Get Mobility -> Wheels and tires Guide for BMW M3 4 Door Fifth Generation (2014-2019)

Mobility

Wheels and tires

The displays of inflation devices may under-

read by up to 0.1 bar/2 psi.

Vehicle features and options

This chapter describes all standard, country-

specific and optional features offered with the

series. It also describes features that are not

necessarily available in your vehicle, e. g., due

to the selected options or country versions.

This also applies to safety-related functions

and systems. When using these functions and

systems, the applicable laws and regulations

must be observed.

Tires have a natural, consistent loss of tire in‐

flation pressure.

For Tire Pressure Monitor: perform a reset of

the Tire Pressure Monitor after adjusting tire

pressure to a new value.

Tire inflation pressure specifications

The tire inflation pressure table, refer to

page 181, contains all tire inflation pressure

specifications for the specified tire sizes at the

ambient temperature. The tire inflation pres‐

sure values apply to tire sizes approved by the

manufacturer of the vehicle for the vehicle

type.

Tire inflation pressure

General information

The tire characteristics and tire inflation pres‐

sure influence the following:

To identify the correct tire inflation pressure,

please note the following:

▷

The service life of the tires.

Road safety.

▷

Tire sizes of your vehicle.

Maximum permitted driving speed.

Driving comfort.

Tire inflation pressures up to

100 mph/160 km/h

For speeds of up to 100 mph/160 km/h and for

optimum driving comfort, note the pressure

values in the tire inflation pressure table, refer

to page 181, and adjust as necessary.

Safety information

WARNING

A tire with low or missing tire inflation

pressure impacts handling, such as steering

and braking response. There is a risk of an ac‐

cident. Regularly check the tire inflation pres‐

sure, and correct it as needed, e.g., twice a

month and before a long trip.◀

Checking the tire inflation pressure

Only check the tire inflation pressure when the

tires are cold. This means after driving no more

than 1.25 miles/2 km or when the vehicle has

been parked for at least 2 hours.

Tires heat up while driving, and the tire infla‐

tion pressure increases along with the tire's

temperature. The tire inflation pressure speci‐

fications relate to cold tires or tires at ambient

temperature.

These pressure values can also be found on

the tire inflation pressure label on the driver's

door pillar.

Do not exceed a speed of 100 mph/160 km/h.

180

Wheels and tires

Mobility

values in the tire inflation pressure table, refer

to page 181, and adjust as necessary.

Tire inflation pressure values up to

100 mph/160 km/h

M3

Tire inflation pressure values over

100 mph/160 km/h

Tire size

Pressure specifications in

bar/PSI

M3

Specifications

in bar/PSI with

cold tires

Tire size

Pressure specifications in

bar/PSI

Specifications

in bar/PSI with

cold tires

255/40 R 18 99 2.2 / 31

V M+S XL

2.3 / 33

2.6 / 37

-

255/35 R 19 96 2.4 / 34

V M+S XL

255/40 R 18 99 2.5 / 36

V M+S XL

2.8 / 40

3.2 / 46

-

Front: 255/40 R 2.2 / 31

18 95 (Y)

255/35 R 19 96 2.9 / 42

V M+S XL

Rear: 275/40 R

18 99 (Y)

-

2.2 / 31

-

Front: 255/40 R 2.4 / 34

18 95 (Y)

Front: 255/35 R 2.2 / 31

19 92 (Y)

Rear: 275/40 R

18 99 (Y)

-

2.4 / 34

-

Rear: 275/35 R

19 100 (Y) XL

-

2.2 / 31

-

Front: 255/35 R 2.4 / 34

19 92 (Y)

F: 265/30 R 20 2.2 / 31

94 (Y) XL

Rear: 275/35 R

19 100 (Y) XL

-

2.6 / 37

-

Rear: 285/30 R

20 99 (Y) XL

-

2.2 / 31

F: 265/30 R 20 2.7 / 39

94 (Y) XL

Rear: 285/30 R

20 99 (Y) XL

-

2.9 / 42

Tire inflation pressures at max.

speeds above 100 mph/160 km/h

WARNING

In order to drive at maximum speeds in

excess of 100 mph/160 km/h, please observe,

and, if necessary, adjust tire pressures for

speeds exceeding 100 mph/160 km/h from the

relevant table on the following pages. Other‐

wise, tire damage and accidents could occur.◀

Tire identification marks

Tire size

245/45 R 18 96 Y

245: nominal width in mm

45: aspect ratio in %

R: radial tire code

For speeds over 100 mph/160 km/h and for

optimum driving comfort, note the pressure

181

Mobility

Wheels and tires

18: rim diameter in inches

Uniform Tire Quality Grading

96: load rating, not for ZR tires

Y: speed rating, before the R on ZR tires

Quality grades can be found where applicable

on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder

and maximum section width.

E.g.: Treadwear 200; Traction AA; Tempera‐

ture A

Maximum tire load

Maximum tire load is the maximum permissible

weight for which the tire is approved.

DOT Quality Grades

Treadwear

Locate the maximum tire load on the tire side‐

wall and the Gross Axle Weight Rating – GAWR

– on the certification label on the driver’s door

pillar.

Traction AA A B C

Temperature A B C

Divide the tire load by 1.1. It must be greater

than one-half of the vehicle’s Gross Axle

Weight Rating – GAWR. Note, front vs. rear

GAWR and tire loads, respectively.

All passenger vehicle tires must conform to

Federal Safety Requirements in addition to

these grades.

Treadwear

Speed letter

The treadwear grade is a comparative rating

based on the wear rate of the tire when tested

under controlled conditions on a specified gov‐

ernment test course. E.g., a tire graded 150

would wear one and one-half, 1 g, 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, how‐

ever, and may depart significantly from the

norm due to variations in driving habits, service

practices and differences in road characteris‐

tics and climate.

Q = up to 100 mph, 160 km/h

R = up to 106 mph, 170 km/h

S = up to 112 mph, 180 km/h

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

DOT code: DOT xxxx xxx 3816

xxxx: manufacturer code for the tire brand

xxx: tire size and tire design

3816: tire age

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 government

test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire

marked C may have poor traction performance.

Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of

the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Tire age

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.

DOT … 3816: the tire was manufactured in the

38th week of 2016.

Recommendation

Regardless of wear and tear, replace tires at

least every 6 years.

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Wheels and tires

Mobility

Temperature

Minimum tread depth

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 controlled conditions

on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.

Sustained high temperature can cause the ma‐

terial 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 Mo‐

tor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades

Band A represent higher levels of performance

on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum

required by law.

Wear indicators are distributed around the

tire's circumference and have the legally re‐

quired minimum height of 0.063 in‐

ches/1.6 mm.

They are marked on the side of the tire with

TWI, Tread Wear Indicator.

WARNING

The temperature grade for this tire is es‐

tablished for a tire that is properly inflated and

not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinfla‐

tion, or excessive loading, either separately or

in combination, can cause heat buildup and

possible tire failure.◀

Tire damage

General information

Inspect your tires regularly for damage, foreign

objects lodged in the tread, and tread wear.

Driving over rough or damaged road surfaces,

as well as debris, curbs and other obstacles

can cause serious damage to wheels, tires and

suspension parts. This is more likely to occur

with low-profile tires, which provide less cush‐

ioning between the wheel and the road. Be

careful to avoid road hazards and reduce your

speed, especially if your vehicle is equipped

with low-profile tires.

M+S

Winter and all-season tires with better cold

weather performance than summer tires.

Tire tread

Summer tires

Do not drive with a tire tread depth of less than

0.12 inches/3 mm.

Indications of tire damage or other vehicle mal‐

functions:

There is an increased risk of hydroplaning if

the tire tread depth is less than 0.12 in‐

ches/3 mm.

▷

Unusual vibrations while driving.

Unusual handling such as a strong ten‐

dency to pull to the left or right.

Winter tires

Do not drive with a tire tread depth of less than

0.16 inches/4 mm.

