36 12 005 Replacing a runflat tire or a UHP tire

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2013 BMW 128i, 2012 BMW 128i, 2011 BMW 128i, 2010 BMW 128i, and 2009 BMW 128i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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 fitting machine manufacturer's operating instructions.
It is absolutely essential to ensure that the equipment is in proper working condition and that there is no damage to the disc wheel and tire.
After completion of work, balance wheels.

IMPORTANT: Only fitting machines which are approved for fitting runflat and UHP tires may be used!
Please refer to the operating instructions of the respective fitting machine for details of the exact fitting procedure.
Use only BMW-approved plastic-covered tire irons.
Use only BMW-approved tire mounting paste.

NOTE: Pay attention to different tire markings:

Item (1) Marking denoting BMW-approved tires. Ensure that only BMW-approved tires are fitted.
Item (2) RSC is the abbreviation for R unflat S ystem C omponent (runflat 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!

Fig 1: Identifying Different Tyre Markings

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Before removal:

Observe a tire temperature of min. +15 °C
Clean wheel/tire unit
Remove valve insert (deflate tire)
Remove old balance weights

Removal - upper bead:

Unseat bead if possible with unseating roller (1) from rim flange.

Note position of sensor - do not unseat in this area!

If using a pressing-off horn (2), unseat 3 to 4 times around circumference max. 1 cm from rim flange.

Observe pressing-off/unseating limitation.

Start at 90° or 270°.

Do not position at 0° or 180° (refer to following Fig 4).

Fig 2: Identifying Unseating Roller

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Apply sufficient antiseize compound as deeply as possible between rim and tire.

Fig 3: Applying Antiseize Compound Between Rim And Tyre

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

Position holding-down element at 0° to hold tire in well.

Position tire iron (3) on fitting head.

Fig 4: Identifying Fitting Head And Valve

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Lever bead with tire iron (1) over rim flange.

IMPORTANT: Avoid damaging the rim by using a suitable tire iron with protective coating.
Make sure there is sufficient lubrication between bead and rim flange; apply antiseize compound if necessary.
Allow fitting machine to rotate slowly and relieve tension on holding-down element and rollers during rotation.

Fig 5: Identifying Tyre Iron

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Removal - lower bead:

IMPORTANT: Apply sufficient antiseize compound between rim and tire.

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

Position tire iron (3) on fitting head (1).

Tyre bead must be positioned entirely in well opposite fitting head (1).

Fig 6: Identifying Fitting Head And Sensor

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Lever bead with tire iron (1) over rim flange.

IMPORTANT: Avoid damaging the rim by using a suitable tire iron with protective coating.

Allow fitting machine to rotate slowly.

Fig 7: Identifying Tyre Iron

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Observe before fitting:

Observe tire temperature of min. +15 °C.
Clean wheel/tire
Check rim for burrs, wear and other damage
Clean tire beads and check for evidence of damage
Check RDC sensor for damage
Replace rubber valve

Before fitting:

IMPORTANT: Apply antiseize compound to inside of upper bead (1) and to outside of upper and lower sidewall (2) up to upper decorative line.

Fig 8: Identifying Lower Sidewall And Upper Bead

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Apply antiseize compound over entire well area.

Lever sensor spare.

Fig 9: Applying Antiseize Compound Over Entire Well Area

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fitting - lower bead :

Grip wheel and lay on tire.

IMPORTANT: Apply a light coating of antiseize compound to fitting head.

Fig 10: [Identifying Wheel And Lay On Tyre]

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Position fitting head (1) as pictured.

IMPORTANT: Make sure tire is correctly positioned on fitting head. Position bead in relation to fitting head (1) in accordance with equipment manufacturer's instructions.
Position sensor (RDC) (3) and valve min. 10-15 cm before traction point/catching point (2).
Sensor must not be subjected to load.

Fig 11: Identifying Fitting Head And Sensor (RDC)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Allow fitting machine to rotate slowly.

Guide tire in direction of rotation and press towards well.

Fitting - upper bead:

Position sensor (1) in relation to fitting head (2) as pictured.

IMPORTANT: Make sure tire is correctly positioned on fitting head. Position bead in relation to fitting head (2) in accordance with equipment manufacturer's instructions.
Position sensor (RDC) (1) and valve min. 10-15 cm before traction point/catching point.
Sensor must not be subjected to load.

Coat bead holding-down element (3) with antiseize compound and insert.

Fig 12: Identifying Sensor And Fitting Head

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Allow fitting machine to rotate slowly.

Insert additional bead holding-down elements (1) to hold the bead in the well.

The last part of the bead should jump over the rim flange in the sensor area.

IMPORTANT: Perform fitting in stages, take short breaks and relieve tension.
Avoid heavy deformations at the traction point.
Do not squash belt edge and sidewalls through holding down elements.
Never use a tire iron as a holding-down element.

Fig 13: Rotating Fitting Machine

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Filling/inflating tire:

Remove all fitting aids.

IMPORTANT: Possibilities for safely securing the wheel or incorporation in inflation apparatus should be utilized!
Observe instructions/conditions of trade association.
Observe national/country-specific regulations.

Inflate with air (without valve insert).

Increase pressure up to 3.3 bar in stages (jumping pressure).
If the tire bead does not slip fully past the rim edge all round, do not under any circumstance increase the pressure.
If necessary, release air and force off tire bead again.
Coat rim flange and tire with tire mounting paste again.
Inflate tire again up to 3.3 bar.
When tire beads are resting perfectly on rim shoulders, increase inflation pressure to max. 4.0 bar (settling pressure) to "settle" the tire.

Screw in valve insert and correct tire pressure.

Observe notes/instruction on initializing the Run Flat Indicator (RPA) or RDC (USA=TPM).

IMPORTANT: Advise the customer to avoid heavy acceleration and heavy braking in the initial period.
The mounting paste can cause the tire to turn on the rim and give rise to imbalance.