good question! All i know is the rears are about toast. wear on the left rear is worse than the right like most people have noted. I was in an unfortunate accident july 2012 and I needed a whole new rear suspension and just about everything that was connected to the rear end ( i was t-boned in my left rear wheel. messed up just the suspension and components. everyone in the car was safe). I also saw a 4 wheel alignment was done upon completion of the work but not sure what the readings were at the time. I just took a basic assumption that the alignment was done by BMW specifics since all the repair work was completed at a BMW dealer here in Northern VA. I am just mind boggled that these OEM tires wear out like the did when i had my M3. Maybe thats just the way i drive. Spirited. My first oil service is up in about a month/month and half and I will be sure to request alignment with readings. Is there an alignment setting that proves better overall wear and driving over OEM settings? Curious to know if there is, why hasn't BMW make the change so us consumers stay happy?