X5 Alignment at 23K miles?

[bootleg gucci]

So I bring my 2016 x35i for factory service (23K miles at 2 yrs 9 months), and BMW service has these "laser tire scanners" which all the vehicles drive over at the garage entrance.

The SA gave me a printout and recommended alignment (see pic) because of outer tread wear numbers. Equipped are Original stock 19" rims with Pirelli verde scorpion run flats. (Driver side rear tire was replaced under warranty around 3k miles)

Are they blowing smoke up my ass for an unnecessary out of pocket service?

[smyles]

Originally Posted by bootleg gucci

...

Are they blowing smoke up my ass for an unnecessary out of pocket service?

yes

[Rotzy]

In my experience, the X5 seems to wear the outside edge faster than the inside edge when properly aligned. Although there have been cases here on the forum of new X5's needing an alignment, yours seem just fine. If the alignment was out of spec, you would most likely see a linear change in depth across the tire: ie, 5, 6, 7, 8. If anything, I would say your tires have been slightly under-inflated during their life, contributing to the higher inside/outside wear compared to the center. Of course, this opinion is purely based on tread depth measurements and does not take in to account the wear of the outside tread block.

If the vehicle is not pulling, the steering wheel is straight and the outside tread block does not show signs of excessive wear, I would not let them touch it until the next time you replace the tires. Based on your current wear vs. mileage, I would expect another 20-25k miles on these tires before you need to think about replacement, unless you require snow traction, then maybe a little sooner.

[F15 X5 Silversurfer]

Many will laugh at what I am going to suggest, but believe me it is a good quick indication of your wheel alignment.
If you wipe your finger tips gently across the tyre tread, if the feeling is smooth both ways, then your alignment is about right.
However if the tread grooves feel sharp,like saw teeth, going inwards then the wheel alignment is toeing OUT too much.
Conversely, if the tread grooves are sharp when you withdraw your fingers then the wheel alignment is toeing IN too much.
Quite simple really.

[Kzang]

Originally Posted by F15 X5 Silversurfer

Many will laugh at what I am going to suggest, but believe me it is a good quick indication of your wheel alignment.
If you wipe your finger tips gently across the tyre tread, if the feeling is smooth both ways, then your alignment is about right.
However if the tread grooves feel sharp,like saw teeth, going inwards then the wheel alignment is toeing OUT too much.
Conversely, if the tread grooves are sharp when you withdraw your fingers then the wheel alignment is toeing IN too much.
Quite simple really.

Not laughing here cause this is what my tire guy told me.

I'd take the X5 to a local tire store and get another inspection.

[Rotzy]

Originally Posted by F15 X5 Silversurfer

Many will laugh at what I am going to suggest, but believe me it is a good quick indication of your wheel alignment.
If you wipe your finger tips gently across the tyre tread, if the feeling is smooth both ways, then your alignment is about right.
However if the tread grooves feel sharp,like saw teeth, going inwards then the wheel alignment is toeing OUT too much.
Conversely, if the tread grooves are sharp when you withdraw your fingers then the wheel alignment is toeing IN too much.
Quite simple really.

Great information, F15 X5 Silversurfer. This is an easy way of checking Toe.

Uneven tire wear (ie. the printout the OP was given) is an easy way of checking Camber.

[Russmov]

Originally Posted by F15 X5 Silversurfer

Many will laugh at what I am going to suggest, but believe me it is a good quick indication of your wheel alignment.
If you wipe your finger tips gently across the tyre tread, if the feeling is smooth both ways, then your alignment is about right.
However if the tread grooves feel sharp,like saw teeth, going inwards then the wheel alignment is toeing OUT too much.
Conversely, if the tread grooves are sharp when you withdraw your fingers then the wheel alignment is toeing IN too much.
Quite simple really.

This is what I love about this community. People helping people. Glad to be apart of it and learn some tips and tricks along the way.

[boyce89976]

Originally Posted by F15 X5 Silversurfer

Many will laugh at what I am going to suggest, but believe me it is a good quick indication of your wheel alignment.
If you wipe your finger tips gently across the tyre tread, if the feeling is smooth both ways, then your alignment is about right.
However if the tread grooves feel sharp,like saw teeth, going inwards then the wheel alignment is toeing OUT too much.
Conversely, if the tread grooves are sharp when you withdraw your fingers then the wheel alignment is toeing IN too much.
Quite simple really.

OP, your wear is symmetrical, which suggests your alignment is probably fine.

@silversurfer This is good info, but keep in mind some cupping is inevitable at BMW's suggested stock toe settings.

I always have them set toe as close to zero as possible, hoping for .00" or .02".