wheel BMW 645CI COUPE 2004 E63 Owner's Guide

Wheels and tires
164
Wheels and tires
Tire inflation pressure
Information for your safety
It is not merely the tire's service life, but
also driving comfort and – to a great extent
– driving safety that depend on the condi-
tion of the tires and the maintenance of the
specified tire pressure.
Check the tire inflation pressure regu-
larly and correct it if necessary: at
least every two weeks and before begin-
ning a longer trip. If you fail to observe this
precaution, you may be driving on tires with
incorrect tire pressures, a condition that
can not only compromise your vehicle's
stability, but also lead to tire damage and
the risk of an accident.<
Checking tire inflation pressure
Only check tire inflation pressure when the
tires are cold. This means after a maximum
of 1.25 miles/2 km driving or when the
vehicle has been parked for at least
2 hours. When tires are warm, the tire infla-
tion pressure increases.
After correcting the inflation pres-
sure(s), always reinitialize the Flat Tire
Monitor, refer to page 79.<
Inflation pressures for original tires
The tires must be at ambient temperature.
The inflation pressures, provided on a label
affixed to the B-pillar, are visible when the
driver's door is open.
Inflation pressure for other tire sizes
The tables below provide all the correct
inflation pressures for the specified tire
sizes at ambient temperature.
For correct identification of the right
tire inflation pressure for your tires,
observe the specifications for the corre-
sponding tire size.<
Observe tire size
The specified pressures apply to tire sizes
approved by BMW and recommended tire
makes; your BMW center will be glad to
provide information.

Wheels and tires
166
Tire identification marks
Knowledge of the labeling on the side of
the tire makes it easier to identify and
choose the right tires.
Tire size
Speed letter
T = up to 118 mph/190 km/h
H = up to 131 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 Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines
of the U.S. Department of Transport.
DOT code:
Tire age
The tire's date of manufacture is indicated
on the sidewall:
DOT ... 1204 indicates that a tire was man-
ufactured in week 12 of the year 2004.
BMW recommends for various reasons,
including beginning brittleness, replacing
all tires after 6 years at the latest, even if a
tire age of 10 years is possible.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where appli-
cable on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width.
For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
DOT Quality Grades
Treadwear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must conform
to Federal Safety Requirements in
addition to these grades.<
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rat-
ing based on the wear rate of the tire when
tested under controlled conditions 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 conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from
the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction
The 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 specified govern-
ment 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 brak-
ing traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.< e.g.
Nominal width
in mm
Aspect ratio in X
Radial type
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating
not on ZR tires
Speed rating
before R on ZR tires
205/60 R1591W
e.g.
Manufacturer code
for tire make
Tire size and tire design
Tire ageDOT xxxx xxx 1204

Mobility
167Reference
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Temperature
The 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 con-
trolled conditions on a specified indoor lab-
oratory 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 car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A repre-
sent 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 load-
ing, either separately or in combination,
can cause heat buildup and possible tire
failure.<
RSC – run-flat tires
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the
side of the tire, refer to page 168.
M+S
Winter and all-season tires.
These have better winter properties than
summer tires.
Tire condition
Before driving off, inspect your tires for
tread wear, signs of damage and foreign
objects lodged in the tread, and check the
tread depth.
Minimum tread depth
The tread depth should not drop below
0.12 in/3 mm, although, for example, Euro-
pean legislation only specifies a minimum
tread depth of 0.063 in/1.6 mm. At tread
depths below 0.12 in/3 mm there is an increased risk of high-speed hydroplaning,
even when only small amounts of water are
present on the road surface.
As winter tires display a noticeable loss in
their ability to cope with cold-weather driv-
ing conditions once the tread wears to
below 0.157 in/4 mm, to ensure continued
safety you should always have such tires
replaced.
Wear indicators at the tread-groove base,
refer to arrow, are distributed over the tire's
circumference and are marked on the side
of the tire with TWI – Tread Wear Indicator.
These indicators signal at a tread depth of
0.063 in/1.6 mm that the legal wear limit
has been reached. The tread is then no
longer visible at these points.
Tire damage
Due to low-profile tires, please note
that wheels, tires and suspension
parts are more susceptible to road hazard
and consequential damages.
Unusual vibrations encountered during
normal vehicle operation can indicate tire
failure or some other vehicle defect. This
can, for example, be caused by driving over
curbs. These kinds of problems may also
be signaled by other changes in vehicle
response, such as a strong tendency to pull
to the left or right.
In these cases, immediately reduce speed.
Drive cautiously to the nearest BMW center
or tire dealer or, if necessary, have the
vehicle towed there.
Tire damage, extending to sudden and
complete loss of pressure in extreme
cases, can pose a potentially lethal safety
hazard for the vehicle's occupants and
other road users alike.<

