[335TWNTURBO]

Hello gents:

I wanted to update this thread since I feel I received a pretty good deal on my alignment and also met some really cool guys at Integrity Auto Group (IAG). on my original post, I stated the I was quoted $220 for an alignment at ATspeed motorsports. They had to reschedule so I went to IAG; which has a very nice alignment set-up. It feature an LED camera mechanism that takes pics at 60 per second and relays information to the other tires; which is read by the tech. I was very impressed. There alignment lift is flat on the ground which makes it accessible for lowered cars.

I also got the car corner balanced. I had a good feeling these guys knew what they were doing so I said what the hell.

Here are a few pictures as well as the alignment spec sheet. Tell me how these numbers look on the spec sheet.

[alex2364]

$220 for an alignment is crazy. If Russel BMW can't do it, I'm