tire type BMW 328Ci CONVERTIBLE 2000 E46 Owner's Manual

118n
Winter operationWinter is often accompanied by rapid
changes in weather, requiring not only
a different driving style, but also certain
preparations to the vehicle itself to en-
sure that your vehicle operates safely
and trouble free throughout the winter
months.CoolantBe sure that the coolant mixture con-
tains the year-round ratio of 50:50
water and antifreeze/corrosion protec-
tion. This mixture provides protection
against freezing down to approx. –34 7
(–37 6). Replace the coolant every four
years.LocksBMW door lock deicer can be used to
free them if frozen. This deicer also
contains lubricant.
After its use, treatment with BMW lock
barrel grease is recommended.
Rubber seals and components To prevent the weather stripping from
freezing, apply a spray-on rubber treat-
ment or silicone spray to the door, hood
and luggage compartment lid seals.
A full range of car care products is
available from your BMW center. both summer and winter tires. Mount
them in pairs on the rear wheels only
and comply with the manufacturer's
safety precautions. Do not exceed a
maximum speed of 30 mph (50 km/h).
In this type of exceptional situation
where the snow chains are mounted,
deactivate the DSC. Refer to page 88.
Starting offWhen starting off from a full stop in
deep snow or when "rocking" the vehi-
cle to free it, it may be effective to
deactivate the DSC system for a short
period. Refer to page 88.Driving on low-traction road
surfacesUse smooth, gentle pressure to control
the accelerator pedal. Avoid excessive
engine speeds and shift to the next
higher gear at an early point. On down-
hill grades or slopes, shift down to the
next lower gear at an early point. Main-
tain an adequate distance between
yourself and the vehicle ahead.

126n
Wheel and tire combinations The right choice Use only tires approved by BMW.
Refer to the information beginning on
page 128.
Due to the high speeds this vehicle can
reach, the use of specific brands, spec-
ifications and sizes is mandatory. Con-
sult any BMW center for details.
Comply with local/national regulations.
The correct wheel-tire combina-
tion affects different systems, e.g.
ABS, ATC
* and DSC, whose function
would otherwise be impaired if im-
proper 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 ap-
proved 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 = over 167 mph (270 km/h)
ZR = over 150 mph (240 km/h) For example:
Nominal width
in mm
Aspect ratio in X
Radial tire code
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating
(not on ZR tires)
Speed rating
(before R on ZR tires)
225/50 R
1692W
Winter 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 valves from dirt by using
screw-on valve stem caps. Dirt in the
valves frequently leads to slow leaks. For 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 16 H 2
J