Wheels and tires
168
Run-flat tires
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the
side of the tire.
Run-flat tires consist of self-contained 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.
Continuing driving with a damaged
tire
Driving on run-flat tires with tire damage
can continue, depending on the vehicle
load and the severity of the tire damage, at
a maximum speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.
You can estimate the possible mileage for
continued driving on the basis of the fol-
lowing general indications:
>With low load:
1 to 2 persons without luggage:
Approx. 155 miles/250 km
>With medium load:
2 persons, luggage compartment full, or
4 persons without luggage:
Approx. 94 miles/150 km
>With full load:
4 persons, luggage compartment full:
Approx. 30 miles/50 km.
Drive reservedly and do not exceed
a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h. In the
event of pressure loss, vehicle handling
changes. This includes reduced track sta-
bility in braking, extended braking distance
and altered natural steering characteristics.
If unusual vibrations occur while the vehicle
is being driven, this can indicate final failure of the damaged tire. Reduce speed and
stop as soon as possible. Do not continue
driving. Contact your BMW center.<
New wheels and tires
You can find out the right wheel-tire combi-
nation from your BMW center. It is another
vital factor in ensuring reliable operation of
various vehicle systems such as ABS and
DSC. Have the wheel and tire assemblies
balanced every time either a wheel or a tire
is replaced.
Only have new wheels and tires
mounted by a specialist. If this work is
performed inexpertly, there is a danger of
damage and associated safety risks.<
Retreaded tires
BMW does not recommend the use of
retread tires, as otherwise driving
safety may be reduced. Possible variations
in the design and the age – which could be
substantial – of the carcasses can lead to
unusually rapid wear.<
The right wheels and tires
BMW recommends that you use only
wheel and tire combinations that
BMW has tested and approved for your
particular vehicle. Variations in factors such
as manufacturing tolerances mean that
even wheels and tires with identical official
size ratings could actually have different
dimensions than the approved units – these
differences could lead to body contact, and
with it the risk of severe accidents. If non-
approved wheels and tires are used, BMW
cannot evaluate their suitability, and there-
fore cannot be held liable for driving
safety.<
To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single tread
configuration from a single manufacturer.
After a flat tire, always remember to have
the specified wheel and tire combination
remounted on the vehicle as soon as pos-
sible.

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169Reference
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Recommended tire sizes and makes
BMW tests certain tire brands for each tire
size, classifies them as road-safe and
approves them. You can find out about
these at specialized dealers or at your
BMW center. Observe any country-specific
regulations, e.g. on making a correspond-
ing entry in the vehicle documents.
The factory-mounted tires have been spe-
cially selected to provide optimized perfor-
mance when installed on your vehicle; if
properly cared for, they will provide a com-
bination of safety and excellent ride com-
fort.
Run-flat tires
In the event of replacement, use run-flat
tires, refer to page 168, as there is no spare
wheel available for flats.
For safety reasons, BMW recom-
mends that you do not have damaged
run-flat tires repaired; they should be
replaced.<
Special characteristics of winter
tires
BMW recommends winter tires for use in
cold winter driving conditions. Although all-
season M+S tires provide better winter
traction than summer tires, they generally
fail to provide the same levels of cold-
weather performance as winter tires.
Run-flat tires
If you switch from summer to winter tires,
or vice versa, use run-flat tires, refer to
page 168, as in the event of a flat tire there
is no spare tire available. Your BMW center
will 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 ser-
vice tires can lead to damage and acci-
dents. Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. The technicians at your
BMW center will be glad to assist you with the required professional knowledge and
specialized equipment.<
Storage
Always store wheels and tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as pos-
sible. Always protect tires against all con-
tact with oil, grease and fuels. Do not
exceed the maximum tire inflation pressure
indicated on the side wall of the tire.
Snow chains*
BMW only tests certain snow chains, clas-
sifies them as road-safe and approves
them. Consult your BMW center for more
information. BMW recommends using
these approved, narrow-link snow chains.
These snow chains are approved exclu-
sively for use in pairs on the rear wheels
with the tire size 245/45 R 18.
Observe the manufacturer's instructions
when mounting snow chains.
Do not exceed a vehicle speed of 30 mph/
50 km/h with the chains mounted.
Do not initialize the Runflat Indicator
after mounting snow chains.
When you are driving with snow chains, it
can be beneficial to switch off DSC briefly,
refer to page 77.<

