Abnormal Tire Wear
Thread Starter
Senior Members
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 760
Likes: 0
From: Santa Barbara, CA
My Ride: 2004 545i - 6 speed manual (July 04 build), silver-grey/black, sports package std equipment (18", active roll, active steering, adaptive headlights), premium sound, bluetooth enabled, folding rear seat, lumbar, 3m hood/bumper protective film, rear tint, euro reflectors.
I changed to 166M rims at about 20k miles, with Continental Contact Sport 2's.
I had a 4 wheel alignment prior to installing the new wheels and tires.
The first set of rears I got 32k miles out of, which I think is great. Fronts where still fine.
The second set of rears I have 18k on them, both wearing pretty equal and below the wear bars. Fronts now have 50k and will need to be replaced in within 10k.
My driving has not really changed. I have a freeway commute of about 80 miles a day. I really don't light up the rears a side from an occasional chirp.
I am just trying to figure out why my mileage on the second set of rears is so different from the first set.
I have not done an alignment since 20k but if it was something in the alignment, I would think the wear would not be even between the two sides.
I will do an alignment again when I replace the tires, but just trying to figure out some reason for the discrepancy.
I had a 4 wheel alignment prior to installing the new wheels and tires.
The first set of rears I got 32k miles out of, which I think is great. Fronts where still fine.
The second set of rears I have 18k on them, both wearing pretty equal and below the wear bars. Fronts now have 50k and will need to be replaced in within 10k.
My driving has not really changed. I have a freeway commute of about 80 miles a day. I really don't light up the rears a side from an occasional chirp.
I am just trying to figure out why my mileage on the second set of rears is so different from the first set.
I have not done an alignment since 20k but if it was something in the alignment, I would think the wear would not be even between the two sides.
I will do an alignment again when I replace the tires, but just trying to figure out some reason for the discrepancy.
Contributors
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,790
Likes: 0
From: Helsinki, Finland
My Ride: My ex-ride: EU '08 LCI 520dA. Space Grey, Sport Seats in Black Leather/Fabric Anthracite, Sport Steering Wheel, A/C with Extended Features, Hi-Fi Speakers, Cup Holders, Cruise with Braking function, Folding Rear Seats, Xenons, Park Distance Control.
There's a huge difference between tire brands.
Michelin's last.
But also you car's getting old...
Michelin's last.
But also you car's getting old...
Thread Starter
Senior Members
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 760
Likes: 0
From: Santa Barbara, CA
My Ride: 2004 545i - 6 speed manual (July 04 build), silver-grey/black, sports package std equipment (18", active roll, active steering, adaptive headlights), premium sound, bluetooth enabled, folding rear seat, lumbar, 3m hood/bumper protective film, rear tint, euro reflectors.
Originally Posted by Ricracing' post='811811' date='Mar 9 2009, 01:00 PM
There's a huge difference between tire brands.
Michelin's last.
But also you car's getting old...
Michelin's last.
But also you car's getting old...
Thread Starter
Senior Members
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 760
Likes: 0
From: Santa Barbara, CA
My Ride: 2004 545i - 6 speed manual (July 04 build), silver-grey/black, sports package std equipment (18", active roll, active steering, adaptive headlights), premium sound, bluetooth enabled, folding rear seat, lumbar, 3m hood/bumper protective film, rear tint, euro reflectors.
Originally Posted by ObD' post='811820' date='Mar 9 2009, 01:08 PM
Tire pressure I'm guessing.
Contributors
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,410
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Originally Posted by Ricracing' post='811811' date='Mar 9 2009, 04:00 PM
There's a huge difference between tire brands.
Michelin's last.
But also you car's getting old...
Michelin's last.
But also you car's getting old...
The age of one's car has nothing, absolutely nothing to do with tire wear. If that were the case, Ric, we could all say that your new shoes are worn out after you walk from your car to your couch, right?!?!! lol <3
Contributors
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC , Canada
My Ride: 2011, X6 Hybrid . Alpine White , every option. 20" Conti' NON runflats,OEM trunk spoiler , LUX V3 AE's , HP Thunder Fogs , custom front bumper reflector delete........
I check my tire pressure everytime a gas up, it helps when you hit a rut or pothole and loose some pressure.............does sound strange with lack of life your 2nd set is getting though 
Members
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 97
Likes: 1
From: Houston
Agree that the variation between 32k and 18k is huge for the same make of tires and driving style, particularily if you have done the usual checks (alignment, pressure and balance). If it's any comfort, 18k out of a set of ContiSportContact 2's is excellent on a 545i - I only got 11k out of mine! 
Contributors
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 348
Likes: 0
From: SOCAL Orange County
My Ride: 2006 530i Black.
Could it just possibly be the weather perhaps the summer time on the second set of tires being the roads being warmer hence more traction on tires. I'm probably overlooking on my opnipn have you done a car alignment?