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Tire identification marks
Knowledge of the labeling on the side
of the tire makes it easier to identify and
choose the right tires.
Tire size
Speed code letter:
Q = up to 105 mph/160 km/h
T = up to 118 mph/190 km/h
H = up to 131 mph/210 km/h
V = up to 150 mph/240 km/h
W = up to 167 mph/270 km/h
Tire Identification Number
Tires with DOT codes meet the guide-
lines of the U.S. Department of Trans-
port.
e.g.
Nominal width
in mm
Aspect ratio in X
Belted construction
radial
Rim diameter in inches
Load index,
not with ZR tires
Speed code letter,
with ZR tires before the R
235/65 R 17 104 H
DOT code:
Tire age
The manufacturer of your BMW recom-
mends that all tires, i.e. including the
spare tire, be replaced regardless of the
actual wear after 6 years at the latest.
The tire's date of manufacture is indi-
cated on the sidewall:
DOT ... 3603 indicates that the tire was
manufactured in week 36 of 2003.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:
e.g.
Manufacturer's code
for tire brand
Tire size and tire model
Tire age
DOT xxxx xxx 3603
DOT quality grades
Tread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger car tires must con-
form to Federal Safety Require-
ments in addition to these grades.<
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative
rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified government test
course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would
wear one and one-half – 1 g – times as
well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance
of tires depends upon the actual condi-
tions of their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the norm due
to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road char-
acteristics and climate.
Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 157 897 - © 08/03 BMW AG