2006 BMW M3 Owner's Manual - Page 115
2006 BMW M3 Manual
Page 115 highlights
Tire code Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance. The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straightahead braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.< Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law. The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, under-inflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.< Tire condition Wheel/tire damage 115 M+S Temperature The temperature grades are A, the highest, B, and C, representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Winter and all-season tires. These have better winter driving properties than summer tires. Due to low-profile tires, please note that wheels, tires and suspension parts are more susceptible to road hazard and consequential damages. Unusual vibrations encountered during normal vehicle operation can indicate tire failure or some other vehicle defect. This type of problem can be caused by contact with curbs, etc. This is also true for irregularities in the vehicle's handling characteristics, such as a pronounced tendency to pull to the left or right. Should this occur, respond by immediately reducing your speed. Proceed carefully to the nearest BMW center or professional tire center, or have the vehicle towed there. Tire damage, up to and including blowouts, can endanger the lives of both the vehicle occupants and other road users.< Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 158 512 - © 09/04 BMW AG Index Data Repairs Maintenance Controls Overview Inspect your tires frequently for signs of damage, foreign objects and tread wear, and check tread depth.