Mobility
179Reference
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High beams, parking lamps
The illustration shows the front left side of
the engine compartment.
High beams
Bulb 55 watts, H 7
1.Remove the cover cap 1 by pressing
the tab and removing the cover cap
upward
2.Press the bulb holder from above to
release it
3.Remove the bulb holder
4.Remove and replace the bulb.
Parking lamps
Bulb 10 watts
Bulb holder and reflector are one unit
and are replaced together.<
1.Turn the bulb holder 2 to the right and
remove
2.Press the detent on the plug connector,
pull off the bulb holder and replace.
Front turn signal, sidemarker
Your BMW is equipped with two turn signal
lamps per side in the front. Turn signal
lamp 1 can be replaced via the engine
compartment, and turn signal lamp 2 via
the wheel well.
Turn signal lamp 1
Bulb 21 watts, WY 21 SV
The illustration shows the front right side of
the engine compartment.
1.The lever shown:
>Right turn signal: press downwards
>Left turn signal: press upwards
2.Remove the bulb holder towards the
rear
3.Remove and replace the bulb.
Turn signal lamp 2
Bulb 21 watts, WY 21 SV
The bulb of the turn signal lamp 2 can be
replaced via a cover at the front of the
wheel well.
The illustration shows the left side of the
vehicle.
1.Turn the steering all the way to lock to
obtain access to the cover, refer to
illustration
2.Remove the cover by unscrewing the
two bolts with an open-end wrench
from the onboard tool kit
3.Location of the bulb holder of turn sig-
nal lamp 2, refer to arrow

Replacing components
180 4.Turn the bulb holder to the left and pull
out
5.Remove and replace the bulb.
Sidemarker
Bulb 5 watts, WY5W ST
The bulb can be replaced via a cover at the
front of the wheel well, refer to the descrip-
tion for turn signal lamp 2.
1.The bulb holder of the sidemarker lamp
is located toward the outside of the
vehicle next to the bulb holder of turn
signal lamp 2
2.Turn the bulb holder to the left and pull
out
3.Remove and replace the bulb.
Side turn signals
Bulb 5 watts, WY 5 W
1.Press against the front edge of the lamp
with the tip of your finger, then push it to
the rear, release the detent at the front
and take it off the trim strip
2.Turn the bulb holder 905 to the left and
remove
3.Remove and replace the bulb.
Tail lamps
The roadside parking, rear and brake
lamps are LEDs. The backup lamps
are fitted with longlife bulbs. Please con-
tact a BMW center in case of a malfunc-
tion.<1Turn signal
2Roadside parking, rear and brake lamp
3Backup lamp
4Reflector
Rear turn signals
Bulb 21 watts, PY 21 W
The illustration shows the recess on the left
side of the luggage compartment.
1.Remove the cover
2.Unclip the bulb holder and remove
3.Apply gentle pressure to the bulb while
turning it to the left for removal and
replacement.
License plate lamps
Bulb 5 watts, WY 5 W

