Tire Blowout problems of the 2001 BMW 325

Took my car to BMW delaer to get tires rotated. They called me and said I need 4 new tires. My 325i is a 2001 and has 18,000 miles on it. My father has been in the car business all his life and said that my tires should have been good for at least 30,000 miles - especially with the low mileage I have. I have found so many complaints on the internet against continental and premature tire wear. There is obviously a problem that needs to be addressed. It is both a safety issue and a financial issue. Who wants to shell out $400 for new tires when they don't even last as long as they are supposed to! I am so scared to drive right now because I am afraid of a tire blowout. I am also going to write a letter to continental and request that they either replace all my tires or at least give me pro rata for new tires. Nhtsa - please look into this further!!!.