1999 528i unusual outer wear on front tires question - BMW Forum

bazelot · 05-12-2008, 01:17 PM

I am new to this forum. I love it. lots of excellent info.
I live in CA and I am looking to buy a 1999 528i with 86K (with sport package). The car is in awesome shape inside and out. However I noticed that the front tires need to be changed. There a high degree of wear on the outer side of the tires. I am wondering if this could be a potential issue with the car. The rear tires are fine. I am wondering if this is indicative of the style of driving or a camber issue (if so what can bring about a camber issue)
Any help is appreciated

Tom

witeshark · 05-12-2008, 01:24 PM

Has the alignment been checked?

bazelot · 05-12-2008, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by witeshark

Has the alignment been checked?

The alignement was done 3 months ago from what the seller says.

winters97E39 · 05-12-2008, 02:42 PM

Ask if you or he can take it to a mechanic to have it professionally inspected..How much is he asking for it? I mean, weigh the price against what it might cost to fix it, if there is a problem. Uneven wear on one side of the tire is definitely a camber issue of some sort, but could be a bunch of things. Camber was not set at the alignment, or it was way out before it was aligned 3 months ago, and the uneven wear was from that; could be a bent strut, weak springs (probably not), but a more common thing would be worn out control arm bushings. 86K miles is on the upper edge for bushing life but not really too many miles. I would take a good look at the front suspension, make sure its all good up there.

bazelot · 05-12-2008, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winters97E39

Ask if you or he can take it to a mechanic to have it professionally inspected..How much is he asking for it? I mean, weigh the price against what it might cost to fix it, if there is a problem. Uneven wear on one side of the tire is definitely a camber issue of some sort, but could be a bunch of things. Camber was not set at the alignment, or it was way out before it was aligned 3 months ago, and the uneven wear was from that; could be a bent strut, weak springs (probably not), but a more common thing would be worn out control arm bushings. 86K miles is on the upper edge for bushing life but not really too many miles. I would take a good look at the front suspension, make sure its all good up there.

He is asking $10600 for it. Is it expensive to replace the control arm bushing?

AlpineSixAndSeven · 05-12-2008, 04:04 PM

If you do it not TO bad if you have it done it can cost you quite a few pretty pennies