tires BMW 325XI 2001 User Guide

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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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Wheel and tire combinations The right choice Use only BMW-approved tires. Refer to
page 130.
Due to the high speeds this vehicle can
reach, the use of specific brands, spec-
ifications and sizes is mandatory.
Consult any BMW center for details.
Comply with local/national regulations.
The correct wheel-tire combina-
tion affects different systems such
as ABS, ATC and ASC+T/DSC. The
function of these systems is impaired if
improper wheel-tire combinations are
used.
For this reason, use only tires of the
same brand and tread pattern. In the
event of a flat tire, for example, remount
the approved wheel-tire combination as
soon as possible.<
Codes on tires and wheels The tire codes will aid you in selecting
the correct tire.
The codes on radial tires:
The speed rating indicates the approved
maximum speed for the tire.
Summer tires:
S = up to 112 mph (180 km/h)
T = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
V = up to 150 mph (240 km/h)
W = up to 167 mph (270 km/h)
Y = up to 187 mph (300 km/h)
ZR = above 150 mph (240 km/h) Example:
Nominal width
in mm
Aspect ratio in %
Radial tire ID code
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating
(not on ZR tires)
Speed rating
(before R on ZR tires)
205/60 R
1591W
Winter tires and all-season tires:
Q M+S = up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
T M+S = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H M+S = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
Codes stamped on light-alloy wheels:
Protect tire valve from dirt by using
screw-on valve stem caps. Dirt in the
valves frequently leads to slow leaks. Example:
Rim width
in inches
Code letter for
flange type
Symbol for full-drop
center rim
Rim diameter in inches
Hump on the 2 rim shoulders
7 x 15 H 2
J

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview

Winter tires

Choosing the right tire

BMW recommends winter tires (M+S
radial tires) for driving in adverse winter
road conditions. Although all-season
M+S tires provide better winter traction
than standard summer tires with H, V,
W, Y and ZR speed ratings, they gener-
ally fail to provide the same levels of
performance as standard snow tires in
winter driving.
In the interest of safe tracking and
steering response, install winter tires
made by the same manufacturer having
the same tread configuration on all four
wheels.
Mount only winter tires approved by
BMW. Any BMW center will be glad to
provide you with information on the
best winter tires for your particular
driving conditions.

Do not exceed specified
maximum speeds

Never exceed the maximum speed
for which the tires are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. Any BMW center
has the required technical knowledge
and the proper equipment and will be
happy to assist you.

<

Tire condition, tire pressure

Winter tires display a perceptible loss in
their ability to cope with winter driving
conditions once the tread wears to
below 0.16 inches (4 mm), and should
thus be replaced.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures Ð and be sure to have the
wheel and tire assemblies balanced
every time you change the tires.

Storage

Always store tires in a cool, dry place.
Store them away from light whenever
possible. Protect the tires against
contact with oil, grease and fuel.

Snow chains

*
The use of narrow-link BMW snow
chains on winter tires is approved only
in pairs and only on the rear wheels.
BMW 325xi, 330xi: in a worst-case
scenario, if your vehicle is stuck on one
side or you cannot access one tire, then
a chain may be attached to one rear
wheel for a short period of time.
Comply with all manufacturer's safety
precautions when mounting the chains.

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Approved wheel and tire specifications Tire specifications Steel rim Alu-wheel
(black)Light-alloy
wheel
BMW 320i
All season tires
195/65 R 15 91 H M+S
205/55 R 16 91 H M+S
205/50 R 17 93 V M+S extra load6.5Jx15
7Jx16
7Jx176.5Jx15
Ð
Ð6.5Jx15
7Jx16
7Jx17
Summer tires
195/65 R 15 91 H Ð Ð 6,5Jx15
205/60 R 15 91 H Ð Ð 6.5Jx15
7Jx15
205/55 R 16 91 H
225/50 R 16 92 W
225/50 ZR 16Ð Ð 7Jx16
205/50 R 17 93 W extra load Ð Ð 7Jx17
225/45 R 17 91 W Ð Ð 8Jx17
Front: 225/45 ZR 17 Ð Ð 7.5Jx17
Rear: 245/40 ZR 17 Ð Ð 8.5Jx17

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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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Washing your vehicle You can have your BMW washed in
an automatic car wash, even when it
is new. Car wash systems that do not
employ brushes are preferable.
Wipe away tough dirt and loosen and
remove dead insects before washing
the vehicle.
In order to avoid spots, do not wash the
vehicle when the hood is warm, or
during or immediately after exposure to
strong sunlight.
When using an automatic car wash, be
sure that:
>The car wash system is suited for the
dimensions of your vehicle.
>No damage will occur on vehicles
with attached body accessories (such
as spoilers or antennas). Consult the
car wash operator if necessary.
>The wheels and tires of your vehicle
cannot be damaged by the convey-
ance devices of the car wash system.
>The vehicle is cleaned with minimum
brush pressure, and that ample water
is available for washing and rinsing.Vehicles with rain sensor:
Clean the windshield regularly. Wax
from automatic car washes or insects
can cause malfunctions in the function
of the rain sensor.
Deactivate the rain sensor
(refer to page 70) when passing
through an automatic car wash. Failure
to do so could result in damage caused
by unintended wiper activation.<
Parts of the vehicle that are
inaccessible to the automatic washer Ð
such as door sills, door and hood
edges, etc. Ð should be cleaned by
hand.
In the winter months, it is especially
important to be sure that the vehicle is
washed on a regular basis. Large quan-
tities of dirt and road salt are difficult to
remove, and they also cause damage
to the vehicle.
If spray wands or high-pressure
washers are used, be sure to
maintain an adequate distance between
the spray source and the vehicle's
surface. Inadequate distance and
excessive pressure can damage or
weaken the finish, making it more
susceptible to subsequent attack. In
addition, moisture could penetrate to
vehicle components, leading to long-
term damage.<
When cleaning the headlamps,
please observe the following:
Do not clean by wiping with a dry cloth
(this causes scratches). Never use
abrasives or strong solvents. Remove
dirt and contamination (such as insects)
by soaking with BMW Car Shampoo
and then rinsing with plenty of water.
Always use a deicer spray to remove
accumulated ice and snow Ð never use
a scraper.<
After washing the vehicle, apply
the brakes briefly to dry them.
Braking efficiency might otherwise be
reduced by the moisture and the brake
rotors could also be corroded.<
Caring for your vehicle

168n
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

186n
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
*
This system regularly checks tire pres-
sure and monitors all four tires even
while driving, so you don't have to.
Behind the valve stem in every wheel,
there is an electronic chip that is
designed for severe-duty applications
and long service life. It contains a pres-
sure sensor, a transmitter and a battery.
The pressure is measured in extremely
short time intervals and then transmitted
by a radio signal. If an irregularity is
detected, the transmission rate is
increased. 460de169
Near every wheel is an antenna in the
body that receives the signal from the
wheel. A central electronics system
evaluates the quadruple signals and
forwards any changes.
The RDC provides an important contri-
bution to driving safety.