2009 BMW 5 Series Owner's Manual - Page 231

XL Indicates specially reinforced tires. ple, 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, reduce speed immediately and have wheels and tires thoroughly checked. To do so, drive carefully to the nearest BMW center or tire shop that works according to BMW repair procedures with correspondingly trained personnel. If necessary, have the vehicle towed there. Otherwise, tire damage can be extremely dangerous to vehicle occupants and other road users.< Tire condition Inspect your tires frequently for tread wear, signs of damage and for foreign objects lodged in the tread. Check the tread depth. Minimum tread depth The tread depth should not drop below 0.12 in/ 3 mm, although, for example, European 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. When winter tires wear down past a tread depth of 0.16 in/4 mm, they become perceptibly less suitable for winter conditions. For the sake of safety, new tires should be installed. Run-flat tires* 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. If the tire tread has been driven down to the wear indicators, a tread depth of 0.063 in/1.6 mm has been reached. You will recognize run-flat tires by the circular symbol containing the letters RSC on the side of the tire. Run-flat tires consist of partially self-contained tires and special rims. The sidewall reinforcement ensures that the tire retains some residual safety in the event of pressure drop and driving remains possible to a restricted degree. To continue driving with a damaged tire: > With Flat Tire Monitor, refer to Indication of a flat tire, page 96 > With Tire Pressure Monitor, refer to Message with low tire inflation pressure, page 98 Wheel/tire damage Please note that low-profile tires cause wheels, tires and suspension parts to be more susceptible to road hazards and consequential damages. Unusual vibrations encountered during normal vehicle operation can indicate tire failure or some other vehicle defect. This can, for exam- New wheels and tires Have new wheels and tires installed only by your BMW center or tire shop that works according to BMW repair procedures 229 Online Edition for Part no. 01 41 2 600 721 - © 08/08 BMW AG Reference Mobility Communications Entertainment Navigation Driving tips Controls At a glance