BMW X3 (F25) Service & Repair Manual: Tires

• Notes on exchanging tires during repair
• Replacing a run-flat technology or uhp tires

Notes on exchanging tires during repair

General:

• The tire size, manufacturer and tire tread must be the same on one axle
• To meet the BMW standards, the vehicle should be equipped with tires from the same manufacturer and with the same tire tread (tires approved by BMW) on all 4 wheels
• The difference in tire tread depth on one axle must not exceed 2 mm (control quality of suspension control systems and wheel alignment requirement)
• The tires with the higher tread depths must be mounted on the rear axle
• The DOT age difference must not exceed 4 years
• On exchanging the tires, the tire pressure must be adjusted

Additionally for all-wheel drive vehicles:

• The tire size, manufacturer and tire tread must be identical on all wheels; if mixed tires are fitted, different dimensions are permissible.
• The difference in tire tread depth on all wheels must not exceed 2 mm (control quality of suspension control systems and wheel alignment requirement)

Replacing a run-flat technology or uhp tires

NOTE: UHP tire = Ultra High Performance tire UHP tires are tires with an aspect ratio (H: B) ≤ 45 % or tires with a speed index ≥"V"

NOTE: Follow the tire fitting machine manufacturer's operating instructions.

Balance WHEELS after completing work.

IMPORTANT: For installation and removal work on run-flat tires and/or UHP tires on certified and approved tire fitting machines, the following successful training for the "Certified BMW tire fitter" is required.

Only approved and certified tire fitting machines may be used for installing run-flat tires and/or UHP tires! Please refer to the operating instructions of the respective tire fitting machine for details of the exact fitting procedure.

Use only BMW-approved plastic-covered mounting levers! Use only BMW-approved tire-fitting paste.

IMPORTANT: Pirelli tires can happen to have two little holes in the tread pattern! These two holes are production-related!

The presence of these two little holes in the tread pattern does not represent a fault and does not affect the performance and the efficiency of the tires in any way!

NOTE: Pay attention to different tire markings:

• Position (1) Identification of BMW-approved tires. Ensure that only BMW- approved tires are fitted.
• Item (2) RSC is the abbreviation for Run-flat System Component (run-flat tires).
• Item (3) Outside. The tire must be fitted so that the wording Outside is always situated on the outside of the rim.

IMPORTANT: Many tires are directional! The arrow on the tire must point in the "Forward" direction of rotation!

IMPORTANT:

Before removal:

• Observe tire temperature of min. +15 ºC.
• Clean wheel/tire unit
• Remove valve insert (deflate tire)
• Remove present balance weight

Dismantling of top tire bead:

Press off tire bead from rim flange as much as possible with unseating roller (1).

Note position of sensor - do not unseat in this area! If using a pressing-off tool (2), unseat 3 to 4 times around circumference max. 1 cm from rim flange.

Observe pressing-off/unseating limitation.

Start at 90º or 270º.
Do not position at 0º or 180º.

Apply sufficient lubricant as deeply as possible between wheel rim and tire.

Position mounting head (1) in direction of rotation before valve (2).

Position hold-down device at 0º to stop tire in wheel drop center.

Position mounting lever (3) on mounting head.

Lever tire bead (1) over rim flange with mounting lever.

IMPORTANT: Avoid damaging the wheel rim by using a suitable mounting lever with protective coating.

Make sure there is sufficient lubrication between tire bead and rim flange, apply lubricant if necessary!

Allow tire fitting machine to rotate slowly, and relieve tension on hold-down device and rollers during rotation.

Dismantling of bottom tire bead:

IMPORTANT: Apply sufficient lubricant between wheel rim and tire.

Position mounting head (1) in direction of rotation before the sensor (2).

Position mounting lever (3) on mounting head (1).

Tire bead must be positioned entirely in wheel drop center opposite mounting head (1).

Lever tire bead (1) over rim flange with mounting lever.

IMPORTANT: Avoid damaging the wheel rim by using a suitable mounting lever with protective coating.

Allow tire fitting machine to rotate slowly.

Observe before mounting:

• Observe minimum tire air temperature of +15 ºC! Refer to Recommendation for heating
• Clean wheel/tire
• Check wheel rim for burrs, wear and other damage
• Clean tire beads and check for evidence of damage
• Check RDC sensor for damage
• Renew tire valve

Before Mounting:

IMPORTANT: Apply lubricant to inside of top tire bead (1) and to outside of top and bottom tire sidewall (2) up to top decorative line!

Apply lubricant over entire well area.

Lever sensor spare.

Installation of bottom tire bead:

Grip wheel and lay on tire.

IMPORTANT: Apply a light coating of lubricant to mounting head.