This is not specifically a Jaguar question, but since these tires are now on my '87 XJS I'm hoping for some help.

The tire code on my BF Goodrich tires is "DOT BFVE NX91".

I purchased these tires "new" just a few years ago, but someone has called into question the age of these tires since the coding doesn't match what (I'm told) is the DOT standard that has been effect since 2000. Looking at the various offerings to decode tires on the web, everyone seems to expect a numeral where the "X" is in my code.

Can anyone clear this up for me?

Thanks!

John
1987 XJ-S V12

 

Without seeing the actual sidewall of said tire. From what you gave it would appear these tires were made in 1991. Which is a very long time ago, 29 years Which if that is true unless they were wrapped, and stored completely out of the light, would be dry cracked terribly as BFG's are notorious for cracking when exposed to light, and not being used. I've seen new ones sit on a car in the garage only driven a couple times a year, be completely cracked after just a couple years. If in constant use they will usually make 5 years or so. It's something strange about them. Good Year's will also dry crack from non use, but not as fast as the BFG's

Jack

 

Thanks for that. Below is a photo of the sidewall.

It seems to be difficult to to find a "decoder" for the pattern of the marking.

I'm calling the DOT today to see if they can be of any help.



Thanks,

John

 

From what I know that would be a 91 as in 1991. Tire looks good no cracking. Things that make you go HHHMMMMMMM!!!!

Jack

 

Most DOT codes consist of twelve alpha-numeric characters. I would try to check the inside of the tire for same code. If these are newish tires, the last four characters should be four number which consist of the first two numbers being the month and last two being the year of manufacture. I am accustomed to mounting the full DOT number outside but not everyone is that picky. In any case the last four characters will be all numbers.

 

I had the same dilemma until I found the full DOT code on the reverse (inside) side of the tire.