Alignment Tips

[EUPHORIA]

I'm taking my car in for alignment and balancing on Thursday. Any tips you guys can give as to what settings to go for? I have a 5 series, so I don't want a major sporty setup. I do want a little camber, for the better ride and looks, but don't know exactly how many degrees to go for? Don't want major uneven tirewear. Would 2 degrees be ok?

As far as toe and caster go, should I have them set those to zero?

I was also told that they put some weight in the trunk. Is this to account for a full tank of gas, or for downforce while driving?

Thanks

:12:

[EUPHORIA]

Wow, I'm overwhelmed by all the replies

[Gene V]

Just have them do the standard within spec alignment...

[a3ternus]

Yeah,I guess its as simple as that...
Those people doing this should know what they re doing.
A3TeRnuS

[RussM3]

I would stick with standard alignment specs. The only reason to alter suggest specs is for tracking or auto-x. Anytime you alter the suggest specs. you have to give something up, and increase tire wear or twitchiness etc.

[EUPHORIA]

I just came back from alignment. I actually had more positive camber in the back, so they made it more negative. The back is at -2.25 degrees and front is -1.4.
They told me something that didn't make sense to me. They said the fronts can't be aligned, cuz the manufacturer (BMW) made it that way. You can only align and play around w/ the back wheels, but the front ones stay the way they are.
IS THIS TRUE ?

[Gene V]

Camber can't be changed in the front without camber plates shims, or camber correction bolts...camber in the rear is adjustable...

[BmErBoiE36]

so what your saying is only the rear can be aligned??? no point of four wheel alignment????

[RPM3]

Fronts can...you just need camber plates...

[salvia.D]

i thought that the m3 strut hats allowed for more camber adjustment?

[Gene V]

Originally posted by BmErBoiE36
so what your saying is only the rear can be aligned??? no point of four wheel alignment????

there's more to an alignment than camber, i.e. toe, caster...

[RPM3]

If you swap the left and right strut hats you can increase neg camber.

[Lawrence1]

did you take it to the dealer for the allignment?

most of the times the dealer will be the only place that'll get it right. other shops don;t have the equipment to allign BMWs.

[RussM3]

Originally posted by Lawrence1
did you take it to the dealer for the allignment?

most of the times the dealer will be the only place that'll get it right. other shops don;t have the equipment to allign BMWs.

Dealers will typically over charge you.

There are usually numeous shops with the proper equipment and knowledge. Stick with speciality alignment shops or well know auto shops. You need to call ahead and make sure they have laser alignment by Hunter or other well known companies. You can always get some references.

If anyone needs references for the Sacramento:

Frank's Automotive ask for Nick
Schatz and Krum ask for Stuart

[EUPHORIA]

Dealer charges double to align, plus w/ my dropped suspension and aftermarket 19" wheels, the dealer said they won't be able to align.
So I took it to an alignment shop. They charged me $125 for alignment and $40 for balancing, so $165 total. Did a great job. They had the laser ones, so it was very accurate. They also aligned it to my specifications.