flat tire BMW 3 SERIES 2011 User Guide

Loading
Vehicle equipment
All standard, country-specific and optional
equipment that is offered in the model series is
described in this chapter. Therefore, equipment
is also described that is not available in a vehicle,
e. g., because of the selected optional equip‐
ment or country variant. This also applies for
safety-related functions and systems.
General information
Overloading the vehicle
To avoid exceeding the approved carrying
capacity of the tires, never overload the vehicle.
Overloading can lead to overheating and in‐
creases the rate at which damage develops in‐
side the tires. This could result in a sudden loss
of tire inflation pressure.◀
No fluids in the trunk
Make sure that fluids do not leak into the
trunk; otherwise, the vehicle may be damaged.◀
Determining the load limit
1.Locate the following statement on your ve‐
hicle’s placard:
▷The combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or
YYY lbs. Otherwise, damage to the ve‐
hicle and unstable driving situations may
result.
2.Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kilograms or YYY
pounds.
4.The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the YYY amount equals
1,000 lbs and there will be four 150 lbs pas‐
sengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail‐
able cargo and luggage load capacity is
400 lbs: 1,000 lbs minus 600 lbs = 400 lbs.
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in Step 4.
Load
The maximum load is the sum of the weight of
the occupants and the cargo.
The greater the weight of the occupants, the
less cargo that can be transported.
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Saving fuel
Vehicle equipment
All standard, country-specific and optional
equipment that is offered in the model series is
described in this chapter. Therefore, equipment
is also described that is not available in a vehicle,
e. g., because of the selected optional equip‐
ment or country variant. This also applies for
safety-related functions and systems.
General information
Your vehicle contains advanced technology for
the reduction of fuel consumption and emis‐
sions.
Fuel consumption depends on a number of dif‐
ferent factors.
The implementation of certain measures, driv‐
ing style and regular maintenance can have an
influence on fuel consumption and on the envi‐
ronmental impact.
Remove unnecessary cargo
Additional weight increases fuel consumption.
Remove attached parts
following use
Remove auxiliary mirrors, roof or rear luggage
racks which are no longer required following
use.
Attached parts on the vehicle impair the aero‐
dynamics and increase the fuel consumption.
Close the windows and glass
sunroof
Driving with the glass sunroof and windows
open results in increased air resistance and
raises fuel consumption.
Check the tire inflation
pressure regularly
Check and, if necessary, correct the tire inflation
pressure at least twice a month and before start‐
ing on a long trip.
Low tire inflation pressure increases rolling re‐
sistance and thus raises fuel consumption and
tire wear.
Drive away without delay
Do not wait for the engine to warm up while the
vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right
away, but at moderate engine speeds.
This is the fastest way for the cold engine to
reach its operating temperature.
Look well ahead when driving
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.
By maintaining a suitable distance to the vehicle
driving ahead of you.
Driving smoothly and looking ahead reduces
fuel consumption.
Avoid high engine speeds
Use 1st gear to get the vehicle in motion. Be‐
ginning with 2nd gear, accelerate rapidly. When
accelerating, shift up before reaching high en‐
gine speeds.
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Wheels and tires
Vehicle equipment
All standard, country-specific and optional
equipment that is offered in the model series is
described in this chapter. Therefore, equipment
is also described that is not available in a vehicle,
e. g., because of the selected optional equip‐
ment or country variant. This also applies for
safety-related functions and systems.
Tire inflation pressure
Safety information
The tire characteristics and tire inflation pres‐
sure influence the following:
▷The service life of the tires.
▷Road safety.
▷Driving comfort.
Checking the pressure
Only check the tire inflation pressure when the
tires are cold. This means after driving no more
than 1.25 miles/2 km or when the vehicle has
been parked for at least 2 hours. When the tires
are warm, the tire inflation pressure is higher.
Check the tire inflation pressure regularly
Regularly check the tire inflation pressure
and correct it as needed: at least twice a month
and before a long trip. If you fail to observe this
precaution, you may be driving on tires with in‐
correct tire pressures, a condition that may not
only compromise your vehicle's driving stability,
but also lead to tire damage and the risk of an
accident.◀
After correcting the tire inflation pressure:
▷Reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor.
▷Reinitialize the Tire Pressure Monitor.
Pressure specifications
The tire inflation pressure table, refer to
page 264, contains all pressure specifications
for the specified tire sizes at the ambient tem‐
perature. Pressure specifications apply to ap‐
proved tire sizes and recommended tire brands.
This information can be obtained from your
service center.
To identify the correct tire inflation pressure,
please note the following:
▷Tire sizes of your vehicle.
▷Maximum allowable driving speed.
Tire inflation pressures up to 100 mph/
160 km/h
For speeds of up to 100 mph/160 km/h and for
optimum driving comfort, note the pressure val‐
ues in the tire inflation pressure table, refer to
page 264, and adjust as necessary.
These pressure values can also be found on the
tire inflation pressure label on the driver's door
pillar.
Maximum permissible speed
Do not exceed 100 mph/160 km/h; other‐
wise, tire damage and accidents may result.◀
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Tire inflation pressure values up to
100 mph/160 km/h
320i
Tire sizePressure specifications
in bar/PSI
Specifications in
bar/PSI with cold
tires
225/50 R 17 94 V M
+S A/S RSC
225/50 R 17 94 V
RSC
225/50 R 17 94 H M
+S RSC
2.2 / 32 2.2 / 32
225/45 R 18 91 V M
+S RSC
225/45 R 18 91 Y
RSC
225/45 R 18 95 V M
+S XL RSC
2.2 / 32 2.4 / 35
F: 225/50 R 17 94 W
RSC
R: 255/45 R 17 98 W
RSC
2.2 / 32
-
-
2.2 / 32
F.: 225/45 R 18 91 Y
RSC
R: 255/40 R 18 95 Y
RSC
2.2 / 32
-
-
2.2 / 32
F: 225/40 R 19 89 Y
RSC
R: 255/35 R 19 92 Y
RSC
2.2 / 32
-
-
2.4/ 35
Tire sizePressure specifications
in bar/PSI
F: 225/35 R 20 90 Y
XL RSC
R: 255/30 R 20 92 Y
XL RSC
2.4 / 35
-
-
2.8/ 41
Compact wheel:
T 135/80 R 18 104
M
Speed up to a max. of
50 mph / 80 km/h
4.2 / 60
328i
Tire sizePressure specifications
in bar/PSI
Specifications in
bar/PSI with cold
tires
225/50 R 17 94 V M
+S A/S RSC
225/50 R 17 94 W
RSC
225/50 R 17 94 H M
+S RSC
2.2 / 32 2.2 / 32
225/45 R 18 91 V M
+S A/S RSC
225/45 R 18 91 Y
RSC
225/45 R 18 95 V M
+S XL RSC
2.2 / 32 2.4 / 35
F: 225/50 R 17 94 W
RSC
R: 255/45 R 17 98 W
RSC
2.2 / 32
-
-
2.2 / 32
F: 225/45 R 18 91 Y
RSC
R: 255/40 R 18 95 Y
RSC
2.2 / 32
-
-
2.2 / 32
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Tire sizePressure specifications
in bar/PSI
F: 225/40 R 19 89 Y
RSC
R: 255/35 R 19 92 Y
RSC
2.2 / 32
-
-
2.4 / 35
F: 225/35 R 20 90 Y
XL RSC
R: 255/30 R 20 92 Y
XL RSC
2.4 / 35
-
-
2.8 / 41
Compact wheel:
T 135/80 R 18 104
M
Speed up to a max. of
50 mph / 80 km/h
4.2 / 60
335i
Tire sizePressure specifications
in bar/PSI
Specifications in
bar/PSI with cold
tires
225/45 R 18 91 V M
+S A/S RSC
225/45 R 18 91 Y
RSC
225/45 R 18 95 V M
+S XL RSC
2.2 / 32 2.6 / 38
F: 225/45 R 18 91 Y
RSC
R: 255/40 R 18 95 Y
RSC
2.2 / 32
-
-
2.4 / 35
F: 225/40 R 19 89 Y
RSC
R: 255/35 R 19 92 Y
RSC
2.4 / 35
-
-
2.6 / 38
Tire sizePressure specifications
in bar/PSI
F: 225/35 R 20 90 Y
XL RSC
R: 255/30 R 20 92 Y
XL RSC
2.6 / 38
-
-
3.0 / 44
Compact wheel:
T 135/80 R 18 104
M
Speed up to a max. of
50 mph / 80 km/h
4.2 / 60
Tire inflation pressures at max. speeds
above 100 mph/160 km/h
Speeds above 100 mph/160 km/h
In order to drive at maximum speeds in ex‐
cess of 100 mph/160 km/h, please observe, and,
if necessary, adjust tire pressures for speeds
exceeding 100 mph/160 km/h from the relevant
table on the following pages. Otherwise tire
damage and accidents could occur.◀
Tire inflation pressure values over
100 mph/160 km/h
320i
Tire sizePressure specifications
in bar/PSI
Specifications in
bar/PSI with cold
tires
225/50 R 17 94 V M
+S A/S RSC
225/50 R 17 94 V
RSC
225/50 R 17 94 H M
+S RSC
2.2 / 32 2.7 / 39
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Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov‐
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half, 1 g, times as
well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however,
and may depart significantly from the norm due
to variations in driving habits, service practices
and differences in road characteristics and cli‐
mate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop
on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfa‐
ces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may
have poor traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based
on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and
does not include acceleration, cornering, hydro‐
planing, or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature
The temperature grades are A, the highest, B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sus‐
tained 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 Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades Band A represent
higher levels of performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum required by law.
