Flat Tire Monitor FTM

The Flat Tire Monitor (FTM) in the BMW 5 Series VII generation is based on wheel speed comparison and detects pressure loss without direct sensors. The system requires initialization to store correct reference values. After a flat tire, the affected tire is indicated via the Control Display and warning lamps. When using emergency running tires, safe driving up to 80 km/h is explained. The manual provides practical tips on handling the system and also describes its limits, for example in the case of uniform pressure loss or driving with snow chains. A well-designed function that minimizes the risk of tire damage.

Principle

The system detects tire pressure loss by comparing the wheel speeds of the individual wheels while driving.

When a tire loses pressure, its rolling diameter changes and so does the rotational speed of the corresponding wheel. This is detected and reported as a flat tire.

The system does not measure the actual tire pressure in the tires.

Functional requirements

The system must be initialized with correct tire pressure; otherwise, reliable detection of a flat tire is not guaranteed. After changing the tire pressure to a new value, and after a tire or wheel change, initialize the system again.

Status display

The current status of the Flat Tire Monitor can be displayed, e.g. whether the FTM is active.

Via iDrive:

1. 1
   "My Vehicle"
2. 2
   "Vehicle status"
3. 3
   "Flat Tire Monitor"

The status is displayed.

Initialization

During initialization, the set tire pressures are stored as reference values for detecting a flat tire. Initialization is started by confirming the tire pressures.

Do not initialize the system while driving with snow chains.

Via iDrive:

1. 1
   "My Vehicle"
2. 2
   "Vehicle status"
3. 3
   "Flat Tire Monitor"
4. 4
   Switch on ready-to-drive mode and do not drive off.
5. 5
   Start initialization: "Perform reset"
6. 6
   Drive off.

Initialization is completed while driving. Driving can be interrupted at any time.

When driving continues, initialization is resumed automatically.

Flat tire warning

The yellow warning lamp illuminates. A Check Control message is displayed.

A tire puncture or a significant tire pressure loss has occurred.

1. 1
   Reduce speed and stop carefully. Avoid heavy braking and steering maneuvers.
2. 2
   Check whether the vehicle is fitted with standard tires or tires with run-flat properties.

WARNING A damaged standard tire with low or no tire pressure impairs handling, e.g. steering and braking response. Run-flat tires can maintain limited stability. There is a risk of an accident.

Do not continue driving if the vehicle is fitted with standard tires. Observe the notes on run-flat tires and on driving with these tires.

Run-flat tires are marked with a circular symbol containing the letters RSC on the tire sidewall.

When a flat tire is reported, the

Dynamic Stability Control DSC is switched on.

System limitations

A natural, uniform loss of tire pressure in all four tires is not detected.

Therefore, check the tire pressure regularly.

Serious sudden tire damage caused by external factors cannot be predicted.

In the following situations, the system may respond with a delay or incorrectly:

• The system has not been initialized.
• Driving on snowy or slippery roads.
• Sporty driving style: wheel slip on the drive wheels, high lateral acceleration.
• Driving with snow chains.

Procedure in the event of a tire puncture

Standard tires

1. Identify the damaged tire.

To do so, check the air pressure in all four tires, e.g. with the tire pressure gauge of a tire repair kit.

If the tire pressure is correct in all four tires, the Flat Tire Monitor may not have been initialized. Initialize the system.

If the tire damage cannot be identified, contact a manufacturer-authorized service partner, another qualified service partner, or a qualified workshop.

Repair the tire puncture, e.g. with a tire repair kit or by changing the wheel.

Tires with run-flat properties

Safety notes

WARNING With run-flat tires without or with low tire pressure, handling changes, e.g. reduced directional stability when braking, longer braking distance and changed self-steering behavior. There is a risk of an accident.

Drive carefully and do not exceed a speed of 80 km/h.

WARNING When driving on with a flat tire, particularly heavy trailers may start to sway. There is a risk of accident or damage to property.

When towing a trailer with a tire puncture, do not exceed a speed of 60 km/h.

If the trailer starts to sway, brake immediately and make any necessary steering corrections as carefully as possible.

Maximum speed

Driving with a damaged tire is possible for a maximum of 80 km/h.

Continuing to drive with a tire puncture

When continuing to drive with a damaged tire, observe the following:

1. 1
   Avoid sudden braking and steering maneuvers.
2. 2
   Do not exceed a speed of 80 km/h.
3. 3
   Check the tire pressure in all four tires at the earliest opportunity.

If the tire pressure is correct in all four tires, the Flat Tire Monitor may not have been initialized. Initialize the system.

Possible driving distance with a deflated tire

The possible driving distance varies depending on the vehicle load and operating conditions, e.g.

speed, road surface, outside temperature.

The driving distance may be shorter or, with gentle driving, longer.

With medium load and low stress, the possible driving distance can be up to 80 km.

Handling with damaged tires

Driving characteristics change when driving with a damaged tire, e.g. the vehicle may slide out more quickly when braking, braking distance may increase, or self-steering behavior may change. Adapt your driving style accordingly. Avoid abrupt steering or driving over obstacles, e.g. curbs, potholes, etc.

Complete tire failure

Vibrations or loud noises while driving may indicate imminent complete failure of the tire.

Reduce speed and stop. Tire parts could come loose and cause an accident.

Do not continue driving. Contact a manufacturer-authorized service partner, another qualified service partner, or a qualified workshop.

The fuses in the BMW 5 Series G30/G31 are an essential part of the protection concept for the on-board electronics. They protect important systems from damage caused by short circuits or overload and thus contribute to operational safety. Instructions on safe handling and on replacing fuses only with fuses of the same rating underline the high technical standard.

It is particularly important to have the cause of a blown fuse checked before simply installing a replacement. This helps prevent further damage and maintains long-term operational safety.

FAQ

Question 1: Can the driver replace all fuses themselves?

Answer: No, some fuses are only accessible to qualified personnel and should not be replaced by the driver.

Question 2: What to do if a new fuse blows immediately?

Answer: In this case, an inspection by a service partner is absolutely necessary.