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[Doctor///M]

Hey all,

I just purchased my first BMW - an 09 335i and have only one concern about it. The car is doing 23k miles and I think it still has the original tires on it (18" Bridgestone RFTs) . At what point do most change the tires? I'm in TX, so they've only seen dry pavement for at least 95% of its life.

Right now the wheels are making a "whoop whoop" sound, but I'm not sure if they're specific to my set, or RFT's in general. There is still a decent amount of tread left on the tires, but this much noise at 23k miles???

Suggestions?

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by vtm6000

Hey all,

I just purchased my first BMW - an 09 335i and have only one concern about it. The car is doing 23k miles and I think it still has the original tires on it (18" Bridgestone RFTs) . At what point do most change the tires? I'm in TX, so they've only seen dry pavement for at least 95% of its life.

Right now the wheels are making a "whoop whoop" sound, but I'm not sure if they're specific to my set, or RFT's in general. There is still a decent amount of tread left on the tires, but this much noise at 23k miles???

Suggestions?

Get a good tread depth gauge and measure all tires - especially the rears as they tend to wear out first on rwd cars. And don't forget to measure at various points across the tread. If you are below 4/32", replace the tires.

You didn't say whether you have Potenza (summer performance) or Turanza (all-season) RFTs. The OEM Potenzas seldom last more than about 20k on the rear and the Turanza's might go 25k.

The sound you describe could also be due to a bad wheel bearing or an internally damaged tire.

Tom

[Doctor///M]

Originally Posted by Tom K.

Get a good tread depth gauge and measure all tires - especially the rears as they tend to wear out first on rwd cars. And don't forget to measure at various points across the tread. If you are below 4/32", replace the tires.

You didn't say whether you have Potenza (summer performance) or Turanza (all-season) RFTs. The OEM Potenzas seldom last more than about 20k on the rear and the Turanza's might go 25k.

The sound you describe could also be due to a bad wheel bearing or an internally damaged tire.

Tom

Suggestions worth noting. I'll call my dealer and have them take it for a spin. They are the Potenzas.

I had Potenza 760's on my Subaru a couple years back and didn't fancy them much since I had issues with understeer on sharp corners. Maybe it was the Subaru...

[Doctor///M]

Took the car to the dealership yesterday and they had a run in it. Apparently the person who owned the car before had the front tires under inflated, which led to uneven wear, and there is a "cup" effect on the tire shoulders which makes the noise. Tire 101 stuff here. I'll ride it out until they need to be replaced (at least another 5K miles).