BMW 328i E36 (1998 year). Instruction - part 9
Tire inflation pressures
Tire tread
111
Information for your safety
Tire tread - tire damage
Unusual vibrations encountered during
normal vehicle operation can indicate
The factory-approved radial tires have
Inspect your tires frequently for tread
tire failure or some other vehicle defect,
been selected to provide optimum
wear, signs of damage and for foreign
as can variations in normal vehicle
safety and driving comfort on your vehi-
objects lodged in the tread. Check the
response, such as a pronounced ten-
cle.
tread depth.
dency to pull to the left or right. Should
In a very real sense, both tire life and
The tread depth should not be less than
this occur, you should respond by
your own safety are riding on correct
0.12 in (3 mm). Otherwise there is an
immediately reducing your speed and
tire specifications and inflation pres-
increased risk of aquaplaning, even at
carefully proceeding to the nearest
sures.
relatively moderate speeds and with
BMW Retailer or professional tire cen-
only small amounts of water on the
Incorrect inflation pressures are a fre-
ter, or having the vehicle towed in to
road.
quent cause of tire damage. To a great
have it and its tires inspected.
extent it also influences the ability of
We recommend that you always replace
Tire damage (up to and including blow-
your BMW to hold the road.
the tires once the tread wears to 0.12 in
outs) can endanger the lives of both the
(3 mm). Once the tread has worn to
vehicle occupants and other road
0.063 in (1.6 mm), tread depth indica-
users.c
aCheck the tire pressures - also in
tors appear.
the spare tire - at least every two weeks,
and before every extended trip.
Incorrect inflation pressures can also
aNever continue driving on a deflat-
lead to tire damage and accidents.c
ed (flat) tire. A flat tire greatly impairs
steering and braking response, and can
lead to complete loss of control over the
vehicle.
Avoid overloading the vehicle so that the
permitted load on the tires is not ex-
ceeded. This can cause overheating and
gradual internal damage. The ultimate
result can assume the form of a sudden
air loss.
112
Tire replacement
Interaxle tire changes
To maintain good handling and vehicle
Tread wear patterns differ at the front
Always replace tires after 10 years,
response, use only tires of a single
and rear wheels according to the indi-
regardless of use or tread wear.
tread configuration from a single manu-
vidual operating conditions. In the inter-
Spare tires over 6 years old should be
facturer.
est of safety and optimal vehicle
used only in case of emergency. Such a
response, we advise against rotating
tire should be replaced by a new tire
tires from front to rear and vice versa.
aDo not use retreaded tires, as oth-
immediately, and should not be fitted
erwise driving safety may be impaired.
When considering the potential eco-
together with new tires.
This is due to the possible variations in
nomic benefits of interaxle tire rotation,
The date on which the tire was manu-
casing structures and, in some cases, to
you must decide whether the expense
factured is indicated by the code on
their extreme age, which can lead to a
of having the tires rotated is likely to be
the sidewall: DOT ... 327 indicates that
decrease in their durability.c
amortized during the anticipated exten-
the tire was manufactured in Week 32
sion in tire life. We recommend that you
of 1997.
discuss the matter with your BMW
Retailer.
Should you decide in favor of rotating
the tires, it is essential to observe the
following:
Leave the tires on the same side of the
vehicle (include spare in rotation pat-
tern as desired).
Braking response and traction may be
adversely affected.
Rotation should always be carried out
at short intervals, max. 3000 miles
(approx. 5000 km).
Following rotation always correct the
tire inflation pressure.
The right choice
113
Tires and wheels
The speed rating indicates the
approved maximum speed for the tire.
Use only BMW-approved tires.
Due to the high speeds which this vehi-
Summer tires:
cle can reach, the use of specific
S
= up to
112 mph (180 km/h)
brands, specifications and dimensions
T
= up to
118 mph (190 km/h)
is mandatory. Consult any BMW
H
= up to
130 mph (210 km/h)
Retailer for details.
V
= up to
149 mph (240 km/h)
Observe national, provincial and state
W = up to
167 mph (270 km/h)
regulations.
