Wondering why your BMW tires wear out so fast? Premature tire wear is a common problem with BMWs and there are various reasons behind it. Tires wearing out faster than you expected is a disappointment but you aren’t alone with this problem.
There are a few reasons why BMW tires frequently wear out faster than they should. One is simply due to the design and the weight distribution of many BMWs. Many BMWs suffer from improper wheel alignment which puts more pressure on some parts of the wheels. Many BMWs nowadays have low-profile wheels which wear out faster than regular wheels. Finally, many BMW owners will find that their tires don’t last as long as they should simply because they drive their vehicles like racecars.
The good news is that you can avoid some of these issues. There are a lot of tips and tricks that you can follow to avoid the tires from wearing out quickly. But first, you have to learn the root causes of premature tire wear so you can avoid this problem. So, let’s learn everything about BMW tires!
Reasons Why BMW Tires Wear Out Fast
BMW tires wear out fairly quickly in most of its models. BMW doesn’t manufacture its own tires and uses tires of famous manufacturers such as Bridgestone, Dunlop, Pirelli, etc. A BMW may come with a set of all-season tires or season-specific tires. The point here is that the quality of the tire is not the problem when it comes to BMW tire wear. Continental and Bridgestone are also popular on new BMWs and these brands are well known for their high-quality tires.
The typical BMW tire will last for about 25,000-30,000 miles which is slightly less than other major automobile companies. I will caution, however, that this average can vary significantly from driver to driver. We will dive into why that is below.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the BMW rear tires will typically wear out quicker. There are various reasons for this. So, let’s find out the major reasons why BMW tires wear out so fast!
BMW’s Weight and Design
BMW is designed in such a way that causes the tires to wear out more quickly than on many other vehicles. BMWs tend to be heavier than comparable vehicles so doing things like burnout and drifting puts a lot of weight on the back of the tires. But you don’t necessarily need to be driving like a bat out of Hell to notice that your rear tires are wearing more quickly than the fronts. This will happen to some degree regardless of your driving style.
Poor Wheel Alignment
You can have a wheel alignment problem on any car. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to wheel alignment problems, but it is safe to say that some BMW models are known for more wheel alignment issues than other vehicles.
Generally, you will need to have your tires aligned once every 5,000-10,000 miles, but once again this is just a general figure. For those of you who live in states like Ohio where the roads are littered with potholes the size of a house, you will likely need your wheels aligned more frequently.
Improper wheel alignment is one of the major reasons for tires wearing out quicker than they should. Bad wheel alignment is where the tires have an uneven amount of pressure applied to them individually. This uneven pressure will cause a host of different symptoms, ranging from uneven and fast tire wear to difficulty steering.
Neglecting Maintenance
BMW tires require tire rotation after every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Moreover, checking the air pressure in the tires and keeping it in a balance is also necessary. If you live in an area with normal seasonal weather fluctuations (not Florida) then you can expect to have to inflate your tires in the winter. Ignoring improper wheel alignment and not getting the wheels balanced from time to time will cause the tires to wear out.
Most people don’t maintain their tires and then expect the tires to last their full lifespan. BMW tires need a little extra care due to the car’s weight. Ignoring the maintenance will have your tires wear out quite often.
Low Profile of BMW Tires
BMW tires are often narrow and have a low profile. Low-profile tires wear out a little faster than standard tires. Low-profile tires have a lot of advantages but one of the minor disadvantages is that due to the increased grip they will suffer from more wear and tear.
Low-profile tires are also more susceptible to damage while cornering at speeds and while driving over speed bumps and potholes.
Bad Driving Habits
It’s not always the manufacturer’s fault that the tires wear out quicker. Sometimes, bad driving habits also cause the demise of your tires. Rash driving – especially off-road, pushing hard while going through tight corners, jamming on brakes, etc. causes the tires to die in no time.
Many people purchase BMWs because they make fun cars and use them accordingly. There is nothing wrong with having a little fun with your high-end German vehicle, but you should be aware that this will lead to higher costs.
