tire pressure BMW 330xi SEDAN 2003 E46 User Guide

87
Initializing the systemInitializing is necessary to familiarize the
system with the correct inflation pres-
sure.
Repeat this process after any changes
in tire inflation pressure, tire rotation or
replacement. Do not carry out further
system initialization after adjusting the
inflation pressure and letting the system
"learn" the correct pressures.
1. Check the tire inflation pressures in
all the tires, comparing them with the
inflation pressure chart on page 25
and adjusting their pressure if neces-
sary
2. Turn the ignition key to position 2
3. Press button as long as you need to
until the indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up. After a little
while, the indicator lamp will go out
by itself
4. After a few minutes' driving time, the
Flat Tire Monitor adopts the current
pressure levels as the reference, and
from that point on, can detect and
report a flat tire.
To activate/deactivate the systemThe Flat Tire Monitor automatically
assumes operation whenever you turn
the ignition key to position 2. Unless
manually deactivated, it is always on
during normal vehicle operation.
To deactivate the system: press the
button, the yellow indicator lamp comes
on.
To activate the system: press the but-
ton again, the indicator lamp goes out.
You should deactivate the system
before driving with snow chains, as the
chains can generate spurious warnings
and/or prevent the system from detect-
ing actual pressure loss.
Flat Tire Monitor*
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88
Flat tire
The red warning lamp in the
instrument cluster lights up to
warn of pressure loss and tire
failure. This visual alert is accompanied
by an acoustic warning signal. Reduce
your speed immediately, and steer and
brake gently as you bring the vehicle to
a stop.
To reset the warning lamp: after replac-
ing the damaged tire you will need to
reset the red warning lamp manually:
maintain pressure on the Flat Tire Moni-
tor button until the warning lamp goes
out. Then reinitialize the system.
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot pro-
vide you with advance warning of
sudden and severe tire damage caused
by external factors.
The system also does not detect the
gradual and minor loss of pressure that
all tires display over extended periods
of time.<
Check tire inflation pressures on a
regular basis, correcting them as
necessary; refer to page 25.
The system may respond to operation
on slippery or snow-covered road sur-
faces with false warnings or delays in
detecting actual pressure loss.
Performance-oriented driving – slip at
the drive wheels, high rates of lateral
acceleration – can also increase the
time that the Flat Tire Monitor requires
to detect a flat.<
System malfunctionsThe yellow indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster lights up and remains on
until the problem is corrected.
Please refer the problem to your BMW
center.
Flat Tire Monitor*

115
Driving notes
Brakes: do not drive with your foot
resting on the brake pedal. Even
light but consistent pedal pressure can
lead to high temperatures, brake wear
and possibly even brake failure.
Hydroplaning: when driving on wet or
slushy roads, reduce vehicle speed. If
you do not, a wedge of water may form
between the tires and the road surface.
This phenomenon can lead to partial or
complete loss of contact between the
tires and road surface, as well as loss of
vehicle control and braking ability.
Driving through water: do not drive
through water on the road if it is deeper
than 1 ft/30 cm, and then only at walk-
ing speed. Otherwise, the vehicle's
engine, the electrical systems and the
transmission may be damaged.
Rear tray: never use it to store heavy or
hard objects, as otherwise occupants
could be injured during braking maneu-
vers.
Clothes hooks: when hanging clothing
from the hooks, be sure that they will
not obstruct the driver's vision. Do not
hang heavy objects on the hooks. If you
do so, they could cause personal injury
during braking or evasive maneuvers.<
Antilock Brake System (ABS)The conceptABS keeps the wheels from locking
during braking, thereby enhancing
active driving safety.Braking with ABSIf you are in a situation that requires full
braking, you will exploit the full benefits
of the ABS system if you apply maxi-
mum pedal pressure – panic stop.
Since the vehicle maintains steering
responsiveness, you can avoid possible
obstacles with a minimum of steering
effort, despite the full brake application.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combined
with sounds from the hydraulic circuits
indicates to the driver that ABS is in its
active mode.Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)DBC is included in the DSC, refer to
page 80.
