I know this topic has been beaten to death, but none of the posts really explain my issue. I have an '11 r56 mcs with an auto and n18 engine. It's all stock. About 12k miles ago (maybe longer, I'll have to check) I ordered and installed 4 Michelin pilot sport a/s 3 205/45r17 on kosei rims all from Tire Rack. They have progressively gotten louder at speed. First, I thought it was the wheel bearings, so I had a reputable local BMW garage check it out. They were fine. They checked the 4 wheel alignment which was also fine. All the suspension bits were in good shape too. They said the rear tires were cupped. So, off to a tire shop to have the tires/rims inspected and balance checked. Again, no problems found. I keep the tire pressures correct. Granted, I had been under the impression rotating hi performance tires wasn't good, so then hadn't been. This had been our toy, but it's now it's the wife's daily driver. The noise doesn't bother her, but it's deafening to me. Sounds like a truck with mud tires. Will rotating these now do any good, or are the back 2 ruined? Can/should they be shaved? Thanks!

 

How many miles, what tires, any pictures, when was the car aligned last?

 

Car has 91000 now
tires on at 75000
alignment at 76000
81000
88000
tires/rims and balance checked at 88000

 

Rotate the tires to keep the wear even.

I have Michelin Pilot Super Sports, on rough pavement (a lot of that around here) they are really loud, gets worse as they wear. A fact of life with some tires unfortunately.

 

read
http://www.tirewear.org/steps-on-how...-tire-cupping/

Look at pictures of tire cupping then look at your worn tires, are they the same?

If alignment is within OEM spec and there are no worn suspension parts then you can increase air pressure slightly to reduce the wear.

Tire rubber gets hard with time and age, they can be noisy and firmer riding even with as little as 20,000 miles.

Do you regularly use any tire treatment dressing? If so stop doing that as it is only cosmetic and may age the rubber.

UV light outdoors ages rubber as does ozone.

 

If the rear camber is borderline or *just* within spec it could cause cupping. Had it happen on my daughter's 2005 Justa. Quick fix was some Dorman lower control arms off of Amazon.