2009 BMW 3 Series Owner's Manual - Page 203

Wheels and tires Tire inflation pressures Information for your safety It is not merely the tires' service life, but also driving comfort and, to a great extent, driving safety that depend on the condition of the tires and the maintenance of the specified tire pressure. Check the tire inflation pressure regularly and correct it, if necessary: at least twice a month and before starting long trips. 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 driving stability, but also lead to tire damage and the risk of an accident. Do not drive with deflated, i.e. flat tires, except when using run-flat tires. A flat tire will seriously impair your vehicle's handling and braking response. Attempts to drive on a flat tire can lead to loss of control over the vehicle.< > Tire sizes for your vehicle > Load conditions > Maximum allowable driving speed Tire inflation pressures for driving up to 100 mph or 160 km/h For normal driving up to 100 mph or 160 km/h and to achieve optimum driving comfort, adjust pressures to the respective tire inflation pressures listed on the following pages in the columns for traveling speeds up to a maximum of 100 mph or 160 km/h. These tire inflation pressures can also be found on the driver's side door post when the driver's door is open. Checking 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 inflation pressure is higher. After correcting the tire inflation pressure, reset the Tire Pressure Monitor, refer to page 86, or reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to page 85.< The maximum permissible speed for these tire pressures is 100 mph or 160 km/h. Do not exceed this speed; otherwise, tire damage and accidents could occur.< Tire inflation pressures for driving above 100 mph or 160 km/h In order to drive at maximum speeds in excess of 100 mph or 160 km/h, adjust pressures to the respective tire inflation pressures listed on the following pages in the columns for traveling speeds including those exceeding 100 mph or 160 km/h. Otherwise, tire damage and accidents could occur.< Observe all national and local maximum speed limits; otherwise, violations of the laws could occur. Inflation pressure specifications The tables below provide all the correct inflation pressures for the specified tire sizes at ambient temperature. The inflation pressures apply to the tire sizes approved and tire brands recommended by BMW; a list of these is available from your BMW center.< For correct identification of the right tire inflation pressures, observe the following: 201 Online Edition for Part no. 01 41 2 603 048 - © 08/09 BMW AG Reference Mobility Communications Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance