BMW Uneven Tyre Wear

Scythe · 23 Jun 2015 at 19:18

Hello all,

I have a 2013 BMW 320d which has covered 32k miles and is fitted with Bridgestone Potenza S001 Runflats on 18" wheels.

The rear tyres have plenty of life left (4-5mm) however the front tyres are wearing unevenly. The outer edges of the tyres are wearing faster than the rest of the tyre with the drivers side being the worse of the two. The centre of the tyres has approx 4mm left whilst the outer edge is approaching the limit. I have checked pressures and all are to manufacturer's spec.

I have read a number of things, that outer tyre wear is a trait of runflats and replacing with non-RF solves it, alignment could be out...etc.

Does anyone have any experience of this issue (particularly on BMW's) and can advise? I'd like to get this solved before fitting new tyres.

Thanks in advance.

Havana_UK · 23 Jun 2015 at 19:46

This is a common problem with runflat tyres (at least on BMWs). I had a 320d too, and the front tyres had done 50k miles, still had >4mm tread on them but they were like 50 pence pieces and caused LOADS of vibration when driving.

It would be worthwhile getting the alignment properly checked as this could be at least partly to blame, especially if you've not had it done before.

Ryan-3 · 23 Jun 2015 at 20:23

Uneven wear is usually down to alignment issues, but any flat spots would be quite unusual unless caused under lock up.

Would be worth getting alignment checked, and probably replacing them with non-runflats while you're there.

Scythe · 23 Jun 2015 at 20:43

There are no flat spots, it is purely just outer edges of the tyre.

[TW]Fox · 23 Jun 2015 at 20:58

I'd get the alignment properly checked rather than just assuming its normal. None of my BMW's have ever randomly worn the outside edge 'just because'.

Finglonga · 23 Jun 2015 at 22:53

My e92 used to scrub the front tyres, it had an alignment check and everything was within BMW specs. In the end I ditched the RFTs and put normal tyres on and the whole car was transformed, better ride , better handling and tyre wear back to my secs I expect.

SDK^ · 24 Jun 2015 at 00:03

I have the same issue with the front tyres on my 1 Series. The outer edge wears out smooth whilst the inner is still 3+ mm. They had done 20k mile though so I replaced them.

The fitter explained it was a common thing with BMW's and it's not wrong alignment. It's how the suspension and camber are setup from the factory.

Scythe · 24 Jun 2015 at 19:09

Got it booked in for alignment - guy on the phone said it sounds like the toe is out on the front which makes sense, but we shall see.

Dandle · 25 Jun 2015 at 17:02

Ive always found that I had to run the pressure a little higher than BMW state on the fronts to get even wear. only maybe .2 bar but both the E61 and F11 are the same. That said both the inner and outers wear equally so maybe you alignment is out.

Scythe · 25 Jun 2015 at 19:24

Dandle said:
Ive always found that I had to run the pressure a little higher than BMW state on the fronts to get even wear. only maybe .2 bar but both the E61 and F11 are the same. That said both the inner and outers wear equally so maybe you alignment is out.

Will report back on Monday after alignment is done and hopefully identify the problem

HEADRAT · 25 Jun 2015 at 19:46

My e93 335i M Sport used to eat rear tyres, I had as much camber taken out as I could but the inside edges used to wear like crazy.

Last set of tyres must have had about 5/6 mm left on the outer edge and bald as a coot on the inners.

Northstar · 25 Jun 2015 at 20:07

Three of us at work have 320d M Sport company cars and all have this issue. Fleet have had them back to the dealers they say nothing wrong. Tyre places say they see lots like this - caused by combination of run flats and BMW's steering/geometry setup.