[jungboshrimp]

I recently changed my stock premium-packaged/non-sport CPO 2011 E92 328i 17" RFT Bridgestone Potenza tires and OEM wheels to 18" Conti DWS tires and OEM wheels. After this, my car started to drift right whenever I was driving. Since I didn't purchase the BMW tire and wheel warranty, I had to get it realigned at a local shop. After getting my car realigned it was still drifting right despite the specs matching up. They then suggested that I remove the alignment pins to get the specs to match up even more, so I did, but my car is still drifting right although less than before.

Any ideas what could be the problem? Can anybody recommend a local shop in the Southern California region to check this out? Should I bite the bullet and go to the dealership? Would the removal of alignment pins void any warranties I have on the car?

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

Top images are before alignment; Bottom images are after alignment

12/20/2013: UPDATE!

[deadmn1337]

Sounds like you need another alignment shop. Where did you go? Need to take your car to a BMW indy shop that does alignment cuz they obviously can't tell if something is bent or damaged that would be causing the problem.

[m1ka]

IDK where you live in SoCal but my shop recommendation (that owns an alignment machine, and won't contract it out) would be Renner Motorsports in Inglewood. Ivo (owner) is a veryyyy knowledgable guy and always a straight-forward no bullshit kinda per person. He will def solve your problem for a veryyy reasonable price.

[Hov_E82]

Should have checked your thrust angle,maybe something could be bent from the spec sheet he should even have touched your R/F camber in the first place defiantly go to another shop to get it checked out.

[AW M4]

Is recommend you take the car to westend and have them take a look!

[jungboshrimp]

Thanks for all the recommendations. I don't know which one to choose from.

[edirtaynine]

westend alignment in gardena/torrance. LEGIT. you wont overpay and you'll get legit service.

[fresh_LA]

Originally Posted by adub3

Is recommend you take the car to westend and have them take a look!

this one!

[jungboshrimp]

Took it to West End Alignment today (12/20/2013). Darin was great. After some problem solving, tweaks, and test driving, he pointed out to me that that my new tires were defective and that he stands behind his statement. He recommended me that I call the shop (European Motor Works) that installed/mounted/balanced my tires/wheels for me to get new tires off the manufacturer's warranty. It still pulls as of now but Darin said that after getting new tires, he would re-align the car for me free of charge.

After calling European Motor Works, they said that tires were rarely defective and they would have to check my car out before going forward. They also mentioned that it could be my wheels that is causing the pulling. I'm bringing my car in on Monday.

Before purchasing the wheels, I checked for physical damages (bends, cracks, etc.) and there were none. I also asked European Motor Works to check out the wheels before installing the tires and they also said they didn't see any physical problems. I relied on their professional opinion before installing the tires.

My question is: Do bad wheels cause pulling?

[///M3NACE]

bad wheels cause vibrations in the steering. Bad joints/arms/bushings cause pulling.

[caliguy562]

Darin knows his stuff. He said my issue was also tire related, but compensated for it somehow. I switched back to my other set and the car drove straighter when it was brand new. Can't beat his knowledge, attitude, or price.