2006 BMW M3 Owner's Manual - Page 114
2006 BMW M3 Manual
Page 114 highlights
114 Tire code Knowing the tire code on the tire sidewall makes it easier to correctly choose and identify your tires. DOT code: E.g. DOT xxxx xxx 3204 xxxx = Manufacturer's code for tire brand xxx = Tire size and tire version 3204 = Tire age Traction AA A B C Temperature A B C All passenger car tires must conform to Federal Safety Requirements in addition to these grades.< Tire size E.g. 205/60 R 15 91 W 205 = Nominal width in mm 60 = Cross-sectional ratio in % R = Radial belt construction 15 = Rim diameter in inches 91 = Load index, not on ZR tires W = Speed rating, in front of the R on ZR tires Tire age The date on which the tire was manufactured is indicated by the code on the sidewall: DOT ... 3204 indicates that the tire was manufactured in week 32 of the year 2004. BMW recommends the replacement of all tires when they are no more than 6 years old, even if a tire life of 10 years is possible. Tread wear The tread wear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half - 1 1/2 - times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate. Speed rating Q = up to 100 mph (160 km/h) T = up to 118 mph (190 km/h) H = up to 130 mph (210 km/h) V = up to 150 mph (240 km/h) W = up to 167 mph (270 km/h) Y = up to 186 mph (300 km/h) Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example: Tread wear 200 Traction AA Temperature A Traction The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Tire Identification Number Tires with DOT codes comply with the guidelines of the U.S. Department of Transportation. DOT quality grades Tread wear Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 512 - © 09/04 BMW AG