tires BMW M3 COUPE 2004 E46 User Guide

115
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 vehicle so that
the permitted load on the tires is not
exceeded. Overloading can lead to
overheating and internal tire damage.
This can result in a sudden loss of tire
inflation pressure.
Unusual vibrations encountered during
normal vehicle operation can indicate
tire failure or some other vehicle defect.
This type of problem can be caused by
contact with curbs, etc. This is also true
for irregularities in the vehicle's han-
dling characteristics, such as a pro-
nounced tendency to pull to the left or
right. Should this occur, respond by
immediately reducing your speed. Pro-
ceed carefully to the nearest BMW cen-
ter or professional tire center, or have
the vehicle towed in to have it, its
wheels or its tires inspected.
Tire damage, up to and including blow-
outs, can endanger the lives of both the
vehicle occupants and other road
users.<
Tire replacementTo maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single
tread configuration from a single manu-
facturer.
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.DOT quality gradesTreadwear
Traction 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. 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.
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.
Tire condition
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

116
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, under-inflation, 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:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
Tire ageBMW recommends the replacement of
all tires when the tires are no more than
6 years old, even if a tire life of 10 years
is possible.
The date on which the tire was manu-
factured is indicated by the code on the
sidewall:
DOT ... 3603 indicates that the tire was
manufactured in week 36 of the year
2003.Following wheel/tire changesComply 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.
Following wheel and/or tire changes
you will need to reinitialize both the Flat
Tire Monitor and the sequential M gear-
box with Drivelogic, refer to pages 71,
85.
Tire replacement

117
Wheel and tire combinationsThe right choice
BMW recommends using only
wheels and tires that have been
approved by BMW for your particular
vehicle model, as otherwise body con-
tact and serious accidents can result
despite the use of the same nominal
size, e.g. due to manufacturing toler-
ances. If non-approved wheels and
tires are used, BMW cannot evaluate
their suitability, and therefore cannot be
held liable for driving safety.<
BMW tests certain tire brands for each
tire size, classifies them as road-safe
and approves them. Consult your BMW
center for more information. Observe
any country-specific regulations, e.g.
on making a corresponding entry in the
vehicle documents.
The correct wheel and tire combi-
nation affects different systems
such as ABS, DSC, Flat Tire Monitor.
The function of these systems is
impaired if improper wheel and tire
combinations are used.
Therefore, only use tires of the same
brand and same tread configuration on
the vehicle and, for example following a
tire failure, restore the approved wheel
and tire combination as soon as possi-
ble.<
The use of rims and lug bolts that
do not meet the specifications of
the original factory-installed equipment
will affect the safe operation of your
vehicle and may cause an accident and
personal injury.
Never mix tires of different design, such
as steel-belted radials with radial bias-
belted or bias-ply tires, etc. Mixing tire
types will adversely affect roadholding
and can lead to loss of vehicle con-
trol.<
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 infla-
tion pressures specified on the tire
sidewall.
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

118
Winter tiresChoosing the right tireBMW 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 the corresponding sum-
mer tires, they generally do not achieve
the performance of winter tires.
In the interest of safe tracking and
steering response, install radial tires
made by the same manufacturer and
with the same tread configuration on all
four wheels if you elect to mount winter
tires.
When mounting winter wheels,
observe the different recesses of
the front and rear wheels, as otherwise
damage may result.<
Do not exceed specified
maximum speeds
Never exceed the maximum
speed for which the winter tires
are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. Your BMW center
will be glad to assist you with both their
expertise and the proper equipment for
your vehicle.<
Tire condition, tire pressureAt tread depths below approx. 3/16 in /
4 mm, tire performance under winter
driving conditions deteriorates notice-
ably. Worn tires should therefore be
replaced for safety considerations.
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 your
BMW center for more information.
BMW recommends using only these
approved fine-link snow chains. Use
them in pairs on winter tires, but only on
both rear wheels.
Comply with all manufacturer's safety
precautions when mounting the chains.
Do not exceed a maximum speed of
30 mph / 50 km/h when using snow
chains.
After mounting or removing snow
chains, always reinitialize the sequential
M gearbox with Drivelogic, refer to
page 71.
It is not possible to mount snow
chains on tires with 18-inch and
19-inch wheels.
Deactivate the Flat Tire Monitor when
using snow chains. Malfunction warn-
ings and undetected losses in pressure
are a possibility when driving with snow
chains.
For additional information, refer to
page 84.<