How Much Do BMW Tires Cost?
Another question that you might be wondering is how much will new BMW tires actually cost? Well, that varies depending on the model BMW you own, but below is a rough guide to what you can expect to pay per tire on a BMW.
| BMW Series | Tire Size | Cost of Replacement (per tire) |
| BMW Series 2 | 225/40 R18 | $100-$150 |
| BMW Series 3 | 265/50 R19 | $100-$250 |
| BMW Series 4 | 225/35/ R20 | $110-$320 |
| BMW Series 5 | 275/40 R18 to 225/55R17 | $150-$350 |
| BMW Series 6 | 245/40 R19 | $60 (budget tire)-$240 |
| BMW Series 7 | 275/35 R20 | $61 (budget tire)-$240 |
| BMW Series 8 | 245/40 R19 | $150-$200 |
BMW Tire Maintenance Tips: Make Them Last Longer!
If you want your BMW tires to last longer, you can follow the tips and tricks mentioned below. Even though the major reason for BMW tires wearing out fast is the vehicle’s design and weight, you can still make them last longer. So, let’s find out some tips!
Regularly Check Your Tires
Check for any early signs of excessive tire wear. This is important, as you can often catch an alignment or tire rotation early and this will save you money on tires.
Look for signs like:
- Uneven wear on tires.
- Diagonal marks on tires.
- Bumps or bulges on tires.
- Deep and long scrapes on tires.
- Unusual noises from the tires while driving.
Keep Suitable Driving Habits
Bad driving habits (while fun) can make the tires wear out faster than your expectations. You should avoid practices such as burnouts and drifting unless you are willing to fork over the extra money in tire costs.
Avoiding situations where you need to perform hard stops will do a favor on your tires. Hard braking causes a lot of wear and tear to your tires. You can’t avoid a hard brake when you really need it, but you can certainly reduce the situations where you will need to make sudden, hard stops.
Rotate Your Tires
Getting your tires rotated after every 5,000-7,500 miles is important. Especially in cars like BMW, where there is frequently uneven wear on the tires. If you rotate the tires, all parts of it will be used. Otherwise, one part will keep getting used and worn and you will have to replace the tire in no time.
Keep Air Pressure in Balance
Having the proper air pressure in your tires is as important as a tire rotation. You should check the air pressure of your BMW tires monthly. Be sure to monitor your tires for low pressure during the winter as tires typically deflate a bit in colder temperatures. Having proper pressure in your tires means they can carry your vehicle’s load and it will also help you out on gas mileage.
Best Tires for BMW
If you think your tires need a replacement, you should get the best tires for your BMW. Suitable tires mean a better driving experience. Even though every BMW model uses different tires, there are some tires that work on multiple models. So, let’s find out about some of the best BMW tires!
These tires are all-season and come in a variety of sizes. All-season tires work best in areas where there is both extreme heat and adequate cold.
Michelin energy saver tires are all-season with an eco-friendly design. This tire comes in a variety of sizes. These all-season tires have better tread than season-specific tires. This provides you with a better driving experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Brand of Tires Does BMW Use?
As BMW doesn’t manufacture its own tires, they use high-quality brands like Pirelli, Bridgestone, Michelin, Dunlop, and Goodyear. All of these brands are top-tier and make exceptional tires.
When Should You Change BMW Tires?
Your BMW tires might be good mileage-wise for around 25,000 to 30,000 miles, but if you put very few miles on your car year to year you will likely need to replace them sooner. Most tires should be thoroughly inspected after six years and should be replaced after eight years regardless of how many miles you have put on them. Climatic effects, UV rays, and bad weather conditions will wear out your tires even if you do not drive your BMW frequently.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know why BMW tires wear out and how you can avoid this situation, you can get the most out of your car. If you follow the suggested tips and maintain your tires regularly, you won’t have to worry about the tires wearing out quicker than they should. Most people blame the brand and don’t fix their driving habits. But now that you know the issues and root causes of the tires wearing out, you can easily use them for as long as possible. Happy driving!