What’s the correct tyre pressure for your BMW 1 Series

Make sure that your BMW 1 Series (all years) is running on the correct tyre pressure. Avoid costly accidents and safeguard your family by checking your tyre pressures regularly.

Lawrence Minnie

28 Nov 2023 · 11:00Car Ownership5 min read

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1 Series under pressure

The entry into BMW ownership, the 1 series, will teach you all you need to know about the Bavarian brand and what it is like to live with one of these stylish Euro machines. With a virtual smorgasbord of wheel and tyre options available for the 1 Series it may be a little bit confusing when it comes time to check or inflate a tyre.

Please note the information displayed below should be used as a guideline only. Refer to your BMW 1 Series owner's manual for the correct information. Alternatively, check for the informational sticker inside the fuel cap or driver's door or contact your nearest dealer.

Related: Top 3 2020 BMW 1 Series features that stand out from the competition

Effects of incorrect tyre pressure

Under-inflated tyres will cause excess wear and tear on the inside and outside edges of the tread. Underinflated tyres also cause an unwanted buildup of heat which degrades the tyre construction prematurely. This can result in a blow-out.

Over-inflated tyres have a much narrower contact patch with the road and can lead to poor braking distances and a loss of traction on the road.

That is why it is important to check your tyre pressure often as this will not only aid in extending the life of your BMW 1 Series tyres but will also affect the vehicle's safety through its handling under different conditions, braking characteristics, comfort and will also affect the vehicle's fuel economy.

Reasons why a car tyre won't inflate

Tyre Size & Tyre Pressure

Year	Tyre Size	Pressure Front (bar)	Pressure Rear (bar)
'20 - present	205/55 R16	2.2	2.4
	225/45 R17	2.0	2.4
	225/40 R18	2.2	2.2

'11 - '19	195/55 R16	2.2	2.4
	205/50 R17	2.2	2.4
	225/35 R19	2.4	2.6
	225/40 R18	2.1	2.2
	225/45 R17	2.1	2.2
	245/30 R19	2.4	2.6
	245/35 R18	2.1	2.2
	205/55 R16	2.2	2.4

'04 - '11	185/60 R16	2.1	2.4
	195/55 R16	2.1	2.4
	205/50 R17	2.0	2.3
	205/55 R16	2.0	2.1
	225/40R18	2.1	2.4

Written by Lawrence Minnie

Lawrence has been involved with motorsports for almost 30 years. Whether it's two wheels or four, if it has an engine, he will try to race it. This love of motor vehicles has led him to ride, drive, film, photograph, and write about his passion. Freelance for a while but now a permanent fixture on the AutoTrader team for over 7 years, Lawrence contributes written, photographic, and video content for AutoTrader and AutoTrader Bikes.Read more