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.

 

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.

 

wouldnt hurt man. Sounds like u need an alignment.

 

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.

 

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!!

 

I scheduled an alignment for next Tuesday. Thanks for the advice guys. I'm sure it's the right thing to do. Better to spend some money now to save a lot later.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

ya factory specs on BMW's are set to about 1 degree negative camber meaning the back wheels are tilted towards the car a bit and the front camber readings are set to about half a degree negative...this is another reason why these cars handle so well...with the best suspension and the right specs will cause extreme handling and performance...some bimmers are set at higher or greater specs than others depending on the series and if its an M style.