ZR = over
149 mph (240 km/h)
The tire codes will aid you in selecting
Winter tires:
the correct tire. The essential data for
Q M+S = up to 100 mph (160 km/h)
radial tires are as follows:
T M+S = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H M+S = up to 130 mph (210 km/h)
Example:
205/60
R
15
91
H
Codes on steel/light-alloy wheels:
Nominal width
7 J x 15 H 2
in mm
Hump width (inches)
Aspect ratio in %
Code letter for
Type of radial-code
flange type
letter for radial
Denotes
Rim diameter in inches
drop-center rim
Load rating
Rim diameter (inches)
(not on ZR tires)
Hump of 2 rim shoulders
Speed rating
Use screw-on valve stem caps to
(before R on ZR tires)
protect the tire valves against dirt. Dirt
in the valves frequently leads to slow
leaks.
114
Winter tires
We recommend winter tires (M+S radial
Winter tires display a perceptible loss in
tires) for operation under inclement win-
their ability to cope with winter driving
ter driving conditions. Although all-sea-
conditions once the tread wears to
son M+S tires provide better winter
below 0.16 in (4 mm), and should thus
traction than standard summer tires
be replaced.
with H, V, W and ZR speed ratings, they
Observe the specified tire inflation
generally fail to provide the same levels
pressures - and be sure to have the
of performance as standard snow tires
wheel and tire assemblies balanced
in winter driving.
every time you change the tires!
If you fit winter tires, install radial tires
of the same tread configuration and
aNever exceed the maximum speed
from a single manufacturer on all four
for which the tires are rated.
wheels (better still: on all five wheels).
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
This ensures safe tracking and steering
service tires can lead to damage and ac-
response.
cidents.
Fit BMW-approved winter tires only.
Have this work performed by skilled pro-
Any BMW Retailer will be glad to pro-
fessionals only. Your BMW Retailer will
vide you with information on the best
be glad to assist you.c
winter tires for your particular driving
Store tires in a cool, dry place, away
conditions.
from light whenever possible. Protect
the tires from contact with oil, grease
and fuel.
Approved wheels and tires
115
Tire specifications
Steel rim
Light-alloy wheel
Rim offset
(wheel rim)
(mm)
BMW 318is Coupe, 318i Convertible, 318i Sedan
185/65 R 15 88 T
6 J x 15 H2
-
42
185/65 R 15 88 Q, T M+S
6 J x 15 H2
-
42
205/60 R 15 91 H
6g Jx15 H2
7 J x 15 H2
47
205/60 R 15 91 Q, H M+S
6g Jx15 H2
7 J x 15 H2
47
225/55 R 15 92 V
6g Jx15 H2
7 J x 15 H2
47
225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S
-
7 J x 16 H2
45/46
225/50 ZR 16
-
7 J x 16 H2
45/46
The use of fine-link BMW snow chains*
b
Size 185/65 R 15 88 T tires are
on summer or winter tires is only per-
only for the BMW 318i Sedan.c
mitted in pairs on the rear wheels.
Always observe the tire manufacturer’s
safety recommendations when fitting.
b
Sizes 225/55 R 15 92 V,
225/55 R 92 Q, T, H M+S, 225/50 ZR 16.
These tires are not suitable for use with
snow chains.c
Modifications to the vehicle are required
before retrofitting tires in the above
dimensions.
Please consult your BMW Retailer.
116
Approved wheels and tires
Tire specifications
Steel rim
Light-alloy wheel
Rim offset
(wheel rim)
(mm)
BMW 323is Coupe, 323i Convertible
185/65 R 15 88 Q M+S
6 J x 15 H2
-
42
205/60 R 15 91 H
6g Jx15 H2
7 J x 15 H2
47
205/60 R 15 91 Q, H M+S
6g Jx15 H2
7 J x 15 H2
47
225/55 R 15 92 V
6g Jx15 H2
7 J x 15 H2
47
225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S
-
7 J x 16 H2
45/46
225/50 ZR 16
-
7 J x 16 H2
45/46
The use of fine-link BMW snow chains*
b
Sizes 225/55 R 15 92 V,
on summer or winter tires is only per-
225/55 R 92 Q, T, H M+S, 225/50 ZR 16.
mitted in pairs on the rear wheels.
