Operation, maintenance -> Wheel and tire combinations for your BMW 3 Series 1997-2006

118 Wheel and tire combinations  
Winter tires  
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 right choice  
Choosing the right tire  
BMW recommends using only  
BMW recommends winter tires – M+S  
tires – for operation under inclement  
winter driving conditions. While all-sea-  
son tires – M+S designation – provide  
better winter traction than the corre-  
sponding summer tires, they generally  
do not achieve the performance of win-  
ter tires.  
wheels and tires that have been  
approved by BMW for use on your par-  
ticular model. Although other wheels  
and tires may theoretically have the  
same dimensions, variations in factors  
such as manufacturing tolerances can  
result in contact between tire and body-  
work, ultimately leading to serious acci-  
dents. If non-approved wheels and tires  
are used, BMW cannot evaluate their  
suitability, and therefore cannot be held  
liable for driving safety.<  
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.  
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.<  
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.  
When mounting winter wheels,  
observe the different recesses of  
the front and rear wheels, as otherwise  
damage may result.<  
Storage  
Store wheels and tires in a cool, dry  
place, protecting them against light  
whenever possible. Protect the tires  
against contact with oil, grease and  
fuel.