winter tires BMW 135I 2009 E81 Owner's Manual

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
111
heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material 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 Vehi-
cle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either sep-
arately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.<
RSC – Run-Flat Tires
You will recognize Run-Flat Tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the side
of the tire, refer to page112.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than sum-
mer tires.
XL
Designation for specially reinforced tires.
Tire condition
Inspect your tires frequently for tread wear,
signs of damage and for foreign objects lodged
in the tread. Check the tread depth.
Minimum tread depth
The tire tread depth should not be below 1/8 in/
3 mm. At tread depths below 1/8 in/3 mm there
is an increased risk of high-speed hydroplaning,
even when only small amounts of water are
present on the road surface.
The tread depth should not drop below 1/8 in/
3 mm, although, for example, European legisla-
tion only specifies a minimum tread depth of 1/16 in/1.6 mm. At tread depths below 1/8 in/
3 mm there is an increased risk of high-speed
hydroplaning, even when only small amounts of
water are present on the road surface.
When winter tires wear down past a tread depth
of 1/6 in/4 mm, they become perceptibly less
suitable for winter conditions. In the interest of
safety, new tires should be installed.
Wear indicators in the base of the tread groove
are distributed around the tire's circumference;
the letters TWI, for Tread Wear Indicator, on the
tire's sidewalls identify tires that incorporate
these wear indicators. Once the tire tread has
worn down to the wear indicators, the tire has
worn to a depth of 1/16 in/1.6 mm.
Wheel/tire damage
Please note that low-profile tires cause wheels,
tires and suspension parts to be more suscep-
tible to road hazard and consequential dam-
ages.
Unusual vibrations encountered during normal
vehicle operation can indicate tire failure or
some other vehicle defect. This can, for exam-
ple, be caused by driving over curbs. The same
applies to any other abnormal road behavior,
such as pulling severely to the right or left.
In these cases, reduce speed immedi-
ately and have wheels and tires thor-
oughly checked. To do so, drive carefully to the
nearest BMW center or tire shop that works
according to BMW repair procedures with cor-
respondingly trained personnel. If necessary,
have the vehicle towed there.
Otherwise, tire damage can pose a lethal hazard
to vehicle occupants and other road users.<

Wheels and tires
112
Tire age
For various reasons, such as the development
of brittleness, BMW recommends tire replace-
ment after no more than 6 years, regardless of
the actual wear of the tires.
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in
the tire coding:
DOT ... 3408 means that the tire was manufac-
tured in week 34 of 2008.
Run-Flat Tires
The symbol identifying Run-Flat Tires is a circle
with the letters RSC on the sidewall.
Run-Flat Tires comprise a conditionally self-
supporting tire and a special rim. The reinforce-
ment in the sidewalls ensures that the tire can
continue to be used subject to certain restric-
tions, even if depressurized.
For information on continuing to drive with a flat
tire, refer to Indication of a flat tire on page67.
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and tires installed only
by your BMW center or tire shop that
works according to BMW repair procedures
with correspondingly trained personnel. If this
work is not carried out properly, there is a dan-
ger of subsequent damage and related safety
hazards. Make sure that the new wheels are bal-
anced.<
Retreaded tires
BMW recommends that you do not use
retreaded tires, since driving safety may be impaired. The causes for this include poten-
tially different tire casing structures and often
wide variations in tire age, which can result in a
limited service life.<
Correct wheels and tires
When mounting new tires or changing over
from summer to winter tires and vice versa,
mount Run-Flat Tires for your own safety. In the
event of a flat, no spare wheel is available. Your
BMW center will be glad to advise you.
BMW recommends that you use only
wheel and tire combinations that BMW
has tested and approved for your particular
vehicle. Variations in factors such as manufac-
turing tolerances mean that even wheels and
tires with identical official size ratings could
actually have different dimensions, which could
lead to body contact and thus to severe acci-
dents. If non-approved wheels and tires are
used, BMW cannot evaluate their suitability,
and therefore cannot guarantee their driving
safety.<
You can inquire about the right wheel/tire com-
bination at your BMW center.
The correct combination of wheels and tires is
also necessary to ensure reliable operation of
various vehicle systems such as ABS, DSC or
FTM.
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single brand and
tread configuration. After a tire has been dam-
aged, mount the previous wheel and tire combi-
nation again as soon as possible.
Wheels with Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM electronics
When mounting new tires or changing over
from summer to winter tires, or vice versa, only
use wheels with TPM electronics; otherwise the
Tire Pressure Monitor may not be able to detect
a puncture, refer to page69. Your BMW center
will be glad to advise you.

