Tires BMW 330CI COUPE 2005 E46 User Guide

133
Tire codeKnowing the tire code on the tire side-
wall makes it easier to correctly choose
and identify your tires.Tire sizeE.g. 205/60 R 15 91 W
205 = Nominal width in mm
60 = Cross-sectional ratio in %
R = Radial belt construction
15 = Rim diameter in inches
91 = Load index, not on ZR tires
W = Speed rating, in front of the R on
ZR tiresSpeed ratingQ = up to 100 mph (160 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 186 mph (300 km/h)Tire Identification NumberTires with DOT codes comply with the
guidelines of the U.S. Department of
Transportation.DOT code:
E.g. DOT xxxx xxx 1004
xxxx = Manufacturer's code for tire
brand
xxx = Tire size and tire version
1004 = Tire age
Tire ageThe date on which the tire was manu-
factured is indicated by the code on the
sidewall:
DOT … 1004 indicates that the tire was
manufactured in week 10 of the year
2004.
BMW recommends the replacement of
all tires when they are no more than
6 years old, even if a tire life of 10 years
is possible.Uniform Tire Quality GradingQuality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:
Trea dwear 200 Traction AA
Temperature ADOT quality gradesTread wearTraction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must con-
form to Federal Safety Require-
ments 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 – 1
1/2 – 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.
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134
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 charac-
teristics. 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 tem-
perature 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 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. wall with a circular symbol containing
the letters RSC, refer to page 135.M+SWinter and all-season tires. These have
better winter driving properties than
summer tires.
Tire conditionWheel/tire damageInspect your tires frequently for signs of
damage, foreign objects and tread
wear, and check tread depth.
Due to low-profile tires, please
note that wheels, tires and sus-
pension parts are more susceptible to
road hazard and consequential dam-
ages.
Unusual vibrations encountered during
normal vehicle operation can indicate a
flat tire or some other vehicle malfunc-
tion. This type of problem can be
caused by contact with curbs, etc. This
is also true for irregularities in the vehi-
cle's handling characteristics, such as a
pronounced tendency to pull to the left
or right.
Should this occur, respond by immedi-
ately reducing your speed. Proceed
carefully to the nearest BMW center or
professional tire center, or have the
vehicle towed there. Tire damage, up to
and including blowouts, can endanger
the lives of both the vehicle occupants
and other road users.<
Tire code

135
Tire treadTread depth should not be allowed to
go below 1/8 in/3 mm, even though
European legislation, for example,
requires a mimimum tread depth of only
1/16 in/1.6 mm. Below 1/8 in/3 mm
tread depth, there is a great risk of
hydroplaning, even at relatively moder-
ate speeds and with only small amounts
of water on the road.
At tread depths below approx.
3/16 in/4 mm, tire performance under
winter driving conditions deteriorates
noticeably. Worn tires should therefore
be replaced for safety considerations.
Tread wear indicators in the tread-
groove base, see arrow, are distributed
around the wheel circumference and
are labeled on the tire sidewall with
TWI, Tread Wear Indicator. At a tread
depth of 1/16 in/1.6 mm, the indicators
signal that the legally permissible wear
limit has been reached.
Run Flat tires*Run Flat tires are labeled on the side-
wall with a circular symbol containing
the letters RSC.
Run Flat tires consist of self-supporting
tires and special rims. The tire rein-
forcement ensures that driving remains
possible to a restricted degree in the
event of pressure drop or even if the tire
is deflated.Driving with a damaged tireDepending on the cargo load, Run Flat
tires allow you to continue driving at a
maximum speed of 50 mph / 80 km/h.
Tire condition
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136
If there is a total loss of tire inflation
pressure, 0 psi/0 kPa, or obvious tire
damage, you can determine the dis-
tance you may continue driving based
on the following values:
>With a light load:
1 to 2 persons without luggage:
approx. 155 miles/250 km
>With a medium load:
2 persons, luggage compartment full;
or 4 persons without luggage:
approx. 90 miles/150 km
>With a full load:
4 persons or more, luggage compart-
ment full:
approx. 30 miles/50 km
Drive cautiously. Do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph / 80 km/h. Be
aware that vehicle handling will be
altered when there is a loss in inflation
pressure. Anticipate, e.g., reduced
tracking during braking, longer braking
distances and changed steering char-
acteristics.
For safety reasons, BMW recommends
not having damaged Run Flat tires
repaired. In this case, consult your
BMW center.<
New wheels and tires
Have new wheels and tires
mounted only by a skilled profes-
sional. Work that is improperly carried
out could result in consequential dam-
age and pose safety hazards.<
Ask your BMW center for details con-
cerning the correct wheel and tire com-
bination. Have the wheels balanced
each time a wheel or tire has been
replaced.