136
Center high-mount brake lampLED strip on the rear window.
Please contact a BMW center in case of
a malfunction.
License plate lamps5 watt bulb
1. Place a screwdriver in the slot and
press toward the left to release the
lens
2. Replace the bulb.
Repairing a flat tire
Precautions in case of a flat tire:
Stop the vehicle as far as possible
from passing traffic; switch on the haz-
ard warning flashers.
Turn the steering wheel to the straight-
ahead position and engage the steering
lock. Shift into 1st or Reverse and
engage the parking brake.
All passengers should be outside the
vehicle and well away from your imme-
diate working area – behind a guardrail,
for instance.
If necessary, set up your warning trian-
gle or portable hazard warning lamp on
the roadside at an appropriate distance
from the rear of the vehicle. Comply
with all local safety guidelines and reg-
ulations.
Comply with all safety guidelines and
regulations.<
M Mobility systemYou will find an M Mobility system in the
BMW M3 for repairing flat tires. With
this system you can apply a sealing liq-
uid to the inside of the tire that seals off
the damaged point and then continue
driving.
The M Mobility system makes trans-
porting a spare wheel superfluous,
thereby reducing the amount of weight
you have to carry around.
Lamps and bulbs

Everything from A to ZA
ABS Antilock Brake
System 112
indicator lamp 19
Accessories, refer to For
your own safety 5
Accident, refer to Emer-
gency call 142
Activated-charcoal filter 96
Adding brake fluid 125
Adding liquid sealant
Mobility system 138
Additional sources of infor-
mation 4
Air conditioning mode
automatic climate
control 94
Air distribution
automatic climate
control 94
Air distribution, individual 94
Air outlets, refer to Ventila-
tion 92
Air pressure, refer to Tire
inflation pressure 25, 114
Air recirculation, refer to
Recirculated-air mode 95
Air supply
automatic climate
control 94
Air, drying, refer to Air con-
ditioning mode 94Airbags 53
deactivating 53
indicator lamp 18, 55
sitting safely 43
Airing out, refer to Ventila-
tion 92
AKI, refer to Fuel specifica-
tions 25
Alarm system 38
avoiding unintentional
alarms 39
All-season tires, refer to
Winter tires 118
Alternative oil types 123
Antifreeze 124
coolant 124
washer fluid 122
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 112
indicator lamp 19
Anti-theft system 30
Anti-theft warning system,
refer to Alarm system 38
Approved axle loads, refer
to Weights 152
Approved gross weight,
refer to Weights 152
Armrest
front 98
rear 99Artificial leather, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Ashtray
front 100
rear 100
Assistant systems, refer to
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 83
AUC Automatic recircu-
lated-air control 95
AUTO program, refer
to Automatic air distribu-
tion 94
Automatic
air distribution 94
air supply 94
cruise control 74
headlamp control 88
Automatic car wash, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Automatic climate control 92
Automatic curb monitor 50
Automatic dimming, interior
rearview mirror 52
Automatic recirculated-air
control (AUC) 95
Automatic windshield
washer, refer to Rain sen-
sor 73Average fuel
consumption 81
Average speed 81
Avoiding unintentional
alarms 39
Axle loads, refer to
Weights 152
B
Backrest
adjusting 44
unlocking 47
width adjustment 46
Backrest, refer to Seat
adjustment 45
Backup lamps 66
bulb replacement 135
Bandages, refer to First-aid
kit 23
Bar, towing 145
Battery 140
charge 140
disposal 140
indicator lamp 18
jump-starting 143
remote control 30, 31
Battery charge current 18
Belts, refer to Safety
belts 47
Beverage holders 98, 99

