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Home >> BMW >> 2013 >> M3 2D Convertible, Automatic DCT Trans >> Repair and Diagnosis >> General Information >> OEM General Information >> Functional Description -- M3 Convertible >> Tires & Wheels - Functional Description >> General Information On The Topic Of Tire Wear, Wear Patterns And Inconsistent Steering Wheel Position >> Steering wheel inclination

Steering wheel inclination

The main complaint in chassis adjustments is the steering wheel position. The difficulty is the driver's subjective perception of the steering wheel position during straight-ahead driving. Observe here that the driver's perception of the actual horizontal position of the steering wheel can deviate. This deviation is mainly dependent on the design and installation tolerances of the dashboard, operating levers, etc.

Fig 1: Identifying Steering Wheel Position
G09895331Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Steering wheel positions that are regarded as OK

Steering wheel 1 and 4 ±1 degree approx. ±5 mm
Steering wheel 2 and 5 ±2 degrees Approx. ±10 mm

Steering wheel position as of which it is regarded as incorrect

Steering wheel 3 and 6 ±3 degrees Approx. ±15 mm

Notes on reading the DOT number 

The DOT number (Department of Transportation number) specifies the production date of the tire. The following examples explain how to read the DOT number.

DOT number 016 - here, three digit without additional mark (the 1980s) -01 specifies the calendar week in which the tire was manufactured. 6 specifies the year of manufacture, in this case 1986.

DOT number 128< - here with three digits and arrow mark (the 1990s) -12 specifies the calendar week in which the tire was manufactured. 8< specifies the year of manufacture, in this case 1998.

Tires after calendar week 01 in the year 2000 have a four-digit DOT number. DOT number 0100 (see graphicFig 2) specifies that the tires were manufactured in the 1st calendar week of 2000.

Fig 2: Identifying Tire DOT Number
G09895332Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.