2009 BMW 6 Series Owner's Manual - Page 220

Wheels and tires Run-flat tires The right wheels and tires BMW recommends that you use only wheel and tire combinations that BMW has tested and approved for your particular vehicle. Variations in factors such as manufacturing tolerances mean that even wheels and tires with identical official size ratings could actually have different dimensions than the approved units - these differences could lead to body contact, and with it the risk of severe accidents. If non-approved wheels and tires are used, BMW cannot evaluate their suitability, and therefore cannot be held liable for driving safety.< You can inquire about the right wheel/tire combination at your BMW center. The right wheel-and-tire combination is another vital factor in ensuring reliable operation of various vehicle systems such as ABS and DSC. To maintain good handling and vehicle response, use only tires of a single tread configuration from a single manufacturer. Following tire damage, have the original wheel and tire combination remounted on the vehicle as soon as possible. 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 92 > With Tire Pressure Monitor, refer to Message with low tire inflation pressure, page 93 New wheels and tires Only have new wheels and tires mounted by a BMW center or a repair shop that works in accordance with BMW guidelines and uses appropriately trained personnel. If this work is not carried out properly, there is a danger of subsequent damage and related safety hazards. Make sure that the new wheels are balanced.< Wheels with electronics for TPM Tire Pressure Monitor When mounting new tires or converting from summer to winter tires or vice versa, only use wheels with TPM electronics, otherwise the Tire Pressure Monitor cannot detect a flat tire, refer to page 92. Your BMW center will be happy to advise you on this subject. Retreaded tires BMW does not recommend that you use retreaded tires, as driving safety may be impaired. The causes for this include the possibly different tire casing structures and the often wide variations in their age, which can result in a limited service life.< 218 Online Edition for Part no. 01 41 2 600 759 - © 08/08 BMW AG