Everything from A to ZCoin box 98
Cold start, refer to Starting
the engine 63
Compact disc operation,
refer to the Owner's Man-
ual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Compartments 98
Compression ratio, refer to
Engine data 150
Computer 80
Condensation, refer to Air
conditioning mode 94
Configuring settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory 60
Connecting a vacuum
cleaner, refer to Cigarette
lighter 100
Consumption, refer to Aver-
age fuel consumption 81
Control elements, refer to
Cockpit 14
Convenience operation
from outside 33
glass sunroof 32
windows 32
Coolant 124
indicator lamp 19, 77
level 124
temperature gauge 77Coolant water, refer to Cool-
ant 124
Cooling, refer to Tempera-
ture 94
Copyright 4
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC) 112
warning lamp 19
Correct tires 117
Cruise control 74
indicator lamp 20
Cup holders, see Beverage
holders 98, 99
Curb weight, refer to
Weights 152
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data 150
D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit 14
Data
capacities 153
dimensions 151
engine 150
weights 152
Daytime driving lamps 88
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control 112
warning lamp 19
Deep water, refer to Water
on roadways 111Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows 94
Defrosting and demisting
windows
automatic climate
control 94
Defrosting windows 94
Defrosting windshield, refer
to Defrosting windows 94
Demisting windows
automatic climate
control 94
Determining the maximum
load 104
Differential
breaking in 110
Digital clock 79
Dimensions 151
Dipstick, engine oil 122
Disc brakes 112
Displacement, refer to
Engine data 150
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 89
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster 16
Disposal
oil 123
vehicle battery 140
Distance warning, refer to
Park Distance Control
(PDC) 82Divided rear backrest 102
Door key 30
Door lock 33
Doors
emergency operation 33
Draft-free ventilation 95
Drivelogic 70
Driving light, refer to Parking
lamps/Low beams 88
Driving notes 111
Dry air, refer to Air condi-
tioning mode 94
DSC Dynamic Stability Con-
trol 83
indicator lamp 19, 83
DTC Dynamic Traction Con-
trol
indicator lamp 19
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC) 112
warning lamp 19
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 19, 83
Dynamic Traction Control
(DTC)
indicator lamp 19
E
Easy entry, refer to Entering
the rear 47
Electric glass sunroof 41
Electric power windows 40

Everything from A to ZGearbox malfunction
sequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic 71
Gearbox, sequential 67
Gearshift lever
manual transmission 66
sequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic 67
General driving notes 111
Glass sunroof
convenience operation 32
Glass sunroof, electric 41
closing following an elec-
trical malfunction 42
convenience operation 33
remote control 31, 32
Glove compartment 97
Gradient assistance 70
Grills, refer to Ventilation 92
Gross weight, refer to
Weights 152
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake 65
Hands-free system 99
Harman Kardon premium
sound system 97
Hazard warning flashers 14
Hazard warning triangle 23
Head airbags 53
Head restraints 46Headlamp cleaning system
cleaning headlamps 74
washer fluid 122, 153
Headlamp control 88
Headlamp flasher 89
indicator lamp 21
Headlamps
bulb replacement 133
care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Heated mirror 51
Heated rear window
automatic climate
control 95
Heated seats 50
Heating
exterior mirrors 51
rear window 95
seats 50
Heating and ventilation 92
Heavy loads, refer to Cargo
loading 105
Height adjustment
seats 45
steering wheel 51
Height, refer to
Dimensions 151
High beams 72, 89
bulb replacement 133
headlamp flasher 89
indicator lamp 21Holder for
beverages 98, 99
litter bag 99
Hood release 119
Horn 14
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to DBC 112
Hydraulic system
brakes 112
Hydroplaning 111
I
Ice warning 80
Ignition 62
Ignition key 30
positions 62
Ignition lock 62
Imprint 4
Indicator lamps 18Indicator/warning lamp
airbags 18
alarm system 39
brakes 18, 19
Check Gas Cap 19
coolant 19, 77
DSC 19
Flat Tire Monitor
18, 19, 86
fog lamps 20
Please fasten safety
belts 18
reserve 77
Service Engine Soon 19
Individual air distribution 94
Individual settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory 60
Inflation pressure monitor-
ing, refer to Flat Tire Moni-
tor 84
Inflation pressure, tires
25, 114
INSPECTION 78
Instrument cluster 16
Instrument lighting 89
Instrument panel 14
Interface socket for onboard
diagnostics (OBD) 128
Interior lamps 90
remote control 32

