Tire Identification Marks; Tire Identification Number; Uniform Tire Quality Grading - BMW M5 Owner's Manual

Tire size
All pressure specifications
in the table are indicated in psi/
kilopascal with cold tires.
Cold = ambient temperature
245/45 R 18 100 V XL M+S
255/40 ZR 19
285/35 ZR 19
More details on the permissible load and weights can be found on page 214.

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
For instance
285/35 ZR
245/45 R
Nominal width in mm
Aspect ratio in Ξ
Radial belt construction
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating, (not on ZR tires)
Speed code letter (in
front of the R on ZR tires)
Speed letter
Q = up to 100 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
Y = up to 186 mph/300 km/h
Z = over 150 mph/240 km/h
Online Edition for Part no. 01 41 2 602 697 - © 08/09 BMW AG Online Edition for Part no. 01 41 2 602 697 - © 08/09 BMW AG
Pressure specifications in psi/kPa
Traveling speeds up
to max. of 100 mph/
160 km/h
35/240 38/260
36/250 -
- 36/250

Tire Identification Number

Tires with DOT codes meet the guidelines of
the U.S. Department of Transportation.
DOT code:
For instance
Manufacturer code
19
for tire make
18
100 V
Tire size and tire design
Tire age
Tire age
The manufacturing date of tires is contained in
the tire coding: DOT ... 1009 means that the
tire was manufactured in week 10 of 2009.
BMW recommends that you replace all tires
after 6 years at most, even if some tires may last
for 10 years. This also concerns the tire of the
spare wheel.

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
Traveling speeds including those exceed-
ing 100 mph/160 km/h
35/240 38/260 41/280
36/250 - 41/280
- 36/250
DOT xxxx xxx 1009
181
46/320
-
- 46/320