZR 17Ð
Ð7.5Jx17
8.5Jx17
Winter tires205/55 R 16 91 Q M+S
225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S (not on 325xi)
7Jx16 7Jx16
205/50 R 17 93 Q M+S extra load Ð 7Jx17
225/45 R 17 91 Q M+S Ð 8Jx17
Space-saver spare tire
T 115/90 R 16 92 M 3.0Bx16 Ð
T 125/90 R 16 98 M 3.5Bx16 Ð
T 125/80 R 17 99 M 3.5Bx17 Ð
Comply with the specifications for tires and wheels in the vehicle's manuals.
If you install tire sizes not approved by the manufacturer, an entry in the vehicle
documents may be necessary.
BMW 325xiFor all tires, only light-alloy wheels must
be used.Snow chains
*
You cannot mount snow chains
with the following tires:
225/50 R 16 92 W
225/50 ZR 16 92 Q M+S
225/50 ZR 16
225/45 R 17 91 W
225/45 R 17 91 Q M+S
245/40 ZR 17Mixed tiresFor details concerning tire manufac-
turers for mixed tires, refer to the
vehicle documents.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Tire specifications Steel rim Light-alloy wheel
BMW 330i/330xi
All season tires
205/50 R 17 93 V M+S extra load 7Jx17 7Jx17
Summer tires
205/50 R 17 93 W extra load Ð 7Jx17
225/45 R 17 91 W Ð 8Jx17
Front: 225/45 ZR 17
Rear: 245/40 ZR 17Ð
Ð7.5Jx17
8.5Jx17
Winter tires
205/50 R 17 93 Q M+S extra load Ð 7Jx17
225/45 R 17 91 Q M+S Ð 8Jx17
Space-saver spare tire
T 125/80 R 17 99 M 3.5Bx17 Ð
Comply with the specifications for tires and wheels in the vehicle's manuals.
If you install tire sizes not approved by the manufacturer, an entry in the vehicle
documents may be necessary.
Snow chains
*
You cannot mount snow chains with the
following tires:
225/45 R 17 91 W
245/40 ZR 17
225/45 R 17 91 Q M+SMixed tiresFor details concerning tire manufac-
turers for mixed tires, refer to the
vehicle documents.

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Changing a wheel
Take these precautionary
measures if you have either a flat
tire or are changing the tire:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible from
passing traffic. Park on a firm, flat
surface. Switch on the hazard flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead position, remove the key and
engage the steering lock. Shift into 1st
or reverse (selector lever in "Park" with
automatic) and engage the parking
brake.
Have all passengers leave the vehicle
and remain well away from your imme-
diate working area (behind a guardrail,
for instance).
If a warning triangle or portable hazard
warning lamp is available, set it up on
the roadside at an appropriate distance
from the rear of the vehicle. Comply
with all applicable safety guidelines and
regulations.
Change the wheel only on a level, firm
surface that is not slippery. Avoid
jacking the vehicle on a soft or slippery
support surface (snow, ice, loose
gravel, etc.), as it could slide sideways.
Position the jack on a firm support
surface.
Do not place wooden blocks or similar
objects under the jack. If you do so, the
jack might not be able to reach its full
support capacity because of the limited
height.
Do not lie under the vehicle or start the
engine when the vehicle is supported
by the jack. Failure to comply with this
creates a risk of fatal injury.<
Your BMW has either a spare wheel or
a space-saver spare tire for temporary
use and to ensure your mobility.
To remove the spare wheel, lift out
the floor panel in the luggage
compartment completely (refer to
page 41).<
You will need the followingIn order to avoid rattling noises later,
note the position of the tools when you
remove them and return them to their
original position when you are through
using them.
>Jack (1)
Raise the floor panel in the luggage
compartment (refer to page 41) and
loosen the red wing nut (arrow).
When you have completed work,
screw the jack all the way back
down. Fold the handle back and
insert it in its holder
>Wedge (2)
The wedge, or wheel chock, is
located behind the jack on the
luggage compartment's rear wall.
Loosen the wing nut to remove it460de058

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Changing a wheel>Spare tire or space-saver spare tire
Located next to the jack.
Loosen the wing nut (arrow) by hand,
remove the storage tray and take out
the spare wheel
>Lug wrench Ð is in the onboard tool
kit on the underside of the luggage
compartment lid (refer to page 158).460de059
Procedure1 Read and comply with the safety
precautions provided on the
previous page
2 Secure the vehicle from rolling:
Place the wedge against the rear
surface of the front tire on the side
opposite the side being raised. If
the vehicle is parked on a down-
ward slope, place the wedge
securely in front of the tire. If the
wheel must be changed on a
surface with a more severe slope,
take additional precautions to
secure the vehicle from rolling
3 If your wheels are equipped with full
wheel covers
*: reach into the venti-
lation openings and pull off the
cover
460de124
4 Loosen the lug bolts g turn
5 Position the jack at the jacking point
closest to the flat tire (refer to the
center illustration) so that the jack
base is vertically below the jacking
point and the entire surface of the
head of the jack will move into the
square recess of the jacking point
(refer to the illustration detail) when
the jack is cranked
6 Jack the vehicle up until the wheel
you are changing is raised from the
ground
7 Unscrew the lug bolts and remove
the wheel
8 Remove accumulations of mud or
dirt from the mounting surfaces of
the wheel and hub; clean the lug
bolts460de190

