Here's the Kumho pics I promised (UUUUUUGLY!)

[TC535i]

This is what you could see from the outside... perfectly normal tire, just getting a little worn down, but not quite to the wear bar yet...

http://www.bimmer.info/bmw/blowout/outertread.jpg

But, this is what the inside looked like... Honestly, about 75% of the circumference of the sidewall had seperated from the tread. :(

http://www.bimmer.info/bmw/blowout/inside1.jpg

http://www.bimmer.info/bmw/blowout/inside2.jpg

http://www.bimmer.info/bmw/blowout/torn.jpg

Hard to see, but in this last pic, that's the hole in the sidewall where it blew out and lost pressure...

http://www.bimmer.info/bmw/blowout/thehole.jpg

Something's just not right, huh? Notice the wear bar in the 2nd picture... not even THAT worn out. I admit, I have lowered the rear and have a little more negative camber than stock, but if Gordon had this same issue and he's on STOCK rear suspension... something's just not right. And I KNOW he drives that car like a grandma... :D

[Brian C.]

....and under/over inflation maybe? I dunno, but it looks dangerous to me. Any history of recalls from Kuhmo?

Brian C.

[bimmerd00d]

funny, i had that exact problem with my Ecsta 712's

[MicahO]

Dude - imagine if that tire was on an Explorer ;)

[gordon]

That is amazing damage... can see where I was headed there as well.....

[Paul in NZ]

The PO had installed a set of 255x40 x17 Nankangs.....The outside looked fine and a previous safety inspection the tester said....watch the uneven tyre wear....At inspection two time my indy refused to drive the car back to me cos steel belts were showing in exactly the same way!!!(we swap cars for the day auto e28 525es?<>e34 535)

[TheGeak]

funny, i had that exact problem with my Ecsta 712's


ditto!!!!!

[JohnC]

my pirellis did that too on a stock suspension. missing chunks of tires on the inside.