[Crypto2k3]

Hi,

I have a 2019 BMW X3 m40i which I bought brand new from BMW. It has about 12,900 miles on it now. I brought it into the dealer for the 1 year annual oil change today and they noticed uneven wear on rear tires. They recommended I get a rotation, balance and alignment done for about $415 to avoid excess tire wear.

This is my first BMW but I'm not used to having to get alignments done at around the 12k mile mark especially for $400+ dollar. Any advice? Is there a good alternative option to doing the alignment at the dealership?

Thanks!

[TX3M]

This is a classic example of them trying to sell you unnecessary service. You shouldn't need an alignment unless there is VERY uneven tire wear, or you feel the car "pulling" to one side. Those tires will probably only last another 10K or so before they need to be replaced, so I suggest waiting until you replace the tires and get an alignment done then.

A tire rotation is just moving the front tires to the back and vice versa. It's not a bad idea every 10,000 miles or so, but you can only do that if the front and rear tires are the exact same size. If you have the 19" rims, front and rear are the same size so you can do a rotation. If you have the 20" or 21" rims, those are a "staggered" fit (not the same size) so you cannot do a rotation. Also, any tire shop can do a rotation and they will probably charge much less than the stealership.

[TXSchnee]

I had an alignment done on my '18 last April at the 2 year service. I had very uneven wear on my front tires, and that solved it. I was only charged $199 though, which is more in line with what it should cost (paying the dealership markup of course). Rotation is worthless unless you have a square setup.

[gtmassive75]

After lowering my G01, i did an alignment at a local shop that have good reviews $150.
Find a good local shop that enthusiast use in your area, shouldn't be more than $150.

[freshxdough]

I don't agree that you should ONLY get an alignment done if you have "excessive" tire wear. My car has 15k and 21's, never touched a curb or a worrying pothole and my alignment was slightly out. Fronts wearing a bit on the outer edge maybe to 3-4mm and rears worn normally to 1-2mm. Just changed to MPS4S 255/295.

A yearly alignment is recommended. At the dealer an alignment is usually between $199-$299. If you get an extra 5-10k or more out of a set of tires because of the yearly alignments, then I would say that you actually save money by not replacing tires ($1,500-$2,500 for 4) too soon.

For M40i especially with 20/21" wheels your tires won't last that long anyways...

Alignment printout for reference.

[Crypto2k3]

Thanks everyone! I have 19 inch rims. They actually want to do a rotate, balance and an alignment which is why the cost is over $400 (it's actually $429 for everything).

I think I'll look for a good indie service center instead of paying $429 and get their thoughts. Seems like a lot of cash for a car that only has less than 13k miles on it.

[Wgosma]

Stealer labor rates are atrocious - you should be able to have good shop do alignment for about $125-$150 MAX; BMW alignment no more difficult than any other make car.

Aligning car only necessary if you notice drive ability issues, tracking problems or the like- tire wear pattern is key indicator to monitor. If suspension work done the alignment necessary also.



Good luck/Bill

[Razel]

Why "balance"? Seems odd to me. They're balanced when mounted new where ever they're mounted. So, if they're balanced on installation (not assuming anything here) then they're balanced for the life of the tire on that wheel. Nothing I'm honestly aware of shifts the weight of the tire over time.
So, in jumping to conclusions here, if they're selling balancing as a "fix", I'm not so sure they're qualified to fix anything tire-related.

[TX3M]

Originally Posted by Crypto2k3

Thanks everyone! I have 19 inch rims. They actually want to do a rotate, balance and an alignment which is why the cost is over $400 (it's actually $429 for everything).

I think I'll look for a good indie service center instead of paying $429 and get their thoughts. Seems like a lot of cash for a car that only has less than 13k miles on it.

As Razel said, balancing a wheel is only necessary when new tires are mounted, or if a weight falls off and it becomes unbalanced. You would feel a vibration in the steering wheel at a specific speed (generally not below or above that speed) if one of the front tires was not balanced correctly. It's harder to tell if a rear wheel is unbalanced.

Post a picture of the tires they say are not wearing evenly, and I'm sure someone on here who knows a lot more about tires than me can tell you if an alignment is needed. For the record, I drive aggressively and my Conti DWSO6 tires are 2 years old and have 29,000 miles on them. They have only been rotated once and I've never needed an alignment.

[VrmmVrmm]

Originally Posted by TX3M

This is a classic example of them trying to sell you unnecessary service. You shouldn't need an alignment unless there is VERY uneven tire wear, or you feel the car "pulling" to one side. Those tires will probably only last another 10K or so before they need to be replaced, so I suggest waiting until you replace the tires and get an alignment done then.

A tire rotation is just moving the front tires to the back and vice versa. It's not a bad idea every 10,000 miles or so, but you can only do that if the front and rear tires are the exact same size. If you have the 19" rims, front and rear are the same size so you can do a rotation. If you have the 20" or 21" rims, those are a "staggered" fit (not the same size) so you cannot do a rotation. Also, any tire shop can do a rotation and they will probably charge much less than the stealership.

