Should I get an alignment done?
10-30-2009, 05:19 AM
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I recently got four new Bridgestone Potenza's put on my car. The reason I bought new tires is because my rear passenger side tire wore very unevenly (ALL the way through on the inside edge). The other rear tire was showing uneven wear but not as extreme, and the front tires were fine. The shop that mounted my tires didn't have the necessary software to mount the tires. They told me iDrive wouldn't let them.
With the new tires on and the wheels balanced, the cars drive very nicely and tracks straight. But I don't see how similar wear patterns wouldn't happen again even though things seem to be fine while I'm driving. What's your opinion, should I get an alignment or not? Thanks in advance.
With the new tires on and the wheels balanced, the cars drive very nicely and tracks straight. But I don't see how similar wear patterns wouldn't happen again even though things seem to be fine while I'm driving. What's your opinion, should I get an alignment or not? Thanks in advance.
10-30-2009, 07:13 AM
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It certainly wouldn't hurt to get an alignment. Also uneven wear of your tires (especially on the inside edge) could be a sign that your shocks are worn. FWIW, I haven't been impressed with the durabilty of BMW's OEM shocks. Thus, I've have your suspension checked out as well.
10-30-2009, 12:21 PM
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Originally Posted by mainebimmer' post='1043571' date='Oct 30 2009, 09:19 AM
I recently got four new Bridgestone Potenza's put on my car. The reason I bought new tires is because my rear passenger side tire wore very unevenly (ALL the way through on the inside edge). The other rear tire was showing uneven wear but not as extreme, and the front tires were fine. The shop that mounted my tires didn't have the necessary software to mount the tires. They told me iDrive wouldn't let them.
With the new tires on and the wheels balanced, the cars drive very nicely and tracks straight. But I don't see how similar wear patterns wouldn't happen again even though things seem to be fine while I'm driving. What's your opinion, should I get an alignment or not? Thanks in advance.
With the new tires on and the wheels balanced, the cars drive very nicely and tracks straight. But I don't see how similar wear patterns wouldn't happen again even though things seem to be fine while I'm driving. What's your opinion, should I get an alignment or not? Thanks in advance.
I would....bmw recommends annual alignment regardless. Sounded odd to me but ill tell you what...for 179.00 its worth it rather than not and having to replace rft's at 350 a pop. Plus, the way they align the cars they are expected to wear on the inside edge in the back and the outside edge in the front ( or vice versa)...at least thats what bmw said to me.
10-30-2009, 12:40 PM
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I also recently bought new tires and the car "tracked straight" etc. but after an alignment it feels incredibly smooth and has a VERY light touch on steering! 
DO IT!! 
DO IT!!
10-30-2009, 03:39 PM
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Originally Posted by nikko64' post='1043799' date='Oct 30 2009, 04:21 PM
I would....bmw recommends annual alignment regardless. Sounded odd to me but ill tell you what...for 179.00 its worth it rather than not and having to replace rft's at 350 a pop. Plus, the way they align the cars they are expected to wear on the inside edge in the back and the outside edge in the front ( or vice versa)...at least thats what bmw said to me.
10-30-2009, 03:48 PM
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Just do it 
Alignments aren't usually covered under the extended maintenance program (or warranty).
But you never know, they can always make an exception.
Originally Posted by porsche911targa' post='1043910' date='Oct 30 2009, 06:39 PM
Really? My SA has never mentioned that. Do they cover that under the extended maintenance program? I would think that with the uneven wear the OP should get the alignment done.
But you never know, they can always make an exception.
10-31-2009, 12:43 PM
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Yes, do the alignment mainebimmer
If the tires are unevenly wore, there's something wrong.
Also check the tire pressures once a month.
Go for the high recommendations.
If the tires are unevenly wore, there's something wrong.
Also check the tire pressures once a month.
Go for the high recommendations.
10-31-2009, 07:24 PM
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Originally Posted by porsche911targa' post='1043910' date='Oct 30 2009, 06:39 PM
Really? My SA has never mentioned that. Do they cover that under the extended maintenance program? I would think that with the uneven wear the OP should get the alignment done.
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