These tires are not suitable for use with
Always observe the tire manufacturer’s
snow chains.c
safety recommendations when fitting.
Modifications to the vehicle are required
before retrofitting tires in the above
dimensions.
Please consult your BMW Retailer.
Approved wheels and tires
117
Tire specifications
Steel rim
Light-alloy wheel Rim offset
(wheel rim)
(mm)
BMW 328is Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sedan
205/60 R 15 91 H
-
7 J x 15 H2
47
205/60 R 15 91 Q, H M+S
6g Jx15 H2
7 J x 15 H2
47
225/50 R 16 92 Q M+S
-
7 J x 16 H2
45/46
225/50 ZR 16
-
7 J x 16 H2
45/46
The use of fine-link BMW snow chains*
b
Size 225/50 ZR 16 tires are not
on summer or winter tires is only per-
suitable for use with snow chains.c
mitted in pairs on the rear wheels.
Modifications to the vehicle are required
Always observe the tire manufacturer’s
if retrofitting these tires.
safety recommendations when fitting.
Please consult your BMW Retailer.
118
Hood
M
M
Unlocking
To open
To close
Pull the lever located under the left-
Push the release handle - at the front
Simultaneously press down both sides
hand side of the instrument panel.
left under the hood - upward and open
of the hood; continue pressing until you
the hood.
hear the latches engage.
a
Do not work on your vehicle with-
aShould you determine that the
out appropriate skills. Always switch off
hood is not completely closed while
the engine and allow it to cool down be-
driving, stop immediately and close it
fore working in the engine compart-
securely.c
ment.
Always disconnect the battery before
working on the electrical system. When
working on the vehicle, follow the rele-
vant instructions and information. When
you are not familiar with the relevant
specifications, have service operations
performed by your authorized BMW Re-
tailer. Failure to proceed in an informed,
professional manner when servicing
components and materials constitutes a
safety hazard for yourself and other us-
ers of the public roads.c
Index
Data
Technical Repairs
Car care
Controls
At a glance
120 Engine compartment BMW 318i, 318is
7
1
3
2
6
5
5
4
Engine compartment BMW 318i, 318is
121
1 Fuse box
2 Brake fluid reservoir
3 Engine oil dipstick
4 Coolant expansion tank
5 Engine oil filler neck
6 Supply tank for headlamp washer*
and windshield washer system
7 Battery
122 Engine compartment BMW 323i, 323is, 328i, 328is
1
2
8
3
6
7
4
5
Engine compartment BMW 323i, 323is, 328i, 328is
123
1 Fuse box
2 Engine oil dipstick
3 Brake fluid reservoir
4 Power steering oil reservoir
5 Coolant expansion tank
6 Engine oil filler neck
7 Supply tank for headlamp washer*
and windshield washer system
8 Auxiliary terminal for jump starting
124
Washer fluids
Engine oil
Windshield washer spray
nozzles
The spray from the nozzles should be
directed so as to ensure effective
cleaning, even at high speeds.
Use a needle to adjust the nozzles as
required, or have them adjusted by your
BMW Retailer.
Headlamp washer* and
Checking oil level
windshield washer
As with fuel economy, oil consumption
Capacity approx. 2.65 US quarts
is directly influenced by your driving
(2.5 liters) for the windshield washer or
style and vehicle operating conditions.
5.3 US quarts (5 liters) in conjunction
Consequently you should check the oil
with the headlamp cleaning system.
level regularly with the vehicle posi-
tioned on a level surface - approx. every
Fill with water and - if required - with
600 miles (1,000 km), or more fre-
antifreeze (according to the manufac-
quently if your vehicle is driven under
turer's recommendations).
increased demands.
To obtain precise readings:
bWe recommend that you mix the
washer fluid before adding it to the res-
d Check with engine cold, before start-
ervoir.c
ing.
d When checking with the engine
warm, wait briefly for the oil to drain
back down into the oil pan (e.g.,
while refueling).