rotate tires on a new-to-me BMW 335i?

[barlowc]

Originally Posted By: jjjxlr8
There are 'performance' benefits from rotating your tires. Rotating your tires can reduce tire noise by reducing the heal toe wear that develops naturally in a tire from rolling primarily in a single direction. Trailing edge of the tread blocks will wear faster than the leading edge, resulting in a 'saw-tooth' like profile which can generate a LOT of noise. Doesn't take much.

OP Update... I think jjjxlr8 hit the nail on the head. Examining the tires closely, I noticed a slight difference in tread block wear on the front tires compared to the rear tires. I went to my local tire shop and had the tires rotated front-to-rear, rear-to-front for free and immediately noticed a reduction in noise.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Barlowc, did you detect any deteriorate in performance/handling after rotation ?

I have tires on my E430 rotate regularly(5-6k miles) with front to rear cross, rear straight to front and never notice any differences in noise and performance/handling.

The one benefit with regular rotation is even wear(within 1/32") for all tires. So that when time for new tires I need to buy 4, and usually AT/DT has good sale(rebate) for a set of 4 on major holidays.

 

[barlowc]

Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
Barlowc, did you detect any deteriorate in performance/handling after rotation?

No. The steering feels a bit less tight at lower speeds, but that may just be my imagination. The vehicle is still very new to me and I'm not as attuned to things yet.