[Hopester]

Noticed last week that the two front tyres of our '04 Cooper were wearing off severely on the inside edges. Only the inside 1/2 inch is affected. The wear is so sudden you can feel a definate ridge from the centre of the tyre to the worn area (3mm tread remaining on the remainder of the tyre ) - totally bald on inside edge .
Took the car to the dealer a few days ago. The response - result of normal wear and tear, potholes etc. and that the car would need a four wheel alignment check. Stated I was not happy and that numerous other cars I had owned had never suffered such a problem. I have suggested that BMW look into the matter on my behalf and am waiting for a response.
Today, casually chatting with a work colleague when the subject of MINIs came up. He told me his daughter had a Cooper, but they got rid of it when they started to experience problems. When asked what nature of problems, he replied amonst other things - front tyres repeatedly wearing off on the inside edges!!

Anyone else any knowledge or experience of such a problem?

[Mike Edwards]

It's a tracking problem, which can be caused by hitting potholes, kerbs etc.

It also happens to other cars, but unless that have runflats (with v. stiff sidewalls) it will need to be much more severe/take a lot longer bofore you notice uneven wear.