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
113
Recommended tire brands
Certain makes of tire are recommended by
BMW for each tire size. They are marked with a
clearly visible BMW designation on the sidewall
of the tire.
When properly used, these tires meet the high-
est standards in terms of safety and handling
characteristics.
Special characteristics of winter tires
BMW recommends winter tires for winter roads
or at temperatures below +457/+ 76.
Although all-season M+S tires provide better
winter traction than summer tires, they gener-
ally fail to provide the same levels of cold-
weather performance as winter tires.
Pay attention to speed
Always comply with the speed limit for the
winter tires mounted on your car; failure
to do so could result in tire damage and acci-
dents.<
If the car is capable of speeds higher than that
permitted for the winter tires, a label stating the
maximum permitted speed for the mounted
tires must be displayed in your field of view.
Specialist tire dealers and your BMW center
can supply these labels.
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 sidewall of the tire.
Swapping wheels between axles
BMW advises against swapping wheels
between the front and rear axles, even if all tires
have the same size, as this could impair driving
characteristics. If the tires are of mixed sizes,
swapping wheels between the axles is not per-
missible.
Snow chains*
Only certain fine-link snow chains have been
tested by BMW, classified as safe for use and
recommended. Consult your BMW center for
more information. Snow chains must be
mounted in pairs and on the rear wheels only.
Observe the manufacturer's instructions when
mounting snow chains. Do not exceed a speed
of 30 mph/50 km/h with chains.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if
snow chains are mounted, otherwise the
instrument might issue an incorrect reading.
When driving with snow chains, you may find it
helpful to activate DTC temporarily, refer to
page65.<

Replacing components
128 When mounting new tires or changing over
from summer to winter tires and vice versa,
mount Run-Flat Tires for your own safety. In the
event of a flat, no spare wheel is available. Your
BMW center will be glad to advise you. Refer
also to New wheels and tires, page112.
The tools for changing wheels are avail-
able as optional accessories from your
BMW center.<
Jack mounting points
The jacking points are at the positions shown in
the illustration.
Vehicle battery
Battery care
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, the
electrolyte will last for the life of the battery
when the vehicle is operated in a temperate cli-
mate. Your BMW center will be glad to advise in
all matters concerning the battery.
Charging the battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via the
terminals in the engine compartment with the
engine off. Connections, refer to Jump starting
on page131.
Disposal
Have old batteries disposed of by your
BMW center or hand them in to a recy-
cling center. Maintain the battery in an upright
position for transport and storage. Always
secure the battery against tipping over during
transport.<
Power failure
After a temporary power loss, the functioning of
some equipment may be limited and require
reinitialization. Individual settings may likewise
have been lost and will have to be programmed:
>Time and date
These values must be updated, refer to
page62.
>Radio
Stations must be stored again, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual for Radio.
>Glass roof
It may happen that the roof can only be
raised. The system must be initialized.
Please contact your BMW center.
>Seat and mirror memory
*
The positions must be stored again, refer to
page39.
>Inside rearview mirror with digital compass
The system must be calibrated, refer to
page88.
Fuses
Never attempt to repair a blown fuse and
do not replace a defective fuse with a sub-
stitute of another color or amperage rating, oth-
erwise this could lead to a circuit overload, ulti-
mately resulting in a fire in the vehicle.<
In the glove compartment
Accessing the fuse box:
1.Open the glove compartment.
2.Remove the damper, arrow1, from the
lower holder by applying forward pressure.

Everything from A to Z
152
Everything from A to Z
Index
A
ABS Antilock Brake
System64
Accessories, refer to The
individual vehicle5
Accident, reporting, refer to
Emergency Request130
Activated-charcoal filter84
Active steering70
Adaptive Head Light76
Additives
– coolant117
– engine oil116
Airbags71
– sitting safely35
– warning lamp72
Air conditioner79
Air distribution
– automatic83
– individual80
Air flow rate80,83
Airing, refer to
Ventilation81,84
Air outlets, refer to Air
vents79
Air pressure, checking, refer
to Tire inflation
pressure106
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode80,83
Air vents79
AKI, refer to Fuel
specifications104
Alarm system24
– avoiding unintentional
alarms25
– interior motion sensor25
– switching off an alarm25
– tilt alarm sensor25
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires113Ambient air, refer to
Recirculated-air
mode80,83
Antifreeze
– coolant117
– washer fluid53
Antilock Brake System
ABS64
Anti-theft alarm system, refer
to Alarm system24
Anti-theft system19
Approved axle loads, refer to
Weights149
Approved gross vehicle
weight, refer to Weights149
Armrest, refer to Center
armrest
88
Ashtray90
Assistance systems, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC65
AUC Automatic recirculated-
air control83
Automatic
– air distribution83
– air flow rate83
– cruise control54
– headlamp control74
Automatic car wash, refer to
Car wash98
Automatic car washes120
Automatic climate control79
– automatic air distribution83
Automatic curb monitor42
Automatic lamps
– refer to Welcome lamps74
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC83Automatic transmission with
Steptronic49
– interlock50
– selector lever lock50
– shiftlock50
– towing132
– tow-starting132
AUTO program for automatic
climate control83
Average fuel consumption58
– setting the units60
Average speed58
Avoiding unintentional
alarms25
Axle loads, refer to
Weights149
B
Backrests, refer to Seats36
Backrest width adjustment37
Back seats, refer to Rear seats
– adjusting head restraints38
Backup lamp, replacing
bulb127
Bag for skis, refer to Ski
bag92
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
pouch130
Bar, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away133
Battery128
– charging128
– disposal27,128
– jump starting131
– temporary power failure128
Battery renewal
– remote control for vehicle27
Being towed132
Belts, refer to Safety belts41
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts41

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
157
Initializing
– compass, refer to
Calibrating88
Initializing, Flat Tire Monitor
FTM66
Instrument cluster12
Instrument lighting77
Integrated key18
Integrated universal remote
control85
Interior lamps77
– remote control20
Interior motion sensor25
Interior rearview mirror42
– automatic dimming
feature43
– compass87
Interlock50
Intermittent mode of the
wipers52
J
Jacking points128
Jumpering, refer to Jump
starting131
Jump starting131
K
Key, refer to Integrated key/
remote control18
Keyless go, refer to
Convenient access26
Keyless opening and closing,
refer to Convenient
access26
Key Memory, refer to Personal
Profile18
Kick-down50
Knock control104
L
Lamps
– Adaptive Head Light76
– instrument lighting77
– interior lighting77Lamps, refer to Parking lamps/
low beams74
Lamps and bulbs, replacing
bulbs124
Lashing eyes, refer to
Securing cargo100
LATCH child-restraint fixing
system45
Leather care122
LED Light-emitting
diodes124
Length, refer to
Dimensions147
License plate lamp, replacing
bulb127
Light-alloy wheels122
Light-emitting diodes
LED124
Lighter90
– socket90
Lighting
– lamps and bulbs124
– of instruments77
– of vehicle, refer to Lamps74
Light switch74
Limit, refer to Speed limit
– indicator lamp142
Load99
Load securing equipment,
refer to Securing cargo100
Lock buttons of doors, refer to
Locking23
Locking
– adjusting confirmation
signal21
– from inside23
– from outside20
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access26
Locking and unlocking doors
– from inside22
– from outside19
Low-beam headlamps74
– automatic74
– replacing bulbs125
Lower back support, refer to
Lumbar support37
Luggage compartment, refer
to Cargo bayLuggage compartment lid23
– convenient access27
– emergency release24
– opening from outside23
– unlocking with remote
control20
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack100
Lumbar support37
M
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires113
Maintenance, refer to
– BMW Maintenance
System118
– Service booklet
Maintenance system118
Malfunction warnings, refer to
Check Control62
Manual car wash121
Manual operation
– door lock22
– fuel filler door104
– glass roof30
– transmission lock, automatic
transmission51
Manual operation with
automatic transmission50
Manual transmission49
Maximum cooling82
Maximum speed
– for winter tires113
Microfilter/activated-charcoal
filter for automatic climate
control84
Microfilter for heating or air
conditioner81
Microphone for telephone14
Mirror dimming feature43
Mirrors41
– automatic curb monitor42
– exterior mirrors41
– heating42
– interior rearview mirror42
Mobile phone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest88

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
159
Remote control18
– battery renewal27
– convenient access26
– garage door opener85
– luggage compartment lid20
– malfunctions21,27
– removing from the ignition
lock47
– service data118
Remote control key, refer to
Integrated key/remote
control18
Replacement fuses, refer to
Fuses128
Replacement remote
control18
Replacing bulbs, refer to
Lamps and bulbs124
Replacing tires, refer to New
wheels and tires112
Reporting safety defects6
Reserve warning, refer to Fuel
gauge57
Reservoir for washer
systems53
Residual heat83
Restraint systems, refer to
Safety belts41
Restraint systems for
children44
Retreaded tires112
Reverse gear
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic50
– manual transmission49
Roadside Assistance130
Roadside parking lamps76
– replacing bulbs125
Roadworthiness test, refer to
Service requirements61
Rollover protection system,
convertible72
– resetting73
Roof load capacity149
Roof-mounted luggage
rack100
Rope, refer to Tow-starting,
towing away133RSC Runflat System
Component, refer to Run-
Flat Tires112
Runflat System Component
RSC, refer to Run-Flat
Tires112
Run-Flat Tires112
– continuing driving with a
damaged tire67
– flat tire67
– new tires112
– remaining driving distance,
refer to Indication of a flat
tire
67
– tire inflation pressure106
– winter tires113
Runflat Tyres, refer to Run-
Flat Tires112
S
Safety-belt height
adjustment41
Safety belts41
– damage41
– indicator lamp41
– reminder41
– sitting safely35
Safety systems
– airbags71
– Antilock Brake System
ABS64
– Dynamic Stability Control
DSC65
– rollover protection system,
convertible72
– safety belts41
Safety tires, refer to Run-Flat
Tires112
Saving fuel96
Screw thread for tow
fitting132
Seat and mirror memory39
Seat belt reminder, refer to
'Fasten safety belts'
reminder41
Seats35
– heating39
– sitting safely35Securing cargo92,93
Selector lever, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic50
Service, refer to Roadside
Assistance130
Service car, refer to Roadside
Assistance130
Service data in remote
control118
Service Interval Display, refer
to Condition Based Service
CBS118
Service requirement display,
refer to Condition Based
Service CBS118
Service requirements61
Settings
– clock, 12h/24h format60
– date format60
Shifting gears with automatic
transmission with
Steptronic50
Shiftlock, refer to Changing
selector lever positions50
Side airbags71
Side windows, refer to
Windows27
Signal horn, refer to Horn10
Sitting safely35
– airbags35
– safety belt35
Ski bag92
Sliding/tilt sunroof, refer to
Glass roof, electric
29
Slot for remote control47
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray90
Snap-in adapter, refer to
Center armrest88
Snow chains113
Socket, refer to Connecting
electrical appliances90
Socket for On-Board
Diagnosis OBD119
Spare fuses128
Special oils, refer to Specified
engine oils116
Specified engine oils116

