I don't have my receipts with me, but I recall paying around $200 more for the four Michelins mounted on the 20" wheels on my 4.8 sport. This was after getting the Contis balanced/indexed, swapped side to side, my alignment checked, and a new wheel purchased. Finally, the manager decided that enough was enough and he offered to get me into a different tire. No issues at all with the Michelins. Well worth the extra cost.

OK, I might ask about a discount... Thanks for the heads up.

To OP. I had the exact same issue with the new Contis I got from discount tires. It was pulling hard to the right. It was fixed after a dealer alignment and Discount Tires reimbursed me for the cost which was $180 with tax. They also swapped a defective front left tire. The car tracks sort of straight now, but I noticed that it has a lot to do with the road that I'm driving on everyday. Sometimes it pulls right, sometimes left, I verified it with my wife's car which pulls in the same directions traveling on the same road. I can't say I'm 100% happy with the Contis but I learned to live with it as I just don't have the time and energy to go back and forth between the dealer and Discount Tire. After reading your story, I will definitely go with the Michelin's the next time around.

Thanks for sharing.

Thanks... Honestly, as frustrating as it is, I'll be happy if it's the tires. It's a quick and easy fix. I'm still frustrated by the misinformation provided by my SA. I'm convinced that if I had not involved the Service Director, my car would be in pieces and on it's way to Spartanburg for forensic examination by BMW :) A real rookie mistake by the SA, especially given that I told him the tires had just been replaced.

Anyway, we'll see what happens tomorrow. I'll post an update when I have more news.

That's the crowning on the road causing your drift now. Any tire will do that to some extent.

I have the Conti's and couldn't be happier.

UPDATE 12/8:

SUCCESS!!!

So, I am extremely happy to report that my issues have been solved (well, at least those related to my X5, haha). I picked up the car from my dealer this morning. Service Director was super nice, fixed the steering issue (wheel turning more in one direction than the other) and cleaned up dirty seat and door panel. They also put my original camber arm back on the car and did another full re-alignment, all at no charge.

Went over to Discount Tire at lunchtime, had the Michelin Latitude Tour HP's installed, and guess what... No pulling or drifting whatsoever! I couldn't be happier. Not to mention I feel like the car just drives better with the Michelins. The Contis were very quiet and comfortable, but the Michelins feel like a better fit for the car - of course that's totally subjective and just my opinion after a short drive. They will take a few weeks to fully break in.

Regardless, they are still a huge improvement over the RFT's... Highly recommended.

Thanks to all the people here for your ongoing help, support and words of encouragement. I really appreciate it :)

Sorry to hear that you have to go through all of this pain in the rear on a spanking brand new car. Now its time to enjoy that beautiful ride :D.

You are much better off with the Michelins, they are the only company that will honor the mileage Warranty with BMW's aggressive alignment setting. I have them and will put the Run Flats back at the end of my lease.

Thanks for the kind words... I agree the Michelin's appear to be much better suited to the X5.