2006 BMW X5 Owner's Manual - Page 145

Tire identification marks Knowledge of the labeling on the side of the tire makes it easier to identify and choose the right tires. DOT code: e.g. DOT xxxx xxx 2605 Manufacturer's code for tire brand Tire size and tire model Tire age 145n DOT Quality Grades Traction AA A B C Temperature A B C All passenger car tires must conform to Federal Safety Requirements in addition to these grades.< Overview Index Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 159 867 - © 07/05 BMW AG Tread wear Tire size e.g. Nominal width in mm Cross-sectional ratio in Ξ Belted construction radial Rim diameter in inches Load index, not with ZR tires Speed code letter, with ZR tires before the R Speed code letter: Q T H V W = = = = = up up up up up to to to to to 105 118 131 150 167 mph/160 mph/190 mph/210 mph/240 mph/270 km/h km/h km/h km/h km/h 235/65 R 17 104 H Tire age The manufacturer of your BMW recommends that all tires, i.e. including the spare wheel, be replaced regardless of the actual wear after 6 years at the latest. The tire's date of manufacture is indicated on the sidewall: DOT...2605 indicates that the tire was manufactured in week 26 of 2005. 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 γ, 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. Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example: Tire Identification Number Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Data Repairs Maintenance Controls