Replacing wheels and tires

When replacing wheels and tires on the BMW 5 VII generation, many details must be observed. This chapter provides information on recommended wheel and tire combinations, safety aspects, and differences between summer, winter and emergency running tires. Incorrect combinations can interfere with driving assistance systems such as ABS or DSC and lead to accidents. Retreaded or non-approved tires are risky and should be avoided. The seasonal wheel change, the break-in period of new tires, storage conditions and the handling of mixed tire sets are also covered. If you want maximum driving safety and performance, follow these specifications precisely.

Mounting and balancing

Have the wheel mounted and balanced by a manufacturer service partner, another qualified service partner, or a specialist workshop.

Wheel/tire combination

General

The correct wheel and tire combination and rim designs for the vehicle can be obtained from a manufacturer service partner, another qualified service partner, or a specialist workshop.

Incorrect wheel and tire combinations impair the function of various systems, e.g. ABS or DSC.

To maintain good handling, use only tires of the same make and the same tread pattern.

After a tire failure, restore the original wheel and tire combination.

Safety notes

WARNING Wheels and tires that are not suitable for your vehicle can damage vehicle parts, e.g. through body contact caused by tolerances despite the same nominal size. There is a risk of accident. The vehicle manufacturer recommends using wheels and tires that are approved as suitable for the respective vehicle type.

WARNING Fitting steel wheels can cause technical problems, e.g. wheel bolts loosening on their own, damage to the brake discs. There is a risk of accident.

Do not fit steel wheels

Recommended tire makes

BMW recommends specific tire makes for each tire size. These are identified by a star on the tire sidewall.

New tires

Due to the manufacturing process, the grip of new tires is not yet optimal.

Drive carefully during the first 300 km.

Retreaded tires

WARNING Retreaded tires can have different tire casings. Their durability may be reduced as they age. There is a risk of accident.

Do not use retreaded tires

The manufacturer of your vehicle recommends not using retreaded tires.

Winter Tires

General

Winter tires are recommended for operation on wintry road surfaces.

So-called all-season tires marked M+S offer better winter properties than summer tires, but generally do not match the performance of winter tires.

Maximum speed of winter tires

If the maximum speed of the vehicle is higher than the speed permitted for the winter tires, attach a corresponding notice label within the driver's field of view. The label is available from a manufacturer service partner, another qualified service partner, or a specialist workshop.

When winter tires are fitted, observe and do not exceed the maximum speed permitted for them.

Tires with run-flat properties

When changing to tires with run-flat properties, for your own safety use only tires with run-flat properties. No spare wheel is available in the event of a breakdown.

Further information is available from a manufacturer service partner, another qualified service partner, or a specialist workshop.

Swapping wheels between axles

Front and rear axles show different wear patterns depending on individual driving conditions. To achieve even wear, the wheels can be swapped between the axles. Further information is available from a manufacturer service partner, another qualified service partner, or a specialist workshop. After swapping, check the tire inflation pressure and

correct it if necessary.

Such a swap is not permitted on vehicles with different tire sizes or rim dimensions on the front and rear axles.

Storage

Store removed wheels or tires in a cool, dry and dark place.

Protect tires from oil, grease and fuel.

Do not exceed the maximum tire inflation pressure indicated on the tire sidewall.

Changing wheels and tires on the BMW 5 Series G30/G31 is far more than routine work. It is an important contribution to driving stability and safety. The chapter clearly states that only wheel and tire combinations approved for the vehicle should be used, to avoid malfunctions of ABS, DSC or other driver assistance systems.

Particularly noteworthy is the advice not to use retreaded tires or steel wheels that do not fit, as these can cause technical problems or even accidents. The recommendations on rims, tire sizes and winter tires show how precisely BMW approaches driving safety and the role the correct tires play in it.

The BMW 5 Series G30/G31 thus demonstrates that only the perfect interplay of technology, materials and expertise makes the vehicle's premium character tangible on the road.