My 2008 550i has 13K miles and over last 2K miles have had pulsating /hum from front left wheel area at speeds between 40-55mph on non grooved pavement. Tires look OK, modest wear, but no significant cupping on inner edges.

Took her in for first regular service today, asked SA to check out.

He came back recommending alignment, $249 since I have active steering.

alignment as far as straight tracking is perfect, steering wheel straight dead on. I have no alignment concerns.

So...the $249 question? Will a fresh alignment alleviate the pulsating hum, likely not I think, or it will come back within a few thousand miles as the tires wear further.

What do you all think?

 

I don't think you need an alignment, you might have a rim "bent".... if your car drives straight and does not "pull" left/right the alignment is not the way to go.

 

Well the same doubt came to me when I replaced the 4 tires 1 year ago. They told me to make it past 3 o 4 months but I have not still made it. Now, I don't know if it worths.

 

I'd check the trim, just like zagato suggested. And also, though this may not be the case with e60, but I had a similar situation on my A6 and it turned out to be suspension linkage. So definitely look into all possible causes, as the $249 alignment may not even be the solution for this at all...

GL keep us posted

 

Can't you swap rims with somebody for a day? This would confirm/rule out the rims/tyres.