The correct wheel and tire combination
also affects different systems such as
ABS or DSC. The function of these sys-
tems is impaired if improper wheel and
tire combinations are used.
BMW advises against using
retreaded tires, as driving safety
could otherwise be impaired. This is
due to the possible variations in casing
structures and, in some cases, to their
extreme age, which can lead to a
decrease in their durability.<
The correct wheels and tires
BMW recommends using only
wheels and tires that have been
tested and approved by BMW for the
particular vehicle model, as otherwise
body contact and serious accidents can
result despite the use of the same nom-
inal size, e.g. due to manufacturing tol-
erances. BMW cannot evaluate all tires
and wheels on the market, and is thus
unable to guarantee that the vehicle will
continue to perform safely if unap-
proved tires and/or wheels are
mounted.<
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single
brand and tread configuration. After a
flat tire, have the previous wheel and
tire combination restored as soon as
possible.
Recommended tire sizes and
brandsFor each tire size, certain tire brands
have been tested, classified as road-
safe and approved by BMW. You can
find out about these from a professional
Run Flat tires*

137
tire center, preferably your BMW cen-
ter. Observe any country-specific regu-
lations, e.g. on making a corresponding
entry in the vehicle documents.
The factory-approved radial belt tires
are matched to your vehicle and pro-
vide optimum safety and driving com-
fort when used properly.Run Flat tiresIf your vehicle is equipped with Run Flat
tires, refer to Run Flat tires, use only
these tires since no spare wheel is
available in the event of a flat.Special characteristics of winter
tiresBMW recommends the use of winter
tires for operation under winter road
conditions. While all-season tires with
M+S designation provide better winter
traction than summer tires, they gener-
ally do not achieve the full performance
of winter tires.
Run Flat tires:
If your vehicle is equipped with Run Flat
tires, refer to Run Flat tires, please note
the following: when mounting new tires
or replacing summer tires with winter tires, or vice versa, use only Run Flat
tires since no spare wheel is available
in the event of a flat. Your BMW center
wil be glad to advise you.
Observing speed ratings:
Never exceed the maximum
speed for which the winter tires
are rated. Unprofessional attempts by
laymen to service tires can lead to dam-
age and accidents. Have this work per-
formed by skilled professionals only.
The technicians at your BMW center
will be glad to assist you with the
required professional knowledge and
specialized equipment.<
StorageAlways store tires in a cool, dry place.
Store them away from light whenever
possible. Protect the tires against con-
tact with oil, grease and fuel. Do not
exceed the maximum tire inflation pres-
sures specified on the tire sidewall.
Snow chains*Only certain snow chains have been
tested by BMW and determined and
approved as roadworthy. Consult your
BMW center for details. BMW recom-
mends using only these approved fine-
link snow chains. Use them in pairs on
either summer or winter tires, but only
on both rear wheels.
Comply with all manufacturer's safety
precautions when mounting the chains.
Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph /
50 km/h when using snow chains.
You cannot mount snow chains with the
following tires:
>225/50 R 16
>225/45 R 17
>245/40 R 17
>225/40 R 18
>255/35 R 18.
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Moni-
tor after mounting snow chains to
the tires.
When driving with snow chains, it may
be useful to turn off the DSC for a short
time, refer to page 92.<
New wheels and tires
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160
14. Wheels with full wheel covers*:
place the wheel cover with the
valve opening over the valve. Use
both hands to press the cover
securely onto the rim
15. Check and correct the tire inflation
pressure at the earliest opportunity.
Vehicles with Flat Tire Monitor:
After mounting the spare tire or
correcting the tire inflation pres-
sure, reinitialize the system, refer to
page 93.
Protect valve stems and valves from dirt
using screw-on valve stem caps. Dirty
valve stems frequently lead to slow
pressure loss.
Do not place the full wheel cover
on the space-saver spare tire,
since this could damage the cover.<
The vehicle jack is designed for
changing wheels only. Do not
attempt to raise another vehicle model
with it or to raise any other type of load.
To do so could cause accidents and
personal injury.
To ensure continued safety, have the
tightness of the torque bolts checked
with a calibrated lug wrench – torque
specification: 88.5 lb ft/120 Nm – at the
earliest opportunity.<
When storing a wheel in the spare tire
recess, take care to avoid bending the
threaded rod.
If light-alloy wheels other than original
BMW light-alloy wheels have been
mounted, it may be necessary to use
different lug bolts for those wheels.
Replace the defective tire as soon as
possible and have the new wheel/tire
balanced.
Driving with the space-saver
spare tireDrive cautiously. Do not exceed a
speed of 45 mph / 80 km/h.
Be aware that vehicle handling may be
altered. Anticipate, e.g., reduced track-
ing during braking, longer braking dis-
tances and changed steering charac-
teristics when approaching limit
conditions. These handling characteris-
tics will be even more pronounced if
winter tires are mounted.
