So I'm having a bit of a problem with my R53 and tire wear. The car wore out last set of tires I had on the inside edges of the front wheels as if I was running a lot of negative camber. My suspension is original and stock, But my Wheels are 17x8 Et 42. I had an alignment done before I got new tires to correct the wear pattern, but I just had my tires rotated and the same thing is happening. outter edges of the front tires have normal wear and the inner edges are bald.

Is this a common thing for Mini's to eat up tires like this? right now I can only assume that the alignment shop didn't do a good job. I'm kind of confused what I should do. I don't want to go get another alignment and end up in the same boat.

car is 2005 r53 150,000KM original suspension. I guess its possible for the strut mounts to be deformed from general use and that is throwing off the alignment.

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I dont think its the wheel size and offset are the problem. It did the same thing when I have the stock 16" honey combs

 

Could be an alignment issue, but at 150k miles I'd look for bad bushings and ball joints. They may not show up during an alignment but once you start hitting bumps and steering they'll chew up your tires

 

Is the car lowered?
Lots of "spirited" turns fo tend to eat up the inside edges of the front tires....

 

KM.. not miles. have new tie rods in there. I may just get an alignment, take the turns real slow and sell the car in the next couple of months. I really have no need for a sporty car, nor can I afford it anymore

 

At your mileage the lower control arm bushing have worn to dust. It is possible other front end components are worn out too. If any of those parts are worn out you are not getting a good alignment.

 

Cool, thanks. I'm not sinking any more money into this car. I don't even remotely enjoy it. I'll just be taking it easy for the next couple months until I get a different DD

 

there is test for LCA bushing on a youtube video. Basically stand in front of the front wheel and kick the tire towards the back of the car. If the wheel moves back at all, then the bushing should be replaced.

 

Still have the old rims?
Hate to say it, but going too wide without the need for the grip can make a mini feel pretty bad....and heavy rims and tires...even worse.
Bet if you go back to narrower rims you might fall back in love with your car...be a fun ride again, steer more easily, less tramliming,hydroplaneing, better ride, even better mpg....more fun, lighter steering 8 inch wide rims on a mini can be useful for tracks or for specific looks....but for sheer fun in a daily driver, imo, 6.5 wide rims and good tires on a 16 (or a 17 if you have a bbk) is hard to beat!!

 

Look to the strut tower for mushrooming and top strut bushings.
A short piece of 2 X 4 and a big hammer followed by strut tower braces is one solution and you can eyeball the bushings. I'll bet you will find they have torn. After that many miles I can just about guarantee they are shot. Mine were gone at 80K. I added braces before any mushrooming could take place. There was a thread posted here a few weeks ago with the same problem only on one side.

 

Give Way a call and order a set of lower control arm bushings. A couple hundred bucks and an afternoon in the garage and it'll be all better.