About 2 weeks ago my dealer picked up my X3 M40i for its 12-month service, and I asked them to please look into any possible steering issues, tire issues, etc. They didn't, and after I changed my wheels out for my winter setup this past weekend, I discovered what I am feeling wrong in steering. the right side of both front wheels is severely worn in comparison to the rest of the tread, the right tire being the worst.

So, while I wait to hear back from my dealer as to when they can check the alignment, I've been trying unsuccessfully to determine if an alignment check would be covered. My 3 year/36,000 mile ends December 14th (only 27k miles).

Does anyone happen to know if this will be covered? And if not, what kind of price am I likely to see from my dealer for an alignment check?

Shame on me for not noticing the uneven wear, but it wasn't there this spring when I put the wheels on, and I've been driving it a bit harder and figured it was wearing down evenly across the entire tire. Shame on the dealer for not looking into it or noticing it on their inspection when specifically asked to do so.

Wow, some excessive amount of wear there on the outside extremities of the tyre.

Those tires were toe'd out for sure. Alignments are not typically covered by the manufacture unless within the 1st year or 12k miles.

Alignments are covered for the first 2000 miles. No need for an alignment check. Just get it aligned at an indy shop.

Yeah my 20" Alenzas were nearly bald on the outer shoulder at 14,000 miles with about 4/32 tread depth left in the center. Center tread and inner shoulder were fine.

Had an alignment done after replacing the Alenzas and the Right Front Toe was within the limit but at the max, and adjusted to be middle. Rest of it was all fine.

Just in case it was missed or not clear, the left side tire is worn on the inside, and the right side tire on the outside.

My local tire shop guy suggested having BMW dealer align it, based on the available options in my town.

Alignment is not a warranty claim. You can screw up your front end driving out of dealers lot.

Had maximum toe-in on my X3, so while arguably "in spec" it ate those outer shoulders very quickly. Had a left rear which was pointing in all the wrong directions as well, didn't show signs of wear but the car was an absolute handful to drive (small bumps were also direction changes)

OP's wear looks like that's definitely in need of a proper BMW alignment as you've got a whole host of issues driving alternate inner/outer wear like that. Ask to keep front toe neutral/middle.

but what misaglignment could have caused this?

If it is toe angle, then you will see symmetric wear since the car go straight lines most of the time

If it is camber, unfortunately the camber on X3 is not adjustable and should stay fixed all the time unless you have severe front suspension damage.

Can you tell just by looking at the front wheels which direction they tilt?

Well just finished an alignment. Had it done at the dealer for $159. Local shop wanted $100 and I was confident they could do it correctly, plus had there been other issues, they would not have had replacement parts. Tech said there was both toe in and camber adjustments made. They were not out horribly bad he said, but were out.