Everything from A to Z
160 Speed
– for winter tires113
Speed display, refer to
Speedometer12
Speedometer12
Sport program, automatic
transmission with
Steptronic50
Spray nozzles, refer to
Windshield washer
nozzles53
Stability control,
refer to Driving stability
control systems64
Start/stop button47
– starting the engine48
– switching off the engine48
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine48
Starting assistance, refer to
Jump starting131
Starting the engine
– start/stop button47
Status of this Owner's Manual
at time of printing5
Steam jet120,121
Steering wheel43
– adjustment43
– buttons on steering
wheel11
– heating43
Steering with variable ratio,
refer to Active steering70
Steptronic, refer to Automatic
transmission with
Steptronic49
Storage123
Storage compartment
package89
Storage compartments89
Storing
– seat position, refer to Seat
and mirror memory39
– telephone numbers, refer to
separate Owner's Manual
Storing tires113
Stowage, refer to Storage
compartments89Summer tires, refer to Wheels
and tires106
Switches, refer to Cockpit10
Switching off
– engine48
Switching off the engine
– start/stop button47
Switching the cooling function
on and off84
Symbols4
T
Tachometer56
Tail lamp, refer to Tail
lamps126
– replacing bulb127
Tail lamps126
– replacing bulb127
Tank contents, refer to
Capacities150
Technical changes5
Technical data146
Telephone, installation
location, refer to Center
armrest88
Telephone, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
Temperature, setting for
automatic climate
control81,82
Temperature display
– outside temperature56
– outside temperature
warning56
– setting the units60
Tempomat, refer to Cruise
control54
Thigh support36
Third brake lamp, refer to
Center brake lamp127
Three-point safety belt41
Through-loading system91
Tilt alarm sensor25
Tilt function, passenger-side
mirror42
Tire inflation pressure106
– loss67Tire pressure monitoring,
refer to Flat Tire Monitor66
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM68
– resetting the system68
– system limitations68
– warning lamp69
Tire puncture, refer to Flat Tire
Monitor67
Tire Quality Grading110
Tires
– age110,112
– air loss69
– breaking in96
– changing, refer to Changing
wheels127
– condition111
– damage111
– inflation pressure106
– labels110
– minimum tread depth111
– new tires112
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Flat Tire Monitor66
– pressure monitoring, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM68
– puncture67
– retreaded112
– Run-Flat Tires112
– size110
– wear indicators, refer to
Minimum tread depth111
– winter tires113
Tools, refer to Onboard tool
kit124
Torque, refer to Engine
data146
Tow bar133
Tow fitting132
Tow fittings for tow-starting
and towing away132
Towing132
– car with automatic
transmission132
– methods133
Towing and tow-starting132
Tow rope133
Tow-starting132

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Mobility
161
TPM, refer to Tire Pressure
Monitor68
Traction control, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC65
Transmission
– automatic transmission with
Steptronic49
– manual transmission49
Transporting children
safely44
Transport securing devices,
refer to Securing cargo100
Tread depth, refer to Minimum
tire tread111
Trip-distance counter, refer to
Trip odometer56
Triple turn signal activation52
Trip odometer56
Trunk, refer to Cargo bay
Trunk lid, refer to Luggage
compartment lid23
Turn, indicating
– triple turn signal52
Turning circle, refer to
Dimensions147
Turn signals51
– indicator lamp12
– replacing bulbs126
Tying down loads, refer to
Cargo loading100
U
Underbody protection, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
Uniform Tire Quality Grading/
UTQR110
Units of measure
– average fuel
consumption60
– temperature60
Universal garage door opener,
refer to Integrated universal
remote control85
Universal remote control85
Unlatching, refer to
Unlocking19Unlocking
– from inside23
– from outside19
– luggage compartment lid27
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access26
Unlocking without a key, refer
to Convenient access26
V
Vehicle
– battery128
– breaking in96
– cargo loading99
– decommissioning, refer to
Vehicle storage
– dimensions147
– Identification Number, refer
to Engine compartment115
– parking48
– weight149
Vehicle jack128
Vehicle storage123
Ventilation81,84
– draft-free81,84
Vents, refer to Air vents79
Vents, refer to
Ventilation81,84
Volume
– fuel tank, refer to
Capacities150
W
Warm
– steering wheel43
Warning and indicator
lamps13,134
Warning messages, refer to
Check Control62
Warning triangle131
Washer fluid53
– content of the reservoir53
Washer fluid filler neck53
Waste tray, refer to Ashtray90
Water on roads, refer to
Driving through water98
Water penetration120,121Wear indicators in tires, refer
to Minimum tread depth111
Weights149
Welcome lamps74
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions147
Wheels, new112
Wheels and tires106
Width, refer to
Dimensions147
Windows27
– convenient operation20
– convenient operation with
convenient access26
– opening, closing27
– pinch protection system28
Windows, defrosting and
removing
condensation81,84
Windshield
– cleaning53
– defrosting and removing
condensation81,84
Windshield wash
– filling capacity, reservoir150
Windshield washer reservoir,
refer to Washer fluid filler
neck53
Windshield washer system52
– washer fluid53
– washer nozzles53
Windshield wiper blades,
changing124
Windshield wipers, refer to
Wiper system52
Winter tires113
– storage113
Wiper blade replacement124
Wiper system52
Wrench/screwdriver, refer to
Onboard tool kit124
X
Xenon lamps
– replacing bulb124