width BMW 330Ci CONVERTIBLE 2001 E46 Owner's Manual

133n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single
tread configuration from a single manu-
facturer. BMW tests and approves
wheel/tire combinations, beginning on
page 137.DOT Quality Grades Treadwear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger vehicle tires must
conform to Federal Safety
Requirements in addition to these
grades.< Tread wearThe tread wear grade is a comparative
rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified government test
course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would
wear one and one-half (1g) times as
well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance
of tires depends upon the actual condi-
tions of their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the norm due
to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road char-
acteristics and climate.
TractionThe 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 speci-
fied government test surfaces 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,
hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.< TemperatureThe 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 condi-
tions 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 vehicle tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Vehicle 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 separately or
in combination, can cause heat buildup
and possible tire failure.< Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:
Tread wear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
Do not use retreaded tires. Driving
safety may be impaired by their
use. This is due to the possible varia-
tions in casing structures and, in some
cases, to their extreme age, factors that
can lead to a decrease in their
durability.<
Tire replacement

135n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Wheel and tire combinations The right choice Use only BMW-approved tires, begin-
ning on page 137.
Due to the high speeds this vehicle can
reach, the use of specific brands,
specifications and sizes is mandatory.
Consult any BMW center for details.
Comply with local/national regulations.
The correct wheel/tire combina-
tion has an effect on the different
systems such as ABS, ATC, ASC+T/
DSC
and ADB/DBC whose functioning
would be otherwise impaired if the
incorrect wheel/tire combinations were
used.
For this reason, use only tires of the
same manufacture and tread configura-
tion. In the event of a flat tire, for
example, remount the approved wheel/
tire combination as soon as possible.<
Codes on the 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 to112 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 = over 150 mph (240 km/h) Example:
Nominal width
in mm
Aspect ratio in X
Radial tire ID code
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating
(not on ZR tires)
Speed rating
(before R on ZR tires)
225/50 R
1692W
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 16 H 2
J

Everything from A to Z
209n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Temperature
adjusting98,104
layering99,106
Temperature display
outside temperature84
Thigh support, adjusting54
Third brake lamp171
Tilt sensor alarm
system36,43
remote control36
Tire changing173
Tire codes135
Tire condition27,132
Tire damage132
Tire inflation
pressure27,132
Tire pressure
monitoring91,192
Tire Pressure Control
(RDC)91,192
Tire Quality Grading133
Tire replacement133,134
Tire rotation134
Tire specifications137
Tire tread132
Tools166
Torque196
Towing eyelets184
Towing the vehicle184
Track197
Traction Control System,
refer to DSC88 Transmission72
Transmitter key32
Transporting children
safely64
Tread depth, tires132
Tread wear indicator132
Trip odometer81
Trunk, refer to luggage
compartment39
Turn signal indicator23,76
bulb replacement168
Turning radius197
Two-way radios129
U
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading133
Used batteries,
disposal178 V
Vacuum cleaner,
connecting112
V-belts200
Vehicle battery176,200
Vehicle care
exterior152
interior154
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)149
Vehicle immobilizer33 Vehicle painting152
Vehicle start69
Vehicle storage160
Vehicle vacuum cleaner,
attaching112
Vehicle weight198
Ventilation96,99,102
draft-free99,106
Vinyl upholstery, care154
W

Warning flashers25
Warning lamps20
Warning messages83
Warning triangle25
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet150
Washer fluids144,199
Washer nozzles144
Washer reservoir, filling144
Washer system76
Washing your vehicle151
Water on roadways121
Waxing, paintwork153
Wear indicator in the
tires132
Weights198
Wheel changing173
Wheel lug wrench173
Wheel rims135
Wheel specifications137
Wheelbase197 Wheels and tires135,137
Width197
Windows
convenience operation34
remote control35
remove
condensation105
Windshield washer,
automatic77
Windshield washer nozzle
adjustment144
Windshield washer reservoir,
filling144,199
Windshield wiper76
blade replacement166
Winter operation127
Winter tires135,136
Wiper blade,
replacement166
Wiper system76
Work in the engine
compartment140
X
Xenon lamps167,193