2008 BMW Z4 M Series Owner's Manual - Page 90

Wheels and tires the letters TWI, for Tread Wear Indicator, on the tire's sidewalls identify tires that incorporate these wear indicators. Once the tire tread has worn down to the wear indicators, the tire has worn to a depth of 1/16 in/1.6 mm. Run-Flat Tires Wheel/tire damage Due to low-profile tires, please note that wheels, tires and suspension parts are more susceptible to road hazards and consequential damages.< Unusual vibrations encountered during normal vehicle operation can indicate tire failure or some other vehicle malfunction. This can, for example, be caused by driving over curbs. The same applies to any other abnormal road behavior, such as pulling severely to the right or left. 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. Tire damage can be extremely dangerous for vehicle occupants and other road users.< The symbol identifying Run-Flat Tires is a circle with the letters RSC on the sidewall. Run-Flat Tires comprise a conditionally selfsupporting tire and a special rim. The reinforcement in the sidewalls ensures that the tire can continue to be used subject to certain restrictions, even if depressurized. To continue driving with a damaged tire: > If the vehicle is equipped with the Flat Tire Monitor, refer to Flat tire warning on page 53. > If the vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure Monitor, refer to Warning of low tire inflation pressure on page 54. Tire age For various reasons, such as the development of brittleness, BMW recommends tire replacement after no more than 6 years, regardless of the actual wear of the tires. The date on which the tire was manufactured is indicated by the code on the sidewall: DOT ... 5005 indicates that the tire was manufactured in week 50 of the year 2005. Wheel and tire replacement Have new wheels and tires installed only by your BMW center or tire shop that works according to BMW repair procedures with correspondingly trained personnel. Work that is improperly carried out could result in consequential damage and pose safety hazards. Make sure that the new wheels are balanced.< Retreaded tires BMW advises against using retreaded tires, since driving safety may be impaired. The causes for this include potentially different tire casing structures and often wide variations in tire age, which can result in a limited service life.< 88 Online Edition for Part no. 01 41 0 014 500 - © 08/07 BMW AG