36 12 005 Replacing a run-flat tire version or UHP tires

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW 550i GT, 2012 BMW 550i GT, 2011 BMW 550i GT, and 2010 BMW 550i GT. 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 tire 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.

Balance WHEELS after completing work.

IMPORTANT: 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.

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 R un-flat S ystem C omponent (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!

Fig 1: Identifying Markings On Tire

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Before removal:

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

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 90° or 270°.

Fig 2: Removing Tire Upper Bead Using Pressing-Off Tool Or Unseating Roller

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Do not position at 0° or 180°.

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

Fig 3: Applying Lubricant Between Rim And Tire

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

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

Position tire iron (3) on fitting head.

Fig 4: Positioning Tire Iron On Fitting Head

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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!

Fig 5: Levering Tire Bead Over Rim Flange Using Mounting Lever

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 sensor (2).

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

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

Fig 6: Identifying Sensor, Mounting Head And Lever

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 fitting machine to rotate slowly.

Fig 7: Levering Tire Bead Over Rim Flange Using Mounting Lever

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Observe before installation

Observe minimum tire air temperature of +15 °C!
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 installation:

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!

Fig 8: Identifying Tire Upper Bead And Bottom Tire Sidewall

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Apply lubricant over entire well area.

Lever sensor spare.

Fig 9: Applying Lubricant Over Entire Well Area

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation of bottom tire bead:

Grip wheel and lay on tire.

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

Fig 10: Gripping Wheel Rim

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Position fitting head (1) as pictured.

IMPORTANT: Make sure tire is correctly positioned on fitting head. Position tire bead in relation to mounting head (1) in accordance with equipment manufacturer's specification.

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: Positioning Fitting Head (Bottom Tire Bead)

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Allow fitting machine to rotate slowly.

Guide tire in direction of rotation and press towards wheel drop center.

Installation of top tire bead:

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

IMPORTANT: Make sure tire is correctly positioned on fitting head. Position tire bead in relation to mounting head (2) in accordance with equipment manufacturer's specification.

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 lubricant and insert.

Fig 12: Position Sensor In Relation To 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 tire bead in wheel drop center.

The last part of the tire 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 side walls through hold-down devices.

Never use a tire iron as a holding-down element.

Fig 13: Rotating Fitting Machine Over Tire Bead

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Filling/inflating tire

Remove all fitting aids.

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

Inflate with air (without valve insert).

Increase pressure up to 3.3 bar in stages (fitting 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 again with tire mounting paste.
Inflate tire again up to 3.3 bar.
When tire beads are resting perfectly on rim shoulders, increase tire pressure to maximum 4.0 bar (settling pressure) to "settle" the tire.

Screw in valve insert and correct the tire pressure.

Observe notes on initialization of the RUN FLAT INDICATOR (RPA) or RDC (USA=TPM).

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