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[kenbrinkman]

So I had the wheels off the car (e92 328xi) for the first time in a while and I was shocked to find the front driver's tire was basically shredded. The car has a set of Bridgestone Potenza RFTS Max Performance Summer (225 in front, 255 in back). I check my tread pretty frequently, and although I do need 4 tires relatively soon, I had no idea this was lurking on the inboard side of the tire. Can anyone guess why solely this tire would wear like this? Just an alignment issue? The tread on the outside (where I usually checked...lesson learned) is comparable to the other four.

Now I'm in the market for a new set. I'll definitely order from tirerack, assuming it's safe to drive around town for a week.

View post on imgur.com

[liang]

Yep, this is typical for BMWs because of the negative camber.

Its good to check your tires once in a while.

[XTR Performance]

You should not drive around even for a day with the tire like that. If that blows while your on the highway or even doing 40mph it could be bad.

-Chris

[kenbrinkman]

Originally Posted by Liang

Yep, this is typical for BMWs because of the negative camber.

Its good to check your tires once in a while.

Just on one tire?

[HPIA4v2]

how many miles? just curious.

[blaster3500]

Curious to see people's response this happened on my friends 135 on just one rear tire. The car was aligned when tires were put on it.

[kenbrinkman]

Originally Posted by HPIA4v2

how many miles? just curious.

About 72k, second set for the car I think. I found it while changing the oil

[zipstic]

I know you said you check your tires frequently, but that doesn't happen overnight. Like you mentioned, it's a good lesson learned. It has to be an alignment issue if it just happened to one tire.

The tire could blow at any time. If I were you I would go to Discount Tire tomorrow and get new ones put on. In my experience they'll match or beat Tirerack prices.

Oh, and in some states, not sure about a yours, it's illegal to drive on bald tires. If you we're to get in an accident and you had that tire on I would not want to be in your situation.

[smares21]

If its just on one tire, you have an alignment issue. Maybe just out of alignment, but maybe a bushing issue.

[Delusive]

If that's the rear tire then it's normal since BMW's do have negative camber and let it be a lesson learned always check your tires from inside out every month not just outside because these aren't your typical Honda's that have a square setup and no camber which wear all tires evenly also when was the last time you got an alignment?

But you should pay more attention to your car for your safety and I find it funny people are over exaggerating that your tires will blow up

[BRGmatthew]

i remember this happened to my stock rft, the tire popped and basically ripped that whole section off. I just drove my car to the tire shop. RFT FTW! LOL

[haajehaa]

It's NOT because of negative camber. It's the toe that destroys your tire. Get an alignment before you ride your new tires.

[kenbrinkman]

Just purchased a set of Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ZP 225/255 on tirerack, apparently they'll get to Sears auto on Wednesday. Will definitely be getting an alignment too.

[///M3NACE]

Same thing happened to mine but mine were on the rears. Wasnt as bad but inner had wiring. I beat those tires to crap cuz rfts suck. They lasted less than 30k with hard driving.

[PINeely]

Bent control arm, I can pretty much guarantee it. Replace it and get aligned.

My car did this to two passenger front tires before I realized that my CA was curved like an M3's.

[MikeBlaszczak]

Originally Posted by haajehaa

It's NOT because of negative camber. It's the toe that destroys your tire.

This wear pattern is consistent with too much camber. Too much toe will cause feathering.

[kenbrinkman]

Originally Posted by PINeely

Bent control arm, I can pretty much guarantee it. Replace it and get aligned.

My car did this to two passenger front tires before I realized that my CA was curved like an M3's.

How is this diagnosed? Will an alignment guy be able to tell if this is the case?

[PINeely]

Originally Posted by kenbrinkman

How is this diagnosed? Will an alignment guy be able to tell if this is the case?

If you ask them to look for it they'll let you know. They get bent on potholes and big bumps frequently.

The control arms are pretty convoluted so they'll be harder to diagnose but the wishbone should be perfectly straight. I'll post pics in a sec on in-spec parts.

[PINeely]

These are the wishbones. Mine looked like the M3 arm in front:
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/imag...comparison.jpg

And the control arms:
http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/...E/IMG_4770.jpg

[MikeBlaszczak]

A coarse diagnosis can be made by observing the tread wear pattern. A specific diagnosis can be made by comparing the part to a known good example, or by performing an alignment. If the alignment can't be reached at the limit of adjustment, the most common cause is a bent alignment member.

[kenbrinkman]

Originally Posted by PINeely

These are the wishbones. Mine looked like the M3 arm in front:
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/imag...comparison.jpg

And the control arms:
http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/...E/IMG_4770.jpg

Originally Posted by MikeBlaszczak

A coarse diagnosis can be made by observing the tread wear pattern. A specific diagnosis can be made by comparing the part to a known good example, or by performing an alignment. If the alignment can't be reached at the limit of adjustment, the most common cause is a bent alignment member.

Thanks for your help everyone!

[SirHoward]

Originally Posted by ihsanshaik

Same thing happened to mine but mine were on the rears. Wasnt as bad but inner had wiring. I beat those tires to crap cuz rfts suck. They lasted less than 30k with hard driving.

I happen to look at mine friday, some on my rears too.. Will get some new ones on Monday