Damage can, e.g., be caused by driving over

curbs, road damage, or similar things.

Below a tread depth of 0.16 inches/4 mm, tires

are less suitable for winter operation.

183

Mobility

Wheels and tires

Safety information

WARNING

Damaged tires can lose tire inflation

pressure, which can lead to loss of vehicle

control. There is a risk of an accident. If tire

damage is suspected while driving, immedi‐

ately reduce speed and stop. Have wheels and

tires checked. For this purpose, drive carefully

to the nearest dealer’s service center or an‐

other qualified service center or repair shop.

Have vehicle towed or transported as

needed.◀

Wheels and tires which are not suitable

for your vehicle can damage parts of the vehi‐

cle, for instance due to contact with the body

due to tolerances despite the same official size

rating. There is a risk of an accident. The man‐

ufacturer of your vehicle strongly suggests

that you use wheels and tires that have been

recommended by the vehicle manufacturer for

your vehicle type.◀

Recommended tire brands

WARNING

Damaged tires can lose tire inflation

pressure, which can lead to loss of vehicle

control. There is a risk of an accident. Do not

repair damaged tires, but have them re‐

placed.◀

Changing wheels and tires

For each tire size, BMW recommends certain

tire brands. These can be identified by a star

on the tire sidewall.

Mounting

Have mounting and wheel balancing carried

out by a dealer’s service center or another

qualified service center or repair shop.

New tires

Wheel and tire combination

General information

You can ask the dealer’s service center or an‐

other qualified service center or repair shop

about the correct wheel/tire combination and

wheel rim versions for the vehicle.

Tire traction is not optimal due to manufactur‐

ing circumstances when tires are brand-new;

they achieve their full traction potential after a

break-in time.

Drive conservatively for the first

200 miles/300 km.

Retreaded tires

The manufacturer of your vehicle does not rec‐

ommend the use of retreaded tires.

Incorrect wheel and tire combinations impair

the function of a variety of systems such as

ABS or DSC.

To maintain good handling and vehicle re‐

sponse, use only tires with a single tread con‐

figuration from a single manufacturer.

WARNING

Retreaded tires can have different tire

casing structures. With advanced age the serv‐

ice life can be limited. There is a risk of an acci‐

Following tire damage, have the original wheel

and tire combination remounted on the vehicle

as soon as possible.

184

Wheels and tires

Mobility

dent. The manufacturer of your vehicle does

not recommend the use of retreaded tires.◀

Repairing a flat tire

Safety measures

Winter tires

Winter tires are recommended for operating on

winter roads.

▷

Park the vehicle as far away as possible

from passing traffic and on solid ground.

▷

Switch on the hazard warning system.

Although so-called all-season M+S tires pro‐

vide better winter traction than summer tires,

they do not provide the same level of perform‐

ance as winter tires.

Secure the vehicle against rolling away by

setting the parking brake.

▷

Have all vehicle occupants get out of the

vehicle and ensure that they remain out‐

side the immediate area in a safe place,

such as behind a guardrail.

Maximum speed of winter tires

If the maximum speed of the vehicle is higher

than the permissible speed for the winter tires,

then attach a corresponding information label/

sticker in the field of view. The label is available

from a dealer’s service center or another quali‐

fied service center or repair shop.

▷

If necessary, set up a warning triangle or

portable hazard warning light at a sufficient

distance.

Change wheels only on a flat, solid and

slip-resistant surface. On soft or slippery

ground, for example snow, ice, tiles, etc.,

the vehicle or the vehicle jack may slip

away sideways.

With mounted winter tires, observe and adhere

to the permissible maximum speed.

▷

Do not place wood blocks or similar items

under the vehicle jack; otherwise, it cannot

reach its carrying capacity because of the

restricted height.

Rotating wheels between axles

The manufacturer of your vehicle advises

against switching wheels between the front

and rear axles. This can impair the handling

characteristics.

If the vehicle is raised, do not lie under the

vehicle and do not start the engine, or else

there is a danger to life.

Rotating the tires between the axes is not per‐

missible on vehicles with different tire sizes or

rim sizes on the front and rear axles.

Mobility System

Storage

Store wheels and tires in a cool, dry and dark

place.

Concept

With the Mobility System, minor tire damage

can be sealed temporarily to enable continued

travel. To accomplish this, sealant is pumped

into the tires, which seals the damage from the

inside.

Always protect tires against all contact with oil,

grease and fuels.

Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation pres‐

sure indicated on the side wall of the tire.

The compressor can be used to check the tire

inflation pressure.

185

Mobility

Wheels and tires

General information

Compressor

▷

Follow the instructions on using the Mobi‐

lity System found on the compressor and

sealant container.

Use of the Mobility System may be ineffec‐

tive if the tire puncture measures approx.

1/8 inches/4 mm or more.

Contact a dealer’s service center or an‐

other qualified service center or repair

shop if the tire cannot be made drivable.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Holder for sealant container

▷

If possible, do not remove foreign bodies

that have penetrated the tire.

Compressor

Pull the speed limit sticker off the sealant

container and apply it to the steering

wheel.

Connector/cable for socket

Connection hose

On/off switch

▷

The use of a sealant can damage the TPM

wheel electronics. In this case, have the

electronics checked and replaced at the

next opportunity.

Inflation pressure dial

Reduce inflation pressure

Filling the tire with sealant

1. Shake the sealant container.

Storage

The Mobility System is located under the

cargo floor panel.

Sealant container

2. Pull the connection hose fully out of the

compressor housing. Do not kink the hose.

▷

Sealant container, arrow 1.

Filling hose, arrow 2.

Observe use-by date on the sealant container.

186

Wheels and tires

Mobility

3. Screw the connection hose onto the con‐

nector of the sealant container.

6. With the compressor switched off, insert

the plug into the power socket inside the

vehicle.

4. Insert the sealant container on the com‐

pressor housing in an upright position.

7. With the ignition turned on or the engine

running, switch on the compressor.

5. Screw the filling hose of the sealant con‐

tainer onto the tire valve of the nonworking

wheel.

DANGER

If the exhaust pipe is blocked or ventila‐

tion is insufficient, harmful exhaust gases can

enter into the vehicle. The exhaust gases con‐

tain carbon monoxide, an odorless and color‐

less but highly toxic gas. In enclosed areas, ex‐

haust gases can also accumulate outside of

the vehicle. There is danger to life. Keep the

exhaust pipe free and ensure sufficient ventila‐

tion.◀

NOTE

The compressor can overheat during ex‐

tended operation. There is a risk of property

damage. Do not run the compressor for more

than 10 min.◀

Let the compressor run for approx. 3 to 8 mi‐

nutes to fill the tire with sealant and achieve a

tire inflation pressure of approx. 2.5 bar.

187

Mobility

Wheels and tires

While the tire is being filled with sealant, the

tire inflation pressure may sporadically reach

approx. 5 bar. Do not switch off the compres‐

sor at this point.

Correcting the tire inflation pressure

1. Stop at a suitable location.

2. Screw the connection hose of the com‐

pressor directly onto the tire valve stem.

If a tire inflation pressure of 2 bar is not

reached:

3. Insert the connector into the power socket

inside the vehicle.

1. Switch off the compressor.

4. Correct the tire inflation pressure to

2.5 bar.

2. Unscrew the filling hose from the wheel.

3. Drive 33 ft/10 m forward and back to dis‐

tribute the sealant in the tire.

▷

Increase pressure: with the ignition

turned on or the engine running, switch

on the compressor.

4. Inflate the tire again using the compressor.

▷

To reduce the pressure: press the but‐

ton on the compressor.

If a tire inflation pressure of 2 bar cannot be

reached, contact your dealer’s service cen‐

ter or another qualified service center or

repair shop.

Continuing the trip

Do not exceed the maximum permissible

speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.

Stowing the Mobility System

1. Unscrew the filling hose of the sealant con‐

tainer from the wheel.

Reinitialize the Tire Pressure Monitor.

Replace the nonworking tire and the sealant

container of the Mobility System promptly.

2. Unscrew the connection hose of the com‐

pressor from the sealant container.

3. Connect the filling hose of the sealant con‐

tainer previously connected to the tire

valve with the available connector on the

sealant container.

Snow chains

Fine-link snow chains

The manufacturer of your vehicle recommends

use of fine-link snow chains. Certain types of

fine-link snow chains have been tested by the

manufacturer of the vehicle and recommended

as road-safe and suitable.

This prevents leftover sealant from escap‐

ing from the container.

4. Wrap the empty sealant container in suita‐

ble material to avoid dirtying the cargo

area.

Information regarding suitable snow chains is

available from a dealer’s service center or an‐

other qualified service center or repair shop.

5. Stow the Mobility System back in the vehi‐

cle.

Distributing the sealant

Use

Immediately drive approx. 5 miles/10 km to en‐

sure that the sealant is evenly distributed in the

tire.

WARNING

With the mounting of snow chains on un‐

suitable tires, the snow chains can come into

contact with vehicle parts. There is a risk of ac‐

cidents or risk of property damage. Only mount

snow chains on tires that are designated by

Do not exceed a speed of 50 mph/80 km/h.

If possible, do not drive at speeds less than

12 mph/20 km/h.

188

Wheels and tires

Mobility

their manufacturer as suitable for the use of

snow chains.◀

jammed or damaged. There is a risk of injury

and risk of damage to property. Only use the

jack to attach an emergency or spare wheel in

the event of a breakdown.◀

Use only in pairs on the rear wheels, equipped

with the tires of the following size:

WARNING

▷

255/40 R 18.

255/35 R 19.

On soft or slippery ground, e.g., snow,

ice, tiles, etc., the vehicle jack can slip away.

There is a risk of injury. If possible, change the

tire/wheel on a flat, solid and slip-resistant sur‐

face.◀

Follow the snow chain manufacturer's instruc‐

tions.

Make sure that the snow chains are always

sufficiently tight. Re-tighten as needed ac‐

cording to the snow chain manufacturer's in‐

structions.

WARNING

The vehicle jack is only provided for

short-term lifting of the vehicle for wheel

changes. Even if all safety measures are ob‐

served, there is a risk of the raised vehicle fall‐

ing, if the vehicle jack tilts over. There is a risk

of injuries or danger to life. If the vehicle is

raised, do not lie under the vehicle and do not

start the engine.◀

Do not initialize the Tire Pressure Monitor after

mounting snow chains, as doing so may result

in incorrect readings.

When driving with snow chains, if needed,

briefly activate M Dynamic Mode.

Maximum speed with snow chains

Do not exceed a speed of 30 mph/50 km/h

when using snow chains.

WARNING

The vehicle jack is optimized for lifting

the vehicle and for the jacking points on the

vehicle only. There is a risk of injury. Do not lift

any other vehicle or cargo using the vehicle

jack.◀

Changing wheels/tires

General information

WARNING

When tire sealants are used, an immediate

wheel change when there is a loss of tire infla‐

tion pressure in the event of a flat tire is not al‐

ways necessary.

If the vehicle jack is not inserted into the

jacking point provided for this purpose, the ve‐

hicle may be damaged or the vehicle jack may

slip when it is being cranked up. There is a risk

of injury or risk of damage to property. When

cranking up the vehicle jack, ensure that it is

inserted in the jacking point next to the wheel

housing.◀

If needed, the tools for changing wheels are

available as accessories from a dealer’s service

center or another qualified service center or re‐

pair shop.

Safety information

WARNING

A vehicle that is raised on a vehicle jack

may fall off of the jack if lateral forces are ex‐

erted on it. There is a risk of injury and risk of

damage to property. While the vehicle is

raised, do not exert lateral forces on the vehicle

or pull abruptly on the vehicle. Have a stuck

The jack, issued by the vehicle manufac‐

turer, is provided in order to perform a wheel

change in the event of a breakdown. The jack

is not designed for frequent use; for example,

changing from summer to winter tires.. Using

the jack frequently may cause it to become

189

Mobility

Wheels and tires

wheel removed by a dealer’s service center or

another qualified service center or repair

shop.◀

Preparing the vehicle

▷

Change the wheel as far away as possible

from passing traffic.

▷

Park the vehicle on solid, non-slip and level

ground.

Securing the vehicle against rolling

General information

The vehicle manufacturer recommends to ad‐

ditionally secure the vehicle against rolling

away when changing a wheel.

▷

Switch on the hazard warning system.

Set the parking brake.

Engage a gear or selector lever position P.

As soon as permitted by the traffic flow,

have all vehicle occupants get out of the

vehicle and ensure that they remain out‐

side the immediate area in a safe place,

such as behind a guardrail.

On a level surface

▷

Depending on the equipment version, get

tools and the emergency wheel from the

vehicle.

If necessary, set up a warning triangle or

portable hazard warning lamp at an appro‐

priate distance.

Do not place wood blocks or similar items

under the vehicle jack; otherwise, it cannot

reach its carrying capacity because of the

restricted height.

Place chocks or other suitable objects, for ex‐

ample a rock, in front of and behind the wheel

that is diagonally opposite to the wheel that

you wish to change.

▷

Secure the vehicle additionally against roll‐

ing.

On a slight downhill gradient

Loosen the lug bolts a half turn.

Jacking points for the vehicle jack

If you need to change a wheel on a slight

downhill gradient, place chocks and other suit‐

able objects, for example a rock, under the

wheels of both the front and rear axles against

the rolling direction.

The jacking points for the vehicle jack are lo‐

cated at the indicated positions.

190

Wheels and tires

Mobility

4. Take your hand away from the jack as soon

as the vehicle jack is under load and con‐

tinue turning the crank or lever with one

hand.

Jacking up the vehicle

WARNING

Hands and fingers can be jammed when

using the vehicle jack. There is a risk of injury.

Comply with the described hand position and

do not change this position while using the ve‐

hicle jack.◀

5. Make sure that the vehicle jack foot is ex‐

tended vertically.

1. Hold the vehicle jack with one hand, ar‐

row 1, and grasp the crank with your other

hand, arrow 2.

6. Make sure that the vehicle jack foot stands

vertically and perpendicularly beneath the

jacking point after extending the vehicle

jack.

2. Insert the vehicle jack into the rectangular

recess of the jacking point closest to the

wheel to be changed.

7. Crank up the vehicle jack until the entire

surface of the jack is in contact with the

ground and the wheel in question is raised

a maximum of 1.2 inches/3 cm off the

ground.

3. Extend the vehicle jack by turning the

crank or lever clockwise.

Mounting a wheel

Mount one emergency wheel only.

1. Unscrew the lug bolts and remove the

wheel.

2. Put the new wheel or emergency wheel on

and screw in at least two bolts in a cross‐

wise pattern until hand-tight.

191

Mobility

Wheels and tires

If non-original light-alloy wheels of the ve‐

hicle manufacturer are mounted, the ac‐

companying lug bolts may have to be used

as well.

3. Hand-tighten the remaining lug bolts and

tighten all bolts well in a crosswise pattern.

4. Turn the crank on the vehicle jack counter‐

clockwise to retract the jack and lower the

vehicle.

5. Remove the vehicle jack.

After the wheel change

1. Tighten the lug bolts crosswise. The tight‐

ening torque is 101 lb ft/140 Nm.

2. Stow the nonworking wheel in the cargo

area.

The nonworking wheel cannot be stored

under the cargo floor panel because of its

size.

3. Check tire inflation pressure at the next op‐

portunity and correct as needed.

4. Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor.

5. Check to make sure the lug bolts are tight

with a calibrated torque wrench.

6. Drive to the nearest dealer’s service center

or another qualified service center or repair

shop to have the damaged tire replaced.

192

Mobility -> Wheels and tires for Your BMW M3 4 Door Fifth Generation (2014-2019)

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