Snow chains, Replacing wheels/tires snow chains – BMW X5 4.8is SAV 2004 User Manual

Page 147

145

Replacing wheels/tires

Snow chains

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 toler-
ances 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.

To maintain good handling and vehicle
response, use only tires of a single
tread configuration from a single manu-
facturer. After a flat tire, always remem-
ber to have the original wheel and tire
combination remounted on the vehicle
as soon as possible.

Special features of winter tires

BMW recommends winter tires for use
in cold winter driving conditions.
Although all-season M+S tires provide
better winter traction than summer
tires, they generally fail to provide the

same levels of cold-weather perfor-
mance as winter tires.

When switching to winter tires, observe
the description under Tire condition,
page

143

, and Replacing wheels/tires.

Observing speed ratings:

Never exceed the maximum
speed for which the winter tires

are rated. Unprofessional attempts by
laymen to service tires can lead to dam-
age and accidents. Have this work per-
formed by skilled professionals only.
The technicians at your BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle center will be glad to
assist you with the required profes-
sional knowledge and specialized
equipment.

Storage

Store wheels or tires in a cool, dry
place, protecting them against light
whenever possible. Always protect tires
against all contact with oil, grease and
fuels.
Do not exceed the maximum tire infla-
tion pressure indicated on the side wall
of the tire.

Only certain snow chains have been
tested by BMW and classified and
approved as safe. Consult your BMW
Sports Activity Vehicle center for
details. BMW recommends only using
these approved, narrow-link snow
chains. Use is only permitted in pairs on
the rear wheels with the following tire
sizes:

X5 4.8is: 255/55 R 18
All other models: 235/65 R 17

Observe the manufacturer's instruc-
tions when installing snow chains.
Do not exceed a maximum speed of
30 mph/50 km/h.

After mounting snow chains, do
not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor.

When you are driving with snow chains,
it can be beneficial to switch off DSC
briefly, refer to page