Temperature grade for this tire
The temperature grade for this tire is es‐
tablished for a tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinfla‐
tion, or excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and pos‐
sible tire failure.
If necessary, have the vehicle towed.◀
RSC – Run-flat tires
Run-flat tires, refer to page 271, are labeled with
a circular symbol containing the letters RSC
marked on the sidewall.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires with better cold
weather performance than summer tires.
Tire tread
Summer tires
Do not drive with a tire tread depth of less than
0.12 in/3 mm.
There is an increased danger of hydroplaning if
the tread depth is less than 0.12 in/3 mm.
Winter tires
Do not drive with a tire tread depth of less than
0.16 in/4 mm.
Below a tread depth of 0.16 in/4 mm, tires are
less suitable for winter operation.
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Approved wheels and tires
The manufacturer of your vehicle recom‐
mends that you use only wheels and tires that
have been approved for your particular vehicle
model.
For example, despite having the same official
size ratings, variations can lead to body contact
and with it, the risk of severe accidents.
The manufacturer of your vehicle cannot evalu‐
ate non-approved wheels and tires to determine
if they are suited for use, and therefore cannot
ensure the operating safety of the vehicle if they
are mounted.◀
Recommended tire brands
For each tire size, the manufacturer of your ve‐
hicle recommends certain tire brands. These
can be identified by a star on the tire sidewall.
With proper use, these tires meet the highest
standards for safety and handling.
New tires
Due to technical factors associated with their
manufacture, tires do not achieve their full trac‐
tion potential until after an initial breaking-in pe‐
riod.
Drive conservatively for the first 200 miles/
300 km.
Retreaded tires
The manufacturer of your vehicle does not rec‐
ommend the use of retreaded tires.
Retreaded tires
Possibly substantial variations in the de‐
sign and age of the tire casing structures can
limit service life and have a negative impact on
road safety.◀
Winter tires
The manufacturer of your vehicle recommends
winter tires for winter roads or at temperatures
below +45 ℉/+7 ℃.
Although so-called all-season M+S tires do pro‐
vide better winter traction than summer tires,
they do not provide the same level of perform‐
ance as winter tires.
Maximum speed of winter tires
If the maximum speed of the vehicle is higher
than the permissible speed for the winter tires,
then display a corresponding sign in the field of
vision. You can obtain this sign from the tire spe‐
cialist or from your service center.
Maximum speed for winter tires
Do not exceed the maximum speed for the
winter tires; otherwise, tire damage and acci‐
dents can occur.◀
Run-flat tires
If you are already using run-flat tires, for your
own safety you should replace them only with
the same kind. No spare tire is available in the
case of a flat tire. Your service center will be glad
to advise you.
Rotating wheels between axles
The manufacturer of your vehicle advises
against swapping wheels between the front and
rear axles.
This can impair the handling characteristics.
Storage
Store wheels and tires in a cool, dry place with
as little exposure to light as possible.
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Always protect tires against all contact with oil,
grease and fuels.
Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation pres‐
sure indicated on the side wall of the tire.
Run-flat tires
Label
RSC label on the tire sidewall.
The wheels are composed of special rims and
tires that are self-supporting, to a limited de‐
gree.
The support of the sidewall allows the tire to re‐
main drivable to a restricted degree in the event
of a pressure loss.
Continued driving with a damaged tire, refer to
page 99.
Changing run-flat tires
For your own safety, only use run-flat tires. No
spare tire is available in the case of a flat tire. Your
service center will be glad to advise you.
Snow chains
Fine-link snow chains
Only certain types of fine-link snow chains have
been tested by the manufacturer of your vehicle,
classified as road-safe and recommended.
Consult your service center for more informa‐
tion.
Use
Use only in pairs on the rear wheels, equipped
with the tires of the following size:
▷205/60 R 16.
▷225/55 R 16.
▷225/50 R 17.
▷225/45 R 18.
Follow the chain manufacturer's instructions.
Make sure that the snow chains are always suf‐
ficiently tight. Retighten as needed according to
the chain manufacturer's instructions.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor after
mounting snow chains, as doing so may result
in incorrect readings.
Do not initialize the Tire Pressure Monitor after
mounting snow chains, as doing so may result
in incorrect readings.
When driving with snow chains, briefly activate
Dynamic Traction Control if necessary.
Maximum speed with snow chains
Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph/50 km/h when
using snow chains.
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Replacing the reversing lamp and inner
brake lamp
1.Loosen the two fasteners, arrow 1 and pull
down on the lamp holder to remove, arrow 2.
2.Press the defective bulb gently into the
socket, turn counterclockwise and remove.
3.Insert the new bulb.
Installing the bulb holder
1.Slide the bulb holder onto the two guide
pins, arrow 1. Insert the two contacts, ar‐
row 2, into the connections, arrow 3.
2.Press on the bulb holder. Make sure that the
two exterior fasteners latch into place.
3.Swing the trim back onto the trunk lid and
secure.
Tail lamp, license plate lamp and
central brake lamp
Follow the General instructions on lamps and
bulbs, refer to page 279.
The lamps feature LED technology. Contact
your service center in the event of a malfunction.
Changing wheels
Notes
The vehicle equipment does not include a spare
tire.
When using run-flat tires or tire sealants, a tire
does not need to be changed immediately in the
event of pressure loss due to a flat tire.
The tools for changing wheels are available as
accessories from your service center.
Jacking points for the vehicle jack
The jacking points for the vehicle jack are lo‐
cated at the positions shown.
Vehicle battery
Maintenance
The battery is maintenance-free, i.e., the elec‐
trolyte will last for the life of the battery.
Your service center will be glad to advise you on
questions regarding the battery.
Battery replacement
Use approved vehicle batteries only
Only use vehicle batteries that have been
approved for your vehicle by the manufacturer;
otherwise, the vehicle could be damaged and
systems or functions may not be fully availa‐
ble.◀
After a battery replacement, have the battery
registered on the vehicle by your service center
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Engine stop 61
Engine temperature 75
Entering a car wash 296
Equalizer 188
Equipment, interior 141
ESP Electronic Stability Pro‐
gram, refer to DSC 104
Exchanging wheels/tires 269
Exhaust system 156
Exterior mirror, automatic dim‐
ming feature 53
Exterior mirrors 52
External devices 210
External start 291
External temperature dis‐
play 76
External temperature warn‐
ing 76
Eyes for securing cargo 160
F
Fader 188
Failure message, refer to
Check Control 73
False alarm, refer to Uninten‐
tional alarm 41
Fan, refer to Air flow 135
Fan, refer to Air volume 138
Fault displays, refer to Check
Control 73
Filler neck for engine oil 274
Fine wood, care 298
First aid kit 291
Fitting for towing, refer to Tow
fitting 294
Flat tire, changing wheels 287
Flat Tire Monitor FTM 97
Flat tire, Tire Pressure Monitor
TPM 94
Flat tire, warning lamp 95, 98
Flooding 157
Floor carpet, care 298
Floor mats, care 298
FM/AM station 190
Fogged up windows 135
Fold-out position, windshield
wipers 66
Foot brake 157
Front airbags 91
Front fog lamps 89
Front fog lamps, front, bulb re‐
placement 284
Front lamps 280
Front passenger airbags, au‐
tomatic deactivation 93
Front passenger airbags, indi‐
cator lamp 93
FTM Flat Tire Monitor 97
Fuel cap 260
Fuel consumption, current 77
Fuel consumption, refer to
Average fuel consump‐
tion 82
Fuel filler flap 260
Fuel gauge 75
Fuel quality 262
Fuel, tank capacity 305
Fuse 288
G
Garage door opener, refer to
Integrated universal remote
control 141
Gas station recommenda‐
tion 178
Gear change, automatic trans‐
mission 67
Gear shift indicator 78
General driving notes 156
Glass sunroof, powered 43
Glove compartment 148
Gong, volume equaliza‐
tion 189
GPS navigation 168
Gray display of the map 181
Gross vehicle weight, ap‐
proved 304
Gross weight, permissible for
trailer towing 304
H
Handbrake, refer to parking
brake 63
Hand-held transmitter, alter‐
nating code 142
Hazard warning flashers 290
HD Radio 191
Head airbags 91
Headlamp control, auto‐
matic 87
Headlamp courtesy delay fea‐
ture 87
Headlamp flasher 64
Headlamp glass 280
Headlamps 280
Headlamps, care 297
Headlamp washer system 65
Headliner 15
Head restraints 45
Head restraints, front 49
Head restraints, rear 50
Head-up Display 128
Head-up Display, care 299
Heavy cargo, stowing 160
Height, vehicle 302
High-beam Assistant 88
High beams 64
High beams/low beams, refer
to High-beam Assistant 88
Hills 158
Hill start assistant, refer to
Drive-off assistant 108
Hints 6
Holder for beverages 150
Homepage 6
Hood 273
Horn 12
Hotel function, trunk lid 38
Hot exhaust system 156
House number, entering for
navigation 169
Hydroplaning 157
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