The system responds to sudden, high-
intensity applications of force to the
brake pedal by automatically braking
the vehicle with maximum boost to
achieve the shortest possible braking
distances during "panic stops". This
system exploits all the benefits of ABS.Do not reduce the pressure exerted
against the brake pedal until the brak-
ing maneuver has been completed.
DBC is deactivated when you release
the brake pedal.
Cornering Brake Control (CBC)CBC is an advanced engineering devel-
opment of ABS. When braking during
cornering with high lateral accelera-
tion, or when braking during a lane
change, vehicle stability is improved
and the steering response is enhanced.
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

117 Wheels and tires
Tire inflation pressureInformation for your safetyThe factory-approved tires are matched
to your vehicle and have been selected
to provide optimum safety and driving
comfort when used properly.
It is not merely the tire's service life, but
also driving comfort and – above all else
– driving safety that depend on the con-
dition of the tires and the maintenance
of the specified tire inflation pressure.
Incorrect tire inflation pressure is a fre-
quent cause of tire damage. Tire pres-
sure also has a major effect on your
BMW's handling response.
Be sure to check the tire inflation
pressure, including the pressure
of the space-saver spare tire or the
spare tire, on a regular basis, at least
twice a month and before every
extended journey, refer to page 25.
Otherwise, incorrect tire pressure can
lead to poor handling, to tire damage
and accidents.<
Tire conditionTire tread – 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 1/8 in / 3 mm, even though
the legally specified minimum tread
depth is 1/16 in / 1.6 mm.
Below 1/8 in / 3 mm tread depth, there
is a great risk of hydroplaning, even at
relatively moderate speeds and with
only small amounts of water on the
road. Tread wear indicators in the
tread-groove base – see arrow – are
distributed around the wheel circumfer-
ence and are labeled on the tire side-
wall with TWI – Tread Wear Indicator. At
a tread depth of 1/16 in / 1.6 mm, the
indicators signal that the legally permis-
sible wear limit has been reached.
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 vehi-
cle so that the permitted load on the
tires is not exceeded. Overloading can
lead to overheating and internal tire
damage.
The ultimate result can assume the
form of a sudden air loss.
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
immediately reducing your speed. Pro-
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119
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. applicable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:
Tread wear 200
Traction AA
Temperature A
BMW advises against using
retreaded tires, since driving
safety may be impaired. This is due to
the possible variations in casing struc-
tures and, in some cases, to their
extreme age, which can lead to a
decrease in their durability.<
Tire ageThe date on which the tire was manu-
factured is indicated by the code on the
sidewall:
DOT... 3502 indicates that the tire was
manufactured in week 35 of the year
2002.
BMW recommends the replacement of
all tires – including the spare tire* –
when the tires are no more than 6 years
old, even if a tire life of 10 years is pos-
sible.Run Flat tires*Run Flat tires consist of self-supporting
tires and special rims. The tire rein-
forcement ensures that the tire retains
some residual safety in the event of
pressure drop and driving remains pos-
sible to a restricted degree. The vehicle
is equipped with a Tire Pressure Moni-
tor (TPM) or Flat Tire Monitor, which
indicate a flat tire.
For additional information on the Tire
Pressure Monitor (TPM) or Flat Tire
Monitor, refer to page 85 or 86.
Run Flat tires are only possible in
conjunction with the Tire Pres-
sure Monitor (TPM) or Flat Tire Moni-
tor.<
Tire replacement
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121
Tire condition, tire pressureAt tread depths below approx. 3/16 in /
4 mm, winter tires display a perceptible
decrease in their ability to cope with
winter driving conditions, and should be
replaced in the interest of safety.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures — and be sure to have the
wheel and tire assembly balanced
every time you change a tire or wheel.Snow chains*Only certain snow chains have been
tested by BMW and determined and
approved as roadworthy. Consult any
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.