Only one space-saver spare tire
may be mounted at one time.
Mount a wheel and tire of the original
size at the earliest possible opportu-
nity.<
Changing a wheel

Everything from A to ZA
ABS Antilock Brake
System 127
indicator lamp 18
Acceleration assistant 76
Accessories, refer to For
your own safety 5
Accident, refer to Emer-
gency call 162
Activated-charcoal filter 108
Adaptive brake lamp, refer
to Brake force display 94
Adaptive headlights 96
Adding brake fluid 145
Additional sources of infor-
mation 4
Air conditioning 100
Air conditioning mode 102
automatic climate
control 106
Air distribution
air conditioning 102
automatic climate
control 106
individual 106
Air outlets, refer to Ventila-
tion 100, 104
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure 130
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode
102, 107Air supply
air conditioning 102
automatic climate
control 106
Air, drying, refer to Air con-
ditioning mode 102, 106
Airbags 59
deactivating 62
indicator lamp 18, 61
sitting safely 50
Airing out, refer to Ventila-
tion 100, 104
AKI, refer to Fuel specifica-
tions 24
Alarm system 36
avoiding unintentional
alarms 37
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires 136
Antifreeze 144
coolant 144
washer fluid 142
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 127
indicator lamp 18
Anti-theft system 28
Anti-theft warning system,
refer to Alarm system 36
Approved axle loads, refer
to Weights 172
Approved gross weight,
refer to Weights 172Armrest 112
Artificial leather, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray
front 113
rear 114
Assistant systems, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 91
AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control 107
AUTO program 106
Automatic
cruise control 82
headlamp control 95
Automatic air distribution,
refer to AUTO
program 106
Automatic air supply, refer
to AUTO program 106
Automatic car wash, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate
control 104
Automatic curb monitor 56
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror 58
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC) 107Automatic transmission with
Steptronic 77
indicator lamp 19, 79
interlock 69
selector lever lock 77
shiftlock 77
tow-starting 166
Automatic windshield
washer, refer to Rain sen-
sor 81
Average fuel
consumption 89
Average speed 89
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 37
Axle loads, refer to
Weights 172
B
Backrest
unlock 53
Backrest, refer to Seat
adjustment 51
Backup lamps 72
bulb replacement 155
Bandages, refer to First-aid
kit 22
Bar, for towing 165

Everything from A to Z
181
Imprint 4
Indicator lamps 18
Indicator/warning lamp
airbags 18
alarm system 37
brakes 18, 19
Check Gas Cap 19
coolant 19, 85
DSC 19
Fasten safety belts 18
Flat Tire Monitor
18, 19, 93
reserve 85
rollover protection
system 19
Service Engine Soon 19
Individual air distribution 106
Individual settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory 68
Inflation pressure monitor-
ing, refer to Flat Tire Moni-
tor 92
Inflation pressure, tires 130
INSPECTION 86
Instrument cluster 16
Instrument lighting 96
Instrument panel 14
Integrated universal remote
control 110
Interface socket for onboard
diagnostics (OBD) 148Interior lamps 98
remote control 30
Interior motion sensor 37
switching off 37
Interior rearview mirror 58
automatic dimming
feature 58
Interior temperature, adjust-
ment 102, 106
Interlock, refer to Steering
wheel lock 69
Intermittent mode, wipers 81
Interval display, service 86
J
Jack 157
Jacking points 158
Jump-starting 163
K
Key Memory 68
Keys 28
with remote control 28
Kickdown 74, 78
L
Lamp defect 153
Lamps and bulbs 153
Lashing down loads, refer to
Cargo loading 117
Lashing eyelets, refer to
Securing cargo 119Lashing fittings, refer to
Securing cargo 119
LATCH child-restraint
mounting system 64
Leather care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Leaving the vehicle 71
LEDs light-emitting
diodes 157
Length, refer to
Dimensions 171
License plate lamp
bulb replacement 157
Light switch 95
Light-emitting diodes
(LEDs) 157
Lighter 113
LIGHTS ON warning 95
Lights, refer to Parking
lamps/Low beams 95
Load, determining the maxi-
mum 117
Load, refer to Cargo
loading 117
Loading
vehicle 117
Load-securing devices 119
Lock buttons on doors, refer
to Locking 32
Lock, steering wheel 69Locking
from inside 32
from outside 29, 31
Locking and unlocking
doors
from inside 32
from outside 29, 31
Low beams 95
automatic 95
bulb replacement 153
indicator lamp, defective
lamp 86
Lug bolts
key 158
torque 158
Luggage compartment
capacity 172
emergency operation,
refer to Manual
operation 33
enlarge volume 35
floor panel 35
lid 33
opening from outside 33
opening, remote
control 30
opening/closing, refer to
Luggage compartment
lid 33
remote control 30
volume 172
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Everything from A to Z
183
Outside temperature dis-
play 88
changing unit of
measure 88
P
Paintwork care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Panic mode, trigger
alarm 30
Park Distance Control
(PDC) 90
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control (PDC) 90
Parking brake 71
indicator lamp 18
Parking lamps 95
bulb replacement 154
Parking lamps/Low
beams 95
Parts and accessories, refer
to Your individual vehicle 5
Passenger-side exterior mir-
ror tilt function 56
PDC Park Distance
Control 90
Placing a telephone call,
refer to the Owner's Man-
ual for the telephone
Plastic, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochurePollen, refer to
Microfilter 103
Pollen, refer to Microfil-
ter/activated-charcoal fil-
ter 108
Power output, refer to
Engine data 170
Power seat 51
Power socket 114
Power socket, cigarette
lighter 114
Pressure monitoring, tires
Flat Tire Monitor 92
Pressure, tires 130
Protective function
electric power windows 38
R
Radio remote control key,
refer to Master keys with
remote control 28
Radio, refer to the Owner's
Manual for Radio
Rain sensor 81
Raising the floor panel 35
Range 89
Reading lamps
front 98
hardtop 127
rear 98Rear lamps
bulb replacement 155
indicator lamp, defective
lamp 86
Rear window defroster
air conditioning 102
Rear window heating
automatic climate
control 107
Rear-entry assist 53
Rearview mirror 57
Receiving assistance 162
Recirculated-air mode
air conditioning 102
automatic climate
control 107
Recirculating the air, refer to
Recirculated-air mode
102, 107
Reclining seat, refer to Seat
adjustment 51
Refueling 23
fuel filler door 23
Releasing
hood 138
Remaining distance to ser-
vice 86
Remaining distance, refer to
Range 89Remote control 29
garage door opener 110
luggage compartment
lid 30
malfunction 30
Replacement key 29
Replacing lamps, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 153
Reporting safety defects 7
Restraint systems
for children 62
Restraint systems, refer to
Safety belts 54
Reverse
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 77
SMG gearbox 74
Reverse gear
manual transmission 72
Rollover protection system
66
indicator lamp 19
lowering 66
Roof load capacity 172
Roof-mounted luggage
rack 120
Rope, refer to Towing the
vehicle 165
Run Flat tires 135
S
Safe seating position 50
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Everything from A to ZSafety belt height adjust-
ment 54
Safety belts 54
seat-integrated safety belt
system 53
sitting safely 50
warning lamp 18
Safety systems, refer to
Antilock Brake
System 127
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 91
Screwdriver, refer to
Onboard tool kit 152
Seat adjustment 51
BMW sports seat 51
power 51
Seat belt tensioner, refer to
Safety belts 54
Seat heating 57
Seat memory, refer to Seat
and mirror memory 55
Seat positions, storing 55
Seats 51
Securing cargo 119
Securing child-restraint sys-
tem 64
Securing the vehicle
from inside 32
from outside 29, 31Selector lever
automatic transmission 77
sequential manual gear-
box SMG 73
Selector lever lock, refer to
Shiftlock 73, 77
Selector lever positions
automatic transmission 77
sequential manual gear-
box SMG 73
Sequential manual gearbox
SMG 73
indicator lamp 19
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet 146
Service Engine Soon
warning lamp 19
Service interval display
86, 146
Shift paddles 74
Shifting gears
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 77
sequential manual gear-
box SMG 74
Shiftlock 73
Shiftlock, refer to Range
selection 77
Side airbags 59
Side turn signal indicators
bulb replacement 155Sitting safely
with airbags 50
with safety belts 50
Size 171
Ski bag 115
Slipstream deflector, refer to
Wind deflector 48
SMG sequential manual
gearbox 73
indicator lamp 19
Smokers' package, refer to
Ashtray 113
SOS, refer to Emergency
call 162
Space-saver spare tire
changing a wheel 157
Spare key 28
Spare tire 157
Spare wheel 160
Special oils 143
Specified oils 143
Speed gauge, refer to
Speedometer 16
Speedometer 16
SPORT button 76
Sport program
automatic transmission
with Steptronic 78
Sports seat 51
Stability control, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 91Standing lamps 97
Starting difficulties
jump-starting 163
temperature 69
Starting help DSC 91
Starting the engine 69
Starting, refer to Starting the
engine 69
Status of the Owner's Man-
ual 5
Steering wheel lock 69
Steering wheel, adjusting 58
Steptronic, refer to Manual
operation 78
Storage compartments 112
Storage nets 112
Storing seat positions, refer
to Seat and mirror
memory 55
Storing tires 137
Surface ice, refer to Ice
warning 88
Switches, refer to
Cockpit 14
Switching off
engine 71
Symbols 4
Synthetic oils 143
T
Tachometer 84