[mycoupe]

Hey, question for you guys...

I just shelled out for the overpriced alignment at a local dealer, asked them to set the car up to specific specs, and they didn't@!!!@

I feel like I should complain and make them redo it, but do I really have a leg to stand on? I mean, it does fall within spec, but I am anal and want it my way. What would you do if you were in my shoes?

Jeff

[IN54NITY]

I think you answered your own question, go back and have it your way, or at least much closer to your way.

[hookah66]

Your really don't need alignment unless you got into collision or hit a bad pothole. Front wheels adjustments are for toe in/out so are the rear wheels. Caster/camber are set by MacPherson struts at front and on the rear the multi link is pretty much stable. Unless you got wear issues on the tires, or your vehicle is pulling to one side there is no need for periodic wheel alignment as part of your maintenance schedule in my opinion. You do need tire rotation and balancing at least every 12 months or so. My e46 had 90k+ and I never done one. My '98 Outback with 150K was forever tacking straight. Now, to adjust to your personal preference you may desire a biased "toe out" for stable high speed tracking but again it is not to put your vehicle back to spec's.

[zsapphire7]

if i ask for specific settings and dont get them, then its pointless to get that alignment. I would either get my money back or have them align the car.

[Dackelone]

Most shops just "set the toe & let it go"...

I would go back if I were you.

[mycoupe]

Yeah, I called and asked when the service rep I usually deal with gets back. So, on Tuesday I'll be calling and asking him to take care of getting my car back in at no cost and making sure the tech aligns it to EVERY one of my preferred specs. Just kind of ticked me off at how little the numbers were changed on the read out.

From doing alignments myself in the past when I had access to a rack, I get the impression he set the toe on the right rear and didn't touch anything else. Thanks for the replies and the back up guys.

[hookah66]

Dealerships' mind is set to fleece us, bmw ain't no exception. Go to independent collision shops, they seem be better equipped with sophisticated alignment machines. Good luck.

[GMWNashville]

Originally Posted by hookah66

Dealerships' mind is set to fleece us, bmw ain't no exception. Go to independent collision shops, they seem be better equipped with sophisticated alignment machines. Good luck.

not sure where you got your info from...but id say your wrong on all counts. Just because a car tracks straight doesnt mean its "aligned"-alignments should periodically be done/checked at least every other year if no tire wear or pull issues are noted.
Anyway-to the OP-so you specifically asked for certain specs on your alignment-and you provided the specs? and as far as the alignment goes are all the adjustments that were made perfect? as in all adjustments are dead center compared to factory specs? If you explained to your SA you wanted something specific it probably wasn't told to the technician-you may be better off asking to speak with the tech who was going to perform the alignment and relaying the specs you wanted with them...