Does BMW need tire rotation?

Question

I have a 2002 325i. Now the front tires wore out at the edge but the center tread is good, while the rear tires wore out at the center and the edge is still good. I guess that's because it's rear wheel drive. Dealer said BMW didn't need tire rotation and suggested change all 4 tires. But I can't see why rotating the tires wouldn't work. Does anybody know?

Answer 1

first off, they do need rotation on a regular basis, but it sounds like your tires are just worn out.

if the center of a tire is worn, it generally means you had too much pressure in the tire.
if the side of it is, chances are you either dont rotate enough, or your car is out of alignment.

Answer 2

First, your tires will need to be rotated. Chances are most likely that you don't have different sized rims between the front and the back tires, and tires can be rotated even if uni-directional (a flip over rather than a straight rotation).

The wear pattern on the front tires MIGHT not be an allignment problem. Uneven tire wear can be caused by aggressive cornering over time. On the rear tires... well, edit because you changed your data. the back tires were over-inflated. (that definately sounds like an alignment problem.) You should definately have that checked as being out of alignment is hard on your tires, your car, and your gas mileage.

As to whether or not the tires need to be replaced, that's a question of how much wear has been done to the edges of the tires. If it's not bad, a simple rotation can fix this situation. If it is significant then yes, all four tires should be replaced (or, if two are significant and two aren't just replace two).

Answer 3

According to BMW NA, they do not recommend tire rotation as uneven tire wear could cause possible road noise and wheel vibrations as well as cause unpredictable braking and handling characteristics. BMW tires should wear differently, from front to back, as BMW sets up their suspension with different camber angles from the factory. Most modern BMW's rear tires will wear out in the inner-side before the outside shows any wear. This is normal, and they need replaced. You mentioned the center of your rear tires were worn. If it is the true "center" of the tires, I would check the tire pressures, as over-inflated tires could cause the "center" of the tire itself to wear prematurely. Overall, your tires are the only points where your car actually touches the ground. It does not matter how good the car is otherwise. Tire performance affects braking, handling, and safety. Most people spend thousands of dollars on their cars, only to try and save a buck or two on tires. Does that make sense to you?
I recommend that you buy new tires and enjoy the car...but don't buy the tires from a BMW dealer, they almost always charge too much. Instead, find a tire specialty shop in your area, they will offer a better tire selection and you will save a lot of money.
Good luck!

Answer 4

All tires benefit from tire rotation. If you have different size tires on the front and rear, you cannot rotate across axles. If you have directional tires (the pattern looks like a "V and the sidewall will have an arrow indicating the direction of rotation), then you CAN rotate from left to right, but the tires must be dismounted and flipped on the wheel. This is a hassle for most shops so they don't want to do it.

Answer 5

It depends largely on what wheels you have on your BMW, and what tires. I personally can not because I have M Parallels that are 18 inches in the back and 17 inches in the front, and are different widths. Check if all of your tires are the same, if so, you should have no problem with rotation

Answer 6

you need to rotate the tires on any car no matter what kind a little problem with them they dont self rotate

and real wheel dirve doesnt make it start waring out in certan parts it will ware out the back faster though but the front tires wareing on the edge and back center because tires are at a tilt

Answer 7

mate all cars need regular tyre rotation and balance atleast once very 6 months, as front wear faster when you rotate you extend the life of your car and if tyres wearing in spots you need a wheel alignment to fix that or u will always have the problem, if u need any more help ask around tyre shops dont just ask one as theyll say nethen to get your money, thanks budd enjoy

Answer 8

You cannot rotate them if the tires are unidirectional or if the front and back are a different size.

Answer 9

trotating of tires din't work because th rim of the tire is not aerodynamic in structure.