Winter tires, Snow chains – BMW M3 Coupe 2004 User Manual

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Winter tires

Choosing the right tire

BMW recommends the use of winter
tires for operation under winter road
conditions. While all-season tires – with
M+S designation – provide better winter
traction than the corresponding sum-
mer tires, they generally do not achieve
the performance of winter tires.

In the interest of safe tracking and
steering response, install radial tires
made by the same manufacturer and
with the same tread configuration on all
four wheels if you elect to mount winter
tires.

When mounting winter wheels,
observe the different recesses of

the front and rear wheels, as otherwise
damage may result.

Do not exceed specified
maximum speeds

Never exceed the maximum
speed for which the winter tires

are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
Have this work performed by skilled
professionals only. Your BMW center
will be glad to assist you with both their
expertise and the proper equipment for
your vehicle.

Tire condition, tire pressure

At tread depths below approx. 3/16 in /
4 mm, tire performance under winter
driving conditions deteriorates notice-
ably. Worn tires should therefore be
replaced for safety considerations.

Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures – and be sure to have the
wheel and tire assembly balanced
every time you change a tire or wheel.

Snow chains*

Only certain snow chains have been
tested by BMW and determined and
approved as roadworthy. Consult your
BMW center for more information.
BMW recommends using only these
approved fine-link snow chains. Use
them in pairs on winter tires, but only on
both rear wheels.

Comply with all manufacturer's safety
precautions when mounting the chains.
Do not exceed a maximum speed of
30 mph / 50 km/h when using snow
chains.

After mounting or removing snow
chains, always reinitialize the sequential
M gearbox with Drivelogic, refer to
page

It is not possible to mount snow
chains on tires with 18-inch and

19-inch wheels.
Deactivate the Flat Tire Monitor when
using snow chains. Malfunction warn-
ings and undetected losses in pressure
are a possibility when driving with snow
chains.
For additional information, refer to
page