spare tire BMW 325XI 2001 Owners Manual

28n
Fuel specifications Tire inflation pressure The engine uses lead-free gasoline
only.
Required fuel:
>Premium Unleaded Gasoline,
min. 91 AKI.
AKI = Anti Knock Index
Do not use leaded fuels. The use
of leaded fuels will cause perma-
nent damage to the system's oxygen
sensor and the catalytic converter.<
Proper inflation pressures are on a
sticker attached to the B-pillar and
visible with the driver's door open.Check tire pressuresOn the next page you will find all the tire
pressure and ambient air temperature
specifications stated in the units usually
used in your country (psi; kilopascal).
For vehicles with Tire Pressure Control
(RDC):
After a correction of the tire inflation
pressure, reactivate the system. Refer
to page 86.460de163
Check tire inflation pressures Ð
including the space-saver spare
tire, or spare tire Ð regularly, at least
every two weeks and before beginning
a longer trip. Incorrect tire pressure can
otherwise lead to tire damage and acci-
dents.
Inflate the spare tire to the highest tire
inflation pressure specified for your
vehicle.<

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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Tire inflation pressureComply with tire approval
specificationsThe inflation pressures in the table
apply to tires from BMW-approved
manufacturers. Your BMW center is
familiar with these pressures. Higher
pressures may be specified for tires
from other manufacturers. You will find
a list of approved tires sizes beginning
on page 130.
Your vehicle is equipped with tires that
meet US and European standards.
We recommend the exclusive use of
BMW-approved tires.BMW Tires
All pressure specifications in
the table are indicated in psi
(kilopascal) for cold tires
(cold = ambient temperature)
320iAll summer tires 29 (200) 33 (230) 33 (230) 41 (280)
All winter tires 32 (220) 36 (250) 36 (250) 44 (300)
325i
325xiAll summer tires 30 (210) 35 (240) 35 (240) 42 (290)
All winter tires 33 (230) 38 (260) 38 (260) 45 (310)
330i
330xiAll summer and winter tires 33 (230) 38 (260) 38 (260) 45 (310)
All Space-saver spare tire 61 (420)
For all-season tires, use the same tire inflation pressure as for summer tires.
BMW 320i, 325i, 325xi: when using the tire 205/50 R 17 93 W extra load, the
inflation pressure increases by 3 psi (20 kilopascal).
330i/330xi: when using the tires 225/45 R 17 91 W and mixed tires 225/45 ZR 17
(front) + 245/40 ZR 17 (rear) the inflation pressure decreases by 3 psi
(20 kilopascal).

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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
Information for your safetyThe factory-approved radial tires are
matched to the vehicle and have been
selected to provide optimum safety and
driving comfort on your vehicle.
It is not merely the tire's service life, but
also driving comfort and Ð above all else
Ð driving safety that depend on the
condition of the tires and the mainte-
nance of the specified tire pressure.
Incorrect inflation pressure is a frequent
cause of tire damage. It also signifi-
cantly influences the roadholding ability
of your BMW.
Check tire inflation pressures
regularly Ð include the space-
saver spare tire or spare tire Ð at least
twice a month and before beginning a
longer trip (refer to page 29). If this is
not done, incorrect tire pressures can
cause driving instability and tire
damage, ultimately resulting in an acci-
dent.<
Tire tread Ð Tire damageInspect your tires frequently for tread
wear, signs of damage and for foreign
objects lodged in the tread. Check the
tread depth.
Tread depth should not be allowed to
go below 0.12 in (3 mm), even though
the legally specified minimum tread
depth is only 0.063 in (1.6 mm). At a
tread depth of 0.063 in (1.6 mm), tread
depth indicators (arrow) in the tread-
groove base indicate that the legally-
permissible wear limit has been
reached. Below 0.12 in (3 mm) tread
depth, there is an increased risk of
aquaplaning, even at relatively
moderate speeds and with only small
amounts of water on the road.390de331
Do not drive on a deflated (flat)
tire. A flat tire greatly impairs
steering and braking response, and can
lead to complete loss of control over
the vehicle.
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that
the permitted load on the tires is not
exceeded. Overloading can lead to
overheating and increases the rate at
which damage develops inside the
tires. You could have a blowout as a
result.
Unusual vibrations encountered during
normal vehicle operation can indicate
tire failure or some other vehicle defect.
This is also true for irregularities in the
vehicle's handling characteristics, such
as a pronounced tendency to pull to the
left or right. Should this occur, respond
by immediately reducing your speed.
Proceed carefully to the nearest BMW
center or professional tire center, or
have the vehicle towed in to have it and
its tires inspected.
Tire damage (up to and including blow-
outs) can endanger the lives of both the
vehicle occupants and other road
users.<
Tire inflation pressure Tire condition

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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