Are all Alignments created equally?

TizSuperrQ · 10-13-2008, 02:26 PM

I called around to different places asking them about an alignment for a 2006 330i, Firestone was the only shop that told me an alignment for this car contains 3 parts and they can only do 1 part, which is the toe.

Mavis tire and other shops mentioned nothing of this, they just said bring it in and it will be 70$, i called up bmw and they charge 170$ for an alignment.

So Mavis tire was only going to do 1/3 of the alignment and send me on my way thinking it was a full alignment.

I commend Firstone Auto Care for being upfront and honest..

GhOsT_E90 · 10-13-2008, 02:30 PM

Well from past experience of doing alignments when i was an Auto mechanic. Most cars can have camber,toe and caster adjustments. I am not sure about a 330 but it should have front camber and toes adjustments and rear camber and toe adjustments. Depending on what kind of equipment Firestone has but any decent shop should have a Hunter Alignment machine

DSXMachina · 10-13-2008, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TizSuperrQ

I called around to different places asking them about an alignment for a 2006 330i, Firestone was the only shop that told me an alignment for this car contains 3 parts and they can only do 1 part, which is the toe.

Mavis tire and other shops mentioned nothing of this, they just said bring it in and it will be 70$, i called up bmw and they charge 170$ for an alignment.

So Mavis tire was only going to do 1/3 of the alignment and send me on my way thinking it was a full alignment.

I commend Firstone Auto Care for being upfront and honest..

Firestone was honest with you, and so was the dealer. BMW alignments are far more complex than most cars. First of all you will need a four wheel alignment. BMW requires that the car have a specific weight in it when aligned AND the stability control system needs specific information recalibrated after the steering wheel is centered. Take it to the dealer. But first ensure that he will DO A FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT, not just the usual "Toe and Go". Part of the reason Bimmers have such great handling is their suspension and steering relationship. The dealer should know how to keep the relationship set to spec.

Ray · 10-13-2008, 02:41 PM

A standard alignment procedure for this car includes rear camber, f/r toe and f/r caster.

All stores are capable of adjusting the full range, but some decide to limit their offerings (especially when you see pricing between the $50-$90 range).

TizSuperrQ · 10-13-2008, 03:25 PM

I bit the bullet and made an appointment with hassel bmw for $170.00..

Moderato · 10-13-2008, 06:00 PM

I've had great experiences with the service dept at my dealer so I would only let them do the alignment but either way, I wouldn't let a regular shop do the alignment on my BMW.

Prissy · 10-13-2008, 07:52 PM

is there anyway to have a free alignment done at a bmw dealer? like under the warranty?

pittyinSC · 10-13-2008, 07:56 PM

I just had an amazing alignment done for 62$

Had to get one after the KW V2's were put on. The dealer
sucks at alignments

Prissy · 10-13-2008, 08:19 PM

This is an interesting topic after all... I would really like to know if it's safe to align my car outside of bmw dealers.

P.S. is there anyway to have a free alignment done at a bmw dealer? like under the warranty??

edb5020 · 10-13-2008, 08:41 PM

BMW technically only covers alignments up to 2000 miles ( called a courtesy alignment, with a NEW car) my car has 3800 miles and my dealer told me I have to pay up. They also told me that BMW won't cover alignments in my particular area because of the condition of our roads - horrible.

SoCalTech · 10-13-2008, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prissy

P.S. is there anyway to have a free alignment done at a bmw dealer? like under the warranty??

If you have a suspension part (that requires an alignment) fail under warranty, we will perform an alignment under warranty.

Prissy · 10-14-2008, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edb5020

BMW technically only covers alignments up to 2000 miles ( called a courtesy alignment, with a NEW car) my car has 3800 miles and my dealer told me I have to pay up. They also told me that BMW won't cover alignments in my particular area because of the condition of our roads - horrible.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCalTech

If you have a suspension part (that requires an alignment) fail under warranty, we will perform an alignment under warranty.

e90pilot · 10-14-2008, 05:02 PM

I had my car aligned at a shop in Milpitas the name of which I don't recall. The guy there does the alignment the old fashion way with strings. He will also align the car to whatever spec you want not just factory. He also had an e90 330 demo that was testing a set of coilovers and bars. I'll see if I can find the name of the place if anyone local is interested.

BMW F22 · 10-14-2008, 05:39 PM

^ I think you're referring to Auto Innovation.

pittyinSC · 10-14-2008, 05:42 PM

Had mine done at a Gateway tire. He told me the dealer Fed up my alignment

lol
and they definitely did

quest556 · 10-14-2008, 05:47 PM

My dealer fu'd up my alignement the first time back in May. Car wandered like a hound dog on a scent. Second time they got it right. Just because it's the dealer does not guarantee quality.

e90pilot · 10-14-2008, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenny@JleviSW

^ I think you're referring to Auto Innovation.

Close but I took mine to TC design. I heard Auto Innovation is good too, but they were booked when I needed the alignment.

sashah60 · 10-17-2008, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSXMachina

Firestone was honest with you, and so was the dealer. BMW alignments are far more complex than most cars. First of all you will need a four wheel alignment. BMW requires that the car have a specific weight in it when aligned AND the stability control system needs specific information recalibrated after the steering wheel is centered. Take it to the dealer. But first ensure that he will DO A FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT, not just the usual "Toe and Go". Part of the reason Bimmers have such great handling is their suspension and steering relationship. The dealer should know how to keep the relationship set to spec.

I need to get an alignment done soon. The shop in port chester, ny (wheel alignment plus) has the Hunter digital alignment rack and they do a 4 wheel alignment. Do they need any specific information to recalibrate that only a bmw dealer has? What special information does the stability control need after the steering wheel is centered? please advice. thanks.

