4 Wheel Alignment

mobilejo · 08-01-2012, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg330

I'm lowering mine tomorrow, is it essential to have it aligned?

I never had my 330 aligned after it was lowered and it was fine.

Surely you are just replacing the springs and not fiddling with any alignment?

Not essential but recommended.

If the car feels fine after then it's your choice. Downsides if you don't are possible premature tyre wear, less mpg and perhaps not optimum handling. Not guaranteed though so its up to you.

Definately recommended though just to have your car at its best.

seanblee · 08-01-2012, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg330

I'm lowering mine tomorrow, is it essential to have it aligned?

I never had my 330 aligned after it was lowered and it was fine.

Surely you are just replacing the springs and not fiddling with any alignment?

It depends if they can do it without removing any geometry-affecting components. Typically, some of the lower arms on the front suspension have to be disconnected, which does alter the alignment slightly. Also, if the ride height is lower, the static camber is likely to be increased over stock (as the wheels gain camber as they move through their travel), which affects castor on the front.

Greg330 · 08-01-2012, 03:53 PM

To be honest I think I'll have it done just for piece of mind!

ibz.s.b · 08-01-2012, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg330

I'm lowering mine tomorrow, is it essential to have it aligned?

I never had my 330 aligned after it was lowered and it was fine.

Surely you are just replacing the springs and not fiddling with any alignment?

i had mine lowered only via springs but it is essential you get the alignment re-done because when they're fitting in the springs or coils etc they're taking apart the whole suspension system so you or the garage doing it for you doesnt know that once it's put all back together if its correctly aligned

besides better be safe than sorry!

stuartfung · 08-02-2012, 05:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mobilejo

Your problem may not be alignment - is there a reason you think it definitely is?

Hi mobilejo,
Not sure what else to check for as I've had the 4 wheels aligned (not to my satisfaction at all), all tyres are more that 80% left (fairly new) and the tyres are pumped correctly and even.
Thanks,
Stuart

mob17 · 08-02-2012, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mob17

Just spoke to Centre Gravity. Seem very good and thorough in their work. But they are expensive, 4 wheel alignment for £300!

After getting everyones opinion i am still not sure who to go for. My 2 choices are:

1) Northampton Motorsports
Pros
- They definately know what they are doing as they do a lot of road/race tuning.
- Hunter/KDS machine
Cons
- Pricey at £90-180

2) Georgina's Garage
Pros
- Johnbean machine
- Cheaper at £54-134
Cons
- They staff do not seem as experienced/skilled as Northampton Motorsports

What shall i do

I'm thinking to go with the second option?

mob17 · 08-03-2012, 06:25 AM

Anyone?

mob17 · 08-03-2012, 07:02 AM

Ok im going with the 2nd option

doughboy · 08-03-2012, 08:53 AM

Why? cos its few quid cheaper?

Option 1 is a no brainer for me, you said it:

option 1 "They definately know what they are doing as they do a lot of road/race tuning"

option 2 "The staff do not seem as experienced/skilled as Northampton Motorsports"

For £50 more, i'd go for 1 anyday.

doughboy · 08-03-2012, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeMansBlue330d

Hi, can anyone recommend 4 wheel alignment in Stockport or Wigan area as I have been to two places (one uses BlackTech) and both have not resolved the issue.
Issue being that the car drifts towards the left when on a straight motorway speed line with the steering wheel slghtly pointing to the right when going straight, and more wear (slightly) on the inside of my rear tyres.

I would say your best bet is Sapphire garage, I know Darren Wood BMW use them with good results.

The did mine after the M3 front arms were fitted, no issues.

mob17 · 08-03-2012, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doughboy

Why? cos its few quid cheaper?

Option 1 is a no brainer for me, you said it:

option 1 "They definately know what they are doing as they do a lot of road/race tuning"

option 2 "The staff do not seem as experienced/skilled as Northampton Motorsports"

For £50 more, i'd go for 1 anyday.

I think you're right. Like everyone says its more about the people aligning it.

stuartfung · 08-03-2012, 08:22 PM

Hi Doughboy, yes, Darren recommended me to them when I was last there but I work in Wigan so a bit of a travel to Sapphire's during the week, so went and got it done at N@tion@l Tyres, but the Altrincham one as they had the BlackTech machine, which is supposed to use weights and lasers.
But, remember the results from the machine is only as good as the operator performing the alignment!!! I had to re-visit this garage twice to get the alignment spot on.

Mambo · 08-03-2012, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doughboy

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeMansBlue330d

Hi, can anyone recommend 4 wheel alignment in Stockport or Wigan area as I have been to two places (one uses BlackTech) and both have not resolved the issue.
Issue being that the car drifts towards the left when on a straight motorway speed line with the steering wheel slghtly pointing to the right when going straight, and more wear (slightly) on the inside of my rear tyres.

I would say your best bet is Sapphire garage, I know Darren Wood BMW use them with good results.

The did mine after the M3 front arms were fitted, no issues.

+1

had mine done this morning by them

mobilejo · 08-04-2012, 03:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeMansBlue330d

Hi Doughboy, yes, Darren recommended me to them when I was last there but I work in Wigan so a bit of a travel to Sapphire's during the week, so went and got it done at N@tion@l Tyres, but the Altrincham one as they had the BlackTech machine, which is supposed to use weights and lasers.
But, remember the results from the machine is only as good as the operator performing the alignment!!! I had to re-visit this garage twice to get the alignment spot on.

They all use weights and lasers (hunter kds John bean)

08-01-2012, 03:53 PM	#25
Greg330 Major 69 Rep 1,268 Posts Drives: E91 335i Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: South Coast iTrader: (0)	To be honest I think I'll have it done just for piece of mind!
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08-03-2012, 06:25 AM	#29
mob17 Major General 397 Rep 5,613 Posts Drives: E92 335D Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: East Midlands, UK iTrader: (5)	Anyone?
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08-03-2012, 07:02 AM	#30
mob17 Major General 397 Rep 5,613 Posts Drives: E92 335D Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: East Midlands, UK iTrader: (5)	Ok im going with the 2nd option
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08-03-2012, 08:53 AM	#31
doughboy Major General 1578 Rep 8,971 Posts Drives: 2018 M2 Comp 6MT Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: UK iTrader: (2)	Why? cos its few quid cheaper? Option 1 is a no brainer for me, you said it: option 1 "They definately know what they are doing as they do a lot of road/race tuning" option 2 "The staff do not seem as experienced/skilled as Northampton Motorsports" For £50 more, i'd go for 1 anyday.
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08-03-2012, 08:22 PM	#34
stuartfung Private First Class 12 Rep 136 Posts Drives: F39 X2 20d M Sport XDrive Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Cheadle iTrader: (0)	Sapphire Garage Hi Doughboy, yes, Darren recommended me to them when I was last there but I work in Wigan so a bit of a travel to Sapphire's during the week, so went and got it done at N@tion@l Tyres, but the Altrincham one as they had the BlackTech machine, which is supposed to use weights and lasers. But, remember the results from the machine is only as good as the operator performing the alignment!!! I had to re-visit this garage twice to get the alignment spot on.
	Appreciate 0 Quote