I'm on my 3rd set of tyres in as many years (Feb 2018)...when my G01 X3 2.0D xline was delivered it came on BS Alenza RFTs (19") They wore considerably on the front pair outer shoulders...I only got 14k miles out of them. When the next set was put on I had the same tyres and a full alignment done and the uneven wear on the shoulders on the front pair was cured...adjustments were required? However I've just changed again having done another 14k miles on the newer set...genuine wear not uneven on the 2nd set of BS Alenza (19")

On my third set BMW dealership put on the newly specced Pirelli Cinturato RFT (19") I'll be interested to see how these compare with the previously fitted Alenza. BUT and here's the bottom line I cannot see how I'd ever get 20k+ miles out of these tyres I note as quoted you imply the OP will only at best get another 10K out of their tyres...I wonder how others are fairing? I drive on good roads at speed limit speeds...no quick take offs and no hard braking...nor hard in and out of tight bends. (I've always dealt with the dealership as my 3 year Warranty only expires next week...Feb 2021)

[titomi]

Originally Posted by VrmmVrmm

I'm on my 3rd set of tyres in as many years (Feb 2018)...when my G01 X3 2.0D xline was delivered it came on BS Alenza RFTs (19") They wore considerably on the front pair outer shoulders...I only got 14k miles out of them. When the next set was put on I had the same tyres and a full alignment done and the uneven wear on the shoulders on the front pair was cured...adjustments were required? However I've just changed again having done another 14k miles on the newer set...genuine wear not uneven on the 2nd set of BS Alenza (19")

On my third set BMW dealership put on the newly specced Pirelli Cinturato RFT (19") I'll be interested to see how these compare with the previously fitted Alenza. BUT and here's the bottom line I cannot see how I'd ever get 20k+ miles out of these tyres I note as quoted you imply the OP will only at best get another 10K out of their tyres...I wonder how others are fairing? I drive on good roads at speed limit speeds...no quick take offs and no hard braking...nor hard in and out of tight bends. (I've always dealt with the dealership as my 3 year Warranty only expires next week...Feb 2021)

It is a little off topic, I even think, there is a thread for this. Nonetheless - 47k km, 2 sets of 19' (winter/summer). Last time I checked, the tread depth was OK ( as per indicators, didn't measure, I can if anyone interested). MY18 30i, mostly driving on a perfect Netherlands roads. Tyres are Pirelli Cinturato and Bridgestone Blizzaks. Never had alignment done from the purchase (only balancing), and no one suggested this when changing wheels (4 times if I'm not mistaken). I know they don't have to, but sometimes they give you advice without asking for one.

[VrmmVrmm]

Originally Posted by titomi

It is a little off topic, I even think, there is a thread for this. Nonetheless - 47k km, 2 sets of 19' (winter/summer). Last time I checked, the tread depth was OK ( as per indicators, didn't measure, I can if anyone interested). MY18 30i, mostly driving on a perfect Netherlands roads. Tyres are Pirelli Cinturato and Bridgestone Blizzaks. Never had alignment done from the purchase (only balancing), and no one suggested this when changing wheels (4 times if I'm not mistaken). I know they don't have to, but sometimes they give you advice without asking for one.

Thank you....I think you are ON topic as alignment if incorrectly set up has one obvious consequence and that is what the discussion has been about.

One thing I will ask is when you state the two brands of tyres you've used you do mean complete sets of each at the same time not a mix?

[MJE60]

Originally Posted by VrmmVrmm

I'm on my 3rd set of tyres in as many years (Feb 2018)...when my G01 X3 2.0D xline was delivered it came on BS Alenza RFTs (19") They wore considerably on the front pair outer shoulders...I only got 14k miles out of them. When the next set was put on I had the same tyres and a full alignment done and the uneven wear on the shoulders on the front pair was cured...adjustments were required? However I've just changed again having done another 14k miles on the newer set...genuine wear not uneven on the 2nd set of BS Alenza (19")

On my third set BMW dealership put on the newly specced Pirelli Cinturato RFT (19") I'll be interested to see how these compare with the previously fitted Alenza. BUT and here's the bottom line I cannot see how I'd ever get 20k+ miles out of these tyres I note as quoted you imply the OP will only at best get another 10K out of their tyres...I wonder how others are fairing? I drive on good roads at speed limit speeds...no quick take offs and no hard braking...nor hard in and out of tight bends. (I've always dealt with the dealership as my 3 year Warranty only expires next week...Feb 2021)

Interesting, I found that with runflats and the reinforced sidewall, even running slightly under pressure resulted in a high wear rate on the outer wall. I made sure to keep the pressure on higher recommended level and this then gave me very even tyre wear. The lower (low load) recommended pressure was not high enough on the RFT. Give it a try, it should also give you an extra 1-2 mpg. In case of doubt, on the RFT this did not caused the tyre centre tread to wear quicker which is normal for slight over inflation on non rf tyres, it just prevented excessive wear on the outer wall. I think RFT do not distribute the load evenly along the tread pattern so uneven wear may not automatically be an alignment problem.