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181Reference
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1.Push a screwdriver from the left under
the lamp and lever up the lamp to the
right
2.Turn the bulb holder 905 to the left and
remove
3.Remove and replace the bulb.
Light-emitting diodes LEDs
Light-emitting diodes installed behind
translucent lenses serve as the light source
for many of the controls and displays in
your vehicle. These light-emitting diodes,
which operate using a concept similar to
that applied in conventional lasers, are offi-
cially designated as Class 1 light-emitting
diodes.
Do not remove the covers, and never
stare into the unfiltered light several
hours, as irritation of the retina could
result.<
Changing a wheel
Your BMW is equipped with run-flat tires as
standard. An immediate wheel change in
the event of a flat tire is therefore no longer
required.
You will recognize run-flat tires by a circular
symbol containing the letters RSC on the
side of the tire, refer to Run-flat tires on
page 167.
If you switch from summer to winter tires,
or vice versa, use only run-flat tires, as in
the event of a flat there is no spare tire
available. Your BMW center will be glad to
advise you.
Also refer to New wheels and tires,
page 168.
Car jacking points
The jacking points for the car jack are
located in the positions shown.
You can obtain a suitable car jack as
an accessory at your BMW center.<
Battery
Battery care
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, i.e.,
the electrolyte will last for the life of the bat-
tery when the vehicle is operated in a tem-
perate climate.
Your BMW center will be glad to advise in
all matters concerning the battery.
Charging battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via
the terminals in the engine compartment
with the engine switched off. For the con-
nections, refer to Jump-starting on
page 184.
Disposal
Have old batteries disposed of by
your BMW center or hand them in to a
recycling center. Maintain the battery in an
upright position for transport and storage.
Always restrain the battery to prevent it
from tipping over during transport.<
Power cut
After a temporary power cut, e.g. with a
discharged battery, the features of some
equipment are limited and it has to be rein-
itialized. Individual settings are also lost
and have to be updated:

Replacing components
182 >Active steering
The system is deactivated and has to be
initialized, refer to page 80. Until then,
greater steering wheel movement is
required
>Seat, mirror and steering wheel
memory
The position must be newly stored,
refer to page 44
>Time and date
The settings must be updated, refer to
page 73
>Radio
Radio stations have to be stored again,
refer to page 132
>Navigation system
Wait to see what happens with the
functional capability, refer to page 122.
Fuses
Never attempt to repair a blown fuse,
and do not replace a defective fuse
with a substitute of another color or amper-
age rating, as this could lead to overloading
of the wiring, ultimately resulting in a fire in
the vehicle.<
Information on the fuse assignment is
located below the bracket for the onboard
tool kit, see below.
In glove compartment
1.Press the button on the back in the cen-
ter of partition 1 and pull out the parti-
tion upwards, arrow 2
2.Press the coupling downwards,
arrow 3, and fold the lid 4 forwards.
In luggage compartment
Fold up the cover under the floor mat and
remove the bracket for the onboard tool kit.
Information on the fuse assignment 1 and
additional fuses 2 are provided there.

Giving and receiving assistance
186
Using tow fitting
The threaded tow fitting is stored in the tool
kit mounted on the inside of the luggage
compartment under the floor mat, refer to
page 178, and should always remain in the
vehicle. It can be screwed in at the front or
rear of the BMW.
To avoid damage to the tow fitting
and the vehicle, observe the follow-
ing: only use the tow fitting that comes with
the vehicle and screw it in as far as possi-
ble. Only use the tow fitting to tow on the
roadway. Avoid heavy lateral loading of the
tow fitting, e.g. do not lift the vehicle by the
tow fitting.<
Access to screw thread
Rectangular cover in bumper:
Press the arrow symbol of the cover.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Even if there is a failure in the electri-
cal system, make sure that the igni-
tion key is in position 1, as otherwise the
steering wheel could lock and it would be
impossible to steer the vehicle. There is no
power assist with the engine stopped. This then requires increased effort for braking
and steering. The active steering is deacti-
vated; when stopped and in the low speed
range greater steering wheel movements
are required.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers
depending on the local regulations. If the
electrical system fails, mark the vehicle to
be towed, e.g. with a sign or warning trian-
gle in the rear window.
Vehicles with manual transmission
Gearshift lever in idle position
Vehicles with automatic
transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Do not exceed a towing speed of
45 mph/70 km/h and a towing dis-
tance of 90 miles/150 km, as otherwise the
automatic transmission may be dam-
aged.<
Vehicles with SMG Sequential
manual transmission
With the ignition switched on, engage
selector-lever position N, then switch off
the ignition.
Towing methods
In some countries, towing with tow bars or
ropes in public traffic is not permitted.
Familiarize yourself with all regulations on
towing in the respective country.
With tow bar
The towing vehicle may not be lighter
than the vehicle to be towed, as oth-
erwise it will not be possible to control
vehicle response.<
The tow fittings used should be on the
same side on both vehicles. Should it prove
impossible to avoid mounting the tow bar
at an offset angle, please observe the fol-
lowing:
>Clearance and maneuvering capability
will be strictly limited in corners