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Changing a wheel9 Position the new wheel or the
space-saver spare tire on the hub
and screw at least two lug bolts
finger-tight into opposite bolt holes
10 Screw in the remaining lug bolts.
Tighten all the bolts securely
11 Lower the jack and remove it from
beneath the vehicle
12 Tighten the lug bolts in a diagonal
pattern462de267
13 Wheels with full wheel covers
*:
Position the wheel cover with the
valve opening over the valve (arrow)
and press it onto the wheel with
both hands
14 Check and correct the tire's inflation
pressure at the earliest possibility.
For vehicles with RDC (Tire Pres-
sure Control):
Reactivate the system after
mounting the spare wheel or
correcting the inflation pressure.
Refer to page 86.
Use original BMW full wheel
covers only. Other wheel covers
may not fit securely. The full wheel
cover may not be installed on the
space-saver spare tire, since this could
damage the cover.<
460de125
The vehicle jack is designed for
changing wheels only. Do not
attempt to raise another vehicle model
with it or to raise any load of any kind.
To do so could cause accidents and
personal injury.
Have the lug bolts checked for proper
tightness with a calibrated torque
wrench at the earliest possibility [torque
specification: 72 lb.ft. (100 Nm)].<
When storing the wheel, be sure that
you do not damage the retaining pin in
the spare tire recess.
If light-alloy wheels other than Original
BMW light-alloy wheels have been
mounted, it may be necessary to use
different lug bolts for those wheels.
Replace the defective tire as quickly as
possible and have the new wheel
balanced.

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Changing a wheel Battery Driving with the space-saver
spare tireDrive cautiously and do not exceed a
speed of 45 mph (80 km/h).
Be aware that vehicle handling will be
altered. Slower brake response time,
longer braking distances and changed
steering characteristics may be antici-
pated when approaching limit condi-
tions.
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.
Mount a wheel and tire with the same
size and specifications as the others
at the earliest possible opportunity.
Maintain correct tire pressures. Refer
to page 29.<
Battery locationThe battery is located at the right-rear
of the luggage compartment. Raise the
luggage compartment floor panel (refer
to page 41). Use a screwdriver or a coin
to loosen the two fasteners in the illus-
tration f-turn. Loosen the third fastener
in the upper-center side trim panel.
Remove the fasteners. In order to
remove the storage tray, slide the side
trim panel slightly upward.
Battery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds. Wash hands after
handling.<460de176
Charge conditionThe "Magic Eye
*" is a hydrometer that
allows you to read the charge condition
of the battery:
>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 stop-and-
go traffic, be sure to check the charge
state often.<
460de252

Everything from A to ZRemoving condensation
from the
windows96,101
Replacement key32
Reporting safety defects7
Restraint systems55,59
Reverse17,65
Roller blind, sun
protection103
Roof load capacity194
Roof-mounted luggage
rack113
Rubber parts122 S
Safety belt tensioner183
Safety belts54
height adjustment54
Safety defects, reporting7
Safety feature44
Safety lock buttons38
Safety terminal, battery169
Seat
mechanical47
power49
Seat adjustment47
Seat heating103
Seat memory50
Securing cargo112
Securing loads112 Selector lever, automatic
transmission66
Self-defrosting mirrors52
Self-diagnostics187
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet145
Service Interval
Display75,145
Shiftlock66
Side airbags55
Side impact Head Protection
System55
Side lamps88
bulb replacement160
Ski bag110
Skid control123
Sliding/tilt sunroof45
closing following an
electrical malfunction172
convenience operation34
Slippery roads122
Snow chains122,129,1
31
Socket108
for flashlights108
for power supplies108
for vacuum cleaner108
Space-saver spare tire165
Spare key32
Spare tire165
Spare wheel165
Spark plugs196 Speaker107
Speed control72
Speed display18
Speedometer18
Sports seat49
Sports steering wheel with
multfunction buttons25
Starting62
Starting assistance173
Starting
problems117,173
Starting the engine62
Steel wheels130
Steering123
Steering wheel lock62
Steering wheel,
adjusting51
Steptronic66
Stopping the vehicle63
Storage compartments105
Storing the vehicle152
Stroke192
Summer tires128
Sun blind103
Sun visors52
Switching off the engine63
Symbols4,169
Synthetic oils140
T
Tachometer74 Tail lamp assembly, bulb
replacement161
Tail lamps161
Tank capacity195
Technical data192
Technical
modifications6,153
Telephone hookup107
Telephone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Temperature
adjustment100
Temperature display
outside temperature77
Temperature gauge
engine coolant75
Temperature
layering95,102
Thigh support area,
adjusting49
Third brake lamp163
Three-point-safety belt in the
rear109
Through-loading
system109
Tilt alarm36,43
remote control36
Tire changing165
Tire codes128
Tire condition125
Tire damage125