[titomi]

Originally Posted by VrmmVrmm

Thank you....I think you are ON topic as alignment if incorrectly set up has one obvious consequence and that is what the discussion has been about.

One thing I will ask is when you state the two brands of tyres you've used you do mean complete sets of each at the same time not a mix?

Complete set. Winter set of Bridgestone Blizzaks LM001 RFT, summer set Pirelli Cinturato P7.

[CINCYFAN]

My wife and I each drive 2019 G01s (30i), the third and fourth BMWs I've purchased. I've previously owned two 3 series sedans (a 2010 E90 xDrive and 2014 F30 xDrive) and in eight years of regular service, the service advisor never suggested a tire rotation or alignment. In fact, I remember being told that BMW didn't recommend the tire rotation...I always thought that was somewhat odd but maybe was just a BMW thing.

So when I brought our X3s in for service in November and December 2020, they checked the tires and recommended the tire rotation and alignment. I went ahead and had them do both vehicles. Maybe it's different for sedans and suvs but I thought it was a good idea to go ahead and get the service done.

[jeff3820]

If you have a Discount Tire near you they will rotate tires for free...and repair flats for free as well.

[Yellowmattei]

Originally Posted by freshxdough

I don't agree that you should ONLY get an alignment done if you have "excessive" tire wear. My car has 15k and 21's, never touched a curb or a worrying pothole and my alignment was slightly out. Fronts wearing a bit on the outer edge maybe to 3-4mm and rears worn normally to 1-2mm. Just changed to MPS4S 255/295.

A yearly alignment is recommended. At the dealer an alignment is usually between $199-$299. If you get an extra 5-10k or more out of a set of tires because of the yearly alignments, then I would say that you actually save money by not replacing tires ($1,500-$2,500 for 4) too soon.

For M40i especially with 20/21" wheels your tires won't last that long anyways...

Alignment printout for reference.

This is interesting FreshX. Out of curiosity, is this more of an "amount of time" issue, or a "mileage" issue? If you're putting less miles on the car, then perhaps you don't need an alignment as often? I only had my 5er aligned but one time in the 8 years I owned it (when I switched out the RFT's), and I didn't have trouble with uneven wear, either with the idiot Goodyear LS2's or with the non-RFT Conti's I switched to after. Would you say this is something you should do even if you're not putting that many miles on the car?

[Wgosma]

Originally Posted by freshxdough

A yearly alignment is recommended. At the dealer an alignment is usually between $199-$299. If you get an extra 5-10k or more out of a set of tires because of the yearly alignments, then I would say that you actually save money by not replacing tires ($1,500-$2,500 for 4) too soon.

I can't agree with this annual alignment recommendation; it's not been my experience driving both RWD and AWD Bimmers for 15+ years. Agree that tire wear is not the ONLY indicator of need for alignment (improper tracking, etc. are indicators also). The only time I've ever had to align my cars were after suspension work, replacing shocks/struts, control or thrust arms and the like.

[rob175]

I only have the dealer perform the free every 10,000 mile oil changes. I have my "indy" change the oil in-between at 5,000 miles. My "indy" rotates my tires for free when he changes the oil. For regular maintenance service i never go to the "Stealer", only for warranty work or IF my "indy" suggests the issue is beyond his expertise.

Rotate often and the tires will "magically" wear better.....btw, I have the standard 18" wheels on my 2020 X3 30i x-drive so I have no issues rotating the tires.

[freshxdough]

Originally Posted by Yellowmattei

This is interesting FreshX. Out of curiosity, is this more of an "amount of time" issue, or a "mileage" issue? If you're putting less miles on the car, then perhaps you don't need an alignment as often? I only had my 5er aligned but one time in the 8 years I owned it (when I switched out the RFT's), and I didn't have trouble with uneven wear, either with the idiot Goodyear LS2's or with the non-RFT Conti's I switched to after. Would you say this is something you should do even if you're not putting that many miles on the car?

Well, the more time you drive the car (yearly per say) the more chances for the vehicle/suspension to wear, the more chances you hit a pot hole and slightly knock the alignment, the more chances you go to park and bump a curb and knock the alignment.

Something as small as holding the steering wheel hard on the left or right end stop can slightly knock the toe alignment.

All these things add up and eventually a vehicle can become out of alignment. That doesn't mean that you WILL have a pull, or you WILL have excessive tire wear. Certain alignment angles being out can result in heavy tire wear on inside/outside shoulders. Some alignment wear can be just slightly out and never be seen by tire wear or handling characteristics.

BMW alignment specs are between a very small tolerance.

[xtopher84]

Originally Posted by jeff3820

If you have a Discount Tire near you they will rotate tires for free...and repair flats for free as well.

Are alignments at Discount Tire good on a X3 M40 also? Much cheaper than at a dealer.