Everything from A to Z
161
Interior motion sensor 38
switching off 32, 39
Interior rearview mirror
automatic dimming
feature 52
Interior temperature
adjusting 94
Intermittent
mode, wipers 73
Interval
display, service 78
J
Jump-starting 143
K
Key Memory 60
Keys 30
with remote control 30
L
Lamp defect 133
Lamps and bulbs 133
Lashing down loads, refer to
Cargo loading 104
Lashing eyelets, refer to
Securing cargo 105
Lashing fittings, refer to
Securing cargo 105
LATCH child-restraint
mounting system 58Leather care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
LEDs light-emitting
diodes 90
Length, refer to
Dimensions 151
License plate lamp
bulb replacement 136
Light switch 88
Light-emitting diodes
(LEDs) 90
Lighter 100
LIGHTS ON warning 88
Lights, refer to Parking
lamps/Low beams 88
Litter bag holders 99
Load, refer to Cargo
loading 104
Loading
vehicle 104
Load-securing devices 105
Lock buttons on doors, refer
to Locking 34
Lock, steering wheel 62
Locking
from inside 34
from outside 31, 33
Locking and unlocking
doors
from inside 34
from outside 31, 33Low beams 88
automatic 88
bulb replacement 133
indicator lamp, defective
lamp 78
Luggage compartment
capacity 152
emergency operation,
refer to Manual
operation 35
floor mat 38
floor panel 37
lid 35
opening from outside 35
opening, remote
control 32
opening/closing, refer to
Luggage compartment
lid 35
remote control 32
volume 152
Luggage compartment lid 35
emergency operation 35
emergency release 37
indicator lamp 78
opening from inside the
vehicle 35, 36
opening from outside 35
remote control 32
securing separately 35
unlocking manually 35Luggage compartment light-
ing 35
Luggage rack, refer to Roof-
mounted luggage rack 106
Lumbar support 45
M
M Engine dynamics
control 87
M Mobility system 136
M+S tires, refer to Winter
tires 118
Maintenance 78, 126
Maintenance system 126
Making telephone calls,
refer to the telephone
Owner's Manual
Malfunction
door lock 33
fuel filler door 24
Malfunction displays 78
Manual operation
door lock 33
driver's door 33
fuel filler door 24
glass sunroof 42
luggage compartment
lid 35
Manual transmission 66
Master keys
with remote control 30
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Everything from A to ZMaximum speed
with winter tires 118
MC operation, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
MD operation, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Mechanical seats 44
Memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory 49
Memory, refer to Vehicle
Memory, Key Memory 60
Microfilter
automatic climate
control 96
Microphone, refer to Cellular
phone 99
Mini disc operation, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Mirrors 51
automatic curb monitor 50
heated 51
memory, refer to Seat and
mirror memory 49
Mobile Service 142
Mobility system 136
Modifications, technical,
refer to For your own
safety 5Multifunction steering
wheel 22
Multifunction switch
turn signal indicator/head-
lamp flasher 72
washer/wiper system 73
N
Navigation system, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Neck restraints, refer to
Head restraints 46
Nets 98
Nozzles, refer to
Ventilation 92
Nylon rope, refer to Towing
the vehicle 145
O
OBD interface socket 128
Odometer 76
Oil
additives, refer to Adding
engine oil 123
alternative oils 123
capacity 153
dipstick 122
quality 123
specified engine oils 123Oil change interval, refer
to Service interval
display 126
Oil change intervals, refer to
the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet for US
models / Warranty and
Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models
Oil filter change 153
Oil level
checking 122
indicator lamp 18
Oil pressure
indicator lamp 18
OIL SERVICE 78
Oil types 123
Old batteries, refer to Dis-
posal 140
Onboard computer 80
Onboard computer, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Onboard Computer
Onboard tool kit 132
Opening and closing
from inside 34
from outside 31
via remote control 31
via the door lock 33
Outlets, ventilation 92Outside temperature dis-
play 80
changing unit of
measure 80
P
Paintwork care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Panic mode, trigger
alarm 32
Park Distance Control
(PDC) 82
Parking aid, refer to Park
Distance Control (PDC) 82
Parking brake 65
indicator lamp 18
Parking lamps 88
bulb replacement 133
Parking lamps/Low
beams 88
Parts and accessories, refer
to Your individual vehicle 5
Passenger-side exterior mir-
ror tilt function 50
PDC Park Distance
Control 82
Pinch protection
glass sunroof 41
Plastic, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure