'06 Z4MR

MadGus · 06-18-2020, 03:48 PM

Hi folks. 57.5k miles on the clock, and I'm looking to replace my two rear tires with Michelin PS4s (stock size on stock wheels).

Current rear tires are wearing on the outside faster than on the inside, which tells me I need an alignment. The rear shocks and springs are original stock. I don't track this car.

My question: should I go ahead and upgrade my rear shocks (with Bilstein B6, new mounts and bump stops) before getting an alignment with the new rubber on the rears?

My local indie shop charges $195 for an alignment.

pyshin · 06-19-2020, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadGus

Hi folks. 57.5k miles on the clock, and I'm looking to replace my two rear tires with Michelin PS4s (stock size on stock wheels).

Current rear tires are wearing on the outside faster than on the inside, which tells me I need an alignment. The rear shocks and springs are original stock. I don't track this car.

My question: should I go ahead and upgrade my rear shocks (with Bilstein B6, new mounts and bump stops) before getting an alignment with the new rubber on the rears?

My local indie shop charges $195 for an alignment.

Yes

MadGus · 06-21-2020, 05:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pyshin

Yes

Because installing new shocks will push the wheels out of proper alignment if I do that later?

pyshin · 06-21-2020, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadGus

Because installing new shocks will push the wheels out of proper alignment if I do that later?

Positive camber in the rear (wearing faster on the outside of the tire) points to an abnormality in the suspension somewhere; when replacing things (especially on a 14-year-old car) I tend to err on the side of caution and replace complementary parts. If you trust your mechanic have them inspect your suspension and see if anything warrants replacement, you may be fine with just replacing the tires and getting a proper alignment.

Clearancediver · 06-21-2020, 06:55 PM

Nope...replace shocks.

Replacing shocks is a reasonably easy-medium DIY. It's more likely true that the shocks need replacing than the shocks are in good condition.

MadGus · 06-23-2020, 05:04 AM

Thanks to both of you! Very helpful.

06-18-2020, 03:48 PM	#1
MadGus Private First Class 80 Rep 100 Posts Drives: 2006 Z4MR Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW Z4MR [0.00]	'06 Z4MR - uneven tire wear Hi folks. 57.5k miles on the clock, and I'm looking to replace my two rear tires with Michelin PS4s (stock size on stock wheels). Current rear tires are wearing on the outside faster than on the inside, which tells me I need an alignment. The rear shocks and springs are original stock. I don't track this car. My question: should I go ahead and upgrade my rear shocks (with Bilstein B6, new mounts and bump stops) before getting an alignment with the new rubber on the rears? My local indie shop charges $195 for an alignment.
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06-21-2020, 06:55 PM	#5
Clearancediver Lieutenant 89 Rep 406 Posts Drives: 2004 Z4 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Victoria, BC Canada iTrader: (0)	Nope...replace shocks. Replacing shocks is a reasonably easy-medium DIY. It's more likely true that the shocks need replacing than the shocks are in good condition. __________________ Sent from my smart phone...
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06-23-2020, 05:04 AM	#6
MadGus Private First Class 80 Rep 100 Posts Drives: 2006 Z4MR Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW Z4MR [0.00]	Thanks to both of you! Very helpful.
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