10-13-2008, 02:26 PM	#1
TizSuperrQ Sophisticated hobo 51 Rep 423 Posts Drives: F82 M4 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NY, NY iTrader: (3)	Are all Alignments created equally? I called around to different places asking them about an alignment for a 2006 330i, Firestone was the only shop that told me an alignment for this car contains 3 parts and they can only do 1 part, which is the toe. Mavis tire and other shops mentioned nothing of this, they just said bring it in and it will be 70$, i called up bmw and they charge 170$ for an alignment. So Mavis tire was only going to do 1/3 of the alignment and send me on my way thinking it was a full alignment. I commend Firstone Auto Care for being upfront and honest.. __________________ "The Love of Driving Comes with a Price" - Vince
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10-13-2008, 02:30 PM	#2
GhOsT_E90 First Lieutenant 38 Rep 322 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 335i E90 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Yelm, WA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 335i E90 [0.00]	Well from past experience of doing alignments when i was an Auto mechanic. Most cars can have camber,toe and caster adjustments. I am not sure about a 330 but it should have front camber and toes adjustments and rear camber and toe adjustments. Depending on what kind of equipment Firestone has but any decent shop should have a Hunter Alignment machine
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10-13-2008, 02:41 PM	#4
Ray Member 316 Rep 22,825 Posts Drives: three series Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: sfCA iTrader: (0)	A standard alignment procedure for this car includes rear camber, f/r toe and f/r caster. All stores are capable of adjusting the full range, but some decide to limit their offerings (especially when you see pricing between the $50-$90 range).
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10-13-2008, 03:25 PM	#5
TizSuperrQ Sophisticated hobo 51 Rep 423 Posts Drives: F82 M4 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NY, NY iTrader: (3)	I bit the bullet and made an appointment with hassel bmw for $170.00.. __________________ "The Love of Driving Comes with a Price" - Vince
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10-13-2008, 06:00 PM	#6
Moderato First Lieutenant 10 Rep 327 Posts Drives: 07 E92 335 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	I've had great experiences with the service dept at my dealer so I would only let them do the alignment but either way, I wouldn't let a regular shop do the alignment on my BMW. __________________ 07 E92 335i Saph/Black 6MT 06 E46 M3 CB/Cinn ZCP 6MT - Sold 04 E46 330i Saph/NatBrn ZSP 6MT - Sold
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10-13-2008, 07:52 PM	#7
Prissy Brigadier General 1115 Rep 4,855 Posts Drives: M340i Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NY iTrader: (6) Garage List 2015 BMW F30 [5.50] 2020 M340I [0.00] 2017 X3 [0.00] 2008 BMW E92 [9.00] 2010 BMW E92 [10.00]	is there anyway to have a free alignment done at a bmw dealer? like under the warranty?
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10-13-2008, 07:56 PM	#8
pittyinSC Drives Smart 55 Rep 2,393 Posts Drives: 1968 Austin Mini Cooper 1380cc Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Nashville, TN iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	I just had an amazing alignment done for 62$ Had to get one after the KW V2's were put on. The dealer sucks at alignments __________________ 08 BMW ///M5 Space Gray/Black 6 speed Engine: RPi GTS exhaust, RPi Scoops, Carbon Filter Delete Exterior: Glossy Black Kidneys, LUX V3, OEM LED License Plate light, Bruce License Plate Adapter
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10-13-2008, 08:19 PM	#9
Prissy Brigadier General 1115 Rep 4,855 Posts Drives: M340i Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NY iTrader: (6) Garage List 2015 BMW F30 [5.50] 2020 M340I [0.00] 2017 X3 [0.00] 2008 BMW E92 [9.00] 2010 BMW E92 [10.00]	This is an interesting topic after all... I would really like to know if it's safe to align my car outside of bmw dealers. P.S. is there anyway to have a free alignment done at a bmw dealer? like under the warranty??
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10-13-2008, 08:41 PM	#10
edb5020 Private First Class 19 Rep 167 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 328xi Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: PA iTrader: (0)	BMW technically only covers alignments up to 2000 miles ( called a courtesy alignment, with a NEW car) my car has 3800 miles and my dealer told me I have to pay up. They also told me that BMW won't cover alignments in my particular area because of the condition of our roads - horrible.
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10-14-2008, 05:02 PM	#13
e90pilot Freight Dawg 108 Rep 2,103 Posts Drives: E90 325i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Oakland, CA iTrader: (3)	I had my car aligned at a shop in Milpitas the name of which I don't recall. The guy there does the alignment the old fashion way with strings. He will also align the car to whatever spec you want not just factory. He also had an e90 330 demo that was testing a set of coilovers and bars. I'll see if I can find the name of the place if anyone local is interested.
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10-14-2008, 05:39 PM	#14
BMW F22 Major General 3730 Rep 9,783 Posts Drives: ///M235i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (8)	^ I think you're referring to Auto Innovation.
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10-14-2008, 05:42 PM	#15
pittyinSC Drives Smart 55 Rep 2,393 Posts Drives: 1968 Austin Mini Cooper 1380cc Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Nashville, TN iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	Had mine done at a Gateway tire. He told me the dealer Fed up my alignment lol and they definitely did __________________ 08 BMW ///M5 Space Gray/Black 6 speed Engine: RPi GTS exhaust, RPi Scoops, Carbon Filter Delete Exterior: Glossy Black Kidneys, LUX V3, OEM LED License Plate light, Bruce License Plate Adapter
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10-14-2008, 05:47 PM	#16
quest556 Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 239 Posts Drives: F10 535i x-Drive Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia iTrader: (4)	My dealer fu'd up my alignement the first time back in May. Car wandered like a hound dog on a scent. Second time they got it right. Just because it's the dealer does not guarantee quality.
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