I need to replace all 4 tires for my 2005 530i(US), but I am hesitant to get the work done at the dealers, since they cost an arm and a leg....
I've never got any service from local shops, but Goodyear Tire store nearby here has the same tires at cheaper cost.
My question is, is it safe to get the tire replacement and the wheel alignment from there?
Sorry, I've never been to a local shop.. cuz I've never had a problem with this car...

 

Tires are tires, no difference from what Dealers sells. You can get your tires anywhere you have a better deal. Regarding allignment, there would be some members that only would do it from a Dealer. In my case, I have it done thru a respectable local shop. It's been over a year and have no issues whatsoever.

 

Just make sure the tire install shop has the right equipment to change the tires on your wheels (I was told wheels larger than 18" require a different tire puller/install). Also have the tech do a visual inspection with you before they take the car so that any damage to the wheels (of lack thereof) can be annotated.

 

My tire is Goodyear Eagle RSA 225/50R17 94V.
But I've seen same tire size but with 93V, 93W, and 94W.
Anyone aware of this?
Do I need to get 94V exact?

 

If you really want to MATCH the OEM then yes.

For me, I never really care and I've gone tru numerous tire changes w/o issues.

 

The 94V relates to the load and speed rating. You do not need to match this exactly. However, if you switch to to a 93V tire, the load rating would drop about 24 pounds per tire. Everything else being equal, I would favor the higher load rating as this totals almost 100 pounds for the four tires.

The W speed rating (168 mph) is actually higher than the V speed rating (149 mph). It is unlikely either rating would present an issue.

Have you considered other tires? The Goodyear Eagle RSA are not highly rated on Tirerack.com. If you are replacing the tires, why not consider a more highly rated tire such as the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus or Continental DWS Extreme Contact.

 

Some reputable shops wont do alignment work on BMWs. They said there are some specs that BMW wont release to third party tire shops. Also, dealerships use sandbags for a more accurate alignment. Road force balanciing is another factor as other shops does not have the hunter machine. Not sure how accurate these info are.