BMW 325xi, 330xi: only in an emer-
gency – for instance, with the vehicle
stuck on one side, or when obstruc-
tions make it impossible to reach one
tire – a chain may also be mounted on
just one tire for the limited period
needed to resolve the problem.
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 on the
following tires:
225/50 R 16
225/45 R 17
225/40 R 18
245/40 R 17
255/35 R 18Winter tires
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144
13. Wheels with full wheel covers*:
place the wheel cover with the
valve opening – see arrow – over
the valve. Use both hands to press
the cover securely onto the rim
14. Check and correct the tire inflation
pressure at the earliest opportunity.
Vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitor
(TPM)/Flat Tire Monitor: after
mounting the spare tire or correct-
ing the tire inflation pressure, reini-
tialize the system, refer to pages 85
and 86.
Protect valve stems and valves from dirt
using screw-on valve stem caps. Dirty
valve stems frequently lead to slow
pressure loss.
Do not attempt to install 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 50 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. For certain wheel/tire combina-
tions, the size of the spare tire will
differ from that of the remaining tires.
The spare tire is fully functional at all
loads and speeds. However, the spare
tire should be replaced at the earliest
possible opportunity in order to achieve
the original operating conditions.<
Changing a wheel

145
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 reinforcement ensures that the
tire retains some residual safety in the
event of pressure drop and driving
remains possible to a restricted degree.
The vehicle is equipped with Tire Pres-
sure Monitor (TPM) or Flat Tire Monitor,
which indicate a flat tire.
Because the sides of Run Flat
tires are reinforced, a drop in infla-
tion pressure usually cannot be
detected on the outside.<
Flat tireIf there is a tire failure, the red warning
lamp symbol lights up. This visual alert
is accompanied by an acoustic warning
signal.
Additional information on the Tire Pres-
sure Monitor (TPM) or Flat Tire Monitor
is found beginning on page 85.
Reduce vehicle speed carefully to
under 50 mph / 80 km/h, avoiding hard
brake applications and steering maneu-
vers.
If the defective wheel is not immedi-
ately recognizable on the outside,
check the tire pressure on all four
wheels.
Have Run Flat tires replaced by
your BMW center. In the interest
of safety, Run Flat tires should not be
repaired. Your BMW center has the
information needed for working with
Run Flat tires and is equipped with the
necessary special tools.<
If appropriate, please consult your
BMW center to reequip your vehi-
cle from summer to winter tires – or vice
versa.<
Driving with a damaged tireRun Flat tires allow you to continue
driving to a restricted degree at a maxi-
mum speed of 50 mph / 80 km/h
depending on the cargo load and the
extent of tire damage. You can deter-
mine the distance you may continue
driving on the basis of the following val-
ues:
>Tire inflation pressure of
0 psi/0 kilopascal (kPa):
approx. 100 miles/150 km
>Tire inflation pressure of
approx. 7-15 psi/50-100 kPa:
approx. 300 miles/500 km
>Tire inflation pressure greater than
15 psi/100 kPa:
approx. 600 miles/1,000 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.<
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Everything from A to Z
159
Clock 74
setting, refer also to the
radio or onboard com-
puter Owner's Manual
Cockpit 14
Code, refer to the Owner's
Manual for Radio
Coin box 102
Compartments 102
Compression ratio 152
Computer 75
Condensation, removing
from windows 95, 98
Consumption 76
display 72
Coolant 128, 155
Cooling system 155
Copyright 4
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC) 18, 115
Cruise control 69
Cup holder, see Beverage
holder 102
Curb weight 154
Cushion height 153
D
Data
dimensions 153
engine 152
technical 152
weights 154Daytime driving lamps 89
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control 115
Defrost position 95, 98
Defrosting
rear window 94, 99
windows 95, 98
Digital clock 74
Dimensions 153
Dipstick, engine oil 126
Displacement 152
Display lighting 90
Displays 16
Distance warning 77
Divided rear backrest 106
Door key 30
Door lock buttons 34
Doors
emergency operation 33
unlocking and locking 31
Driving notes 115
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control 18, 19, 80
DTC Dynamic Traction
Control 80
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC) 115
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 18, 19, 80
Dynamic Traction Control
(DTC) 80E
Electric power windows 40
Electrical accessories, fail-
ure 146
Electrical malfunction
fuel filler door 24
sliding/tilt sunroof 43
Emergency operation
doors 33
fuel filler door 24
sliding/tilt sunroof 43
Emergency release
luggage compartment
lid 37
Emissions, minimum, refer
to Energy control 71
Energy control 71
Engine
starting 60
switching off 62
Engine compartment 124
Engine coolant 155
adding 128
temperature gauge 72
Engine data 152Engine oil
adding 126
capacity 155
consumption 126
pressure 18
quality 127
types 127
viscosity 127
Engine oil level 19
check 126
Engine speed 152
Environmentally-friendly
driving, refer to Energy
control 71
Exterior mirrors 51
Eyelet, towing 148
F
Failure messages 73
False alarm, avoiding 39
Fault displays 73
First-aid kit 23
Flashlight 102
Flat tire 117, 141
Flat Tire Monitor 86
Fog lamps 91
Folding rear backrest 106
Follow me home lamps 89
Front fog lamps 91
Front seat adjustment 44
Frost protection
radiator 128
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Everything from A to ZFuel consumption 76
display 72
Fuel economy, refer to
Energy control 71
Fuel filler door 24
release following an elec-
trical malfunction 24
Fuel gauge 72
Fuel specifications 25
Fuel tank capacity 155
Fuel tank display 72
Fuel tank gauge 72
Fuel-injection system 152
Fuses, replacing 146
G
Gasoline 25
Gasoline gauge 72
Glove compartment 101
Grills 92, 96
Gross vehicle weight 154
H
Hands-free system 104
Harman Kardon premium
sound system 101
Hazard warning flashers 14
Hazard warning triangle 23
HDC Hill Descent Control 84
Head airbags 53
Head restraints 47
Headlamp flasher 90Headlamp washer system
126, 155
Headlamps 89
automatic control 89
Heated seats 50
Heating and ventilation 96
Heavy loads 108
High beams 21, 67, 90
replacing bulb 137
Hill Descent Control
(HDC) 84
Holder for
beverages 102
litter bag 103
Hood release 122
Horn 14
Hydraulic brake assistant,
see DBC
Hydroplaning 115, 117
I
Ice warning 75
Icy roads 75
Ignition key 30
Ignition lock 60
Imprint 4
Indicator lamps 18
Inflation pressure 25, 117
monitoring 85
INSPECTION 73
Instrument cluster 16
Instrument lighting 90Instrument panel 14, 16
Interface socket for onboard
diagnostics 131
Interior lamps 32, 91
remote control 32
Interior motion sensor 38
switching off 39
Interior rearview mirror 52
automatic dimming
feature 52
Interlock 60
Intermittent mode 68
J
Jack 141
Jump-starting 147
K
Key Memory 59
Keys 30
with remote control 30
L
Lamp, replacing 137
Lashing fittings 109
LATCH child-restraint
mounting system 57
Length 153
License plate lamp
replacing bulb 141
Light switch 89
Lighter 104LIGHTS ON warning 89
Litter bag holder 103
Load-securing devices 109
Lock, steering wheel 60
Low beams 89
automatic 89
replacing bulb 137
Lug wrench 141
Luggage compartment 35
capacity 154
floor mat 38
floor panel 37
lighting 35
Luggage compartment lid 35
emergency operation 35
emergency release 37
remote control 32
securing separately 35
Luggage rack 110
Lumbar support 46
M
M+S tires 120
Maintenance 73, 130
Malfunction displays 73
Manual transmission 63
MC operation, refer to the
Owner's Manual for Radio
MD operation, refer to the
Owner's Manual for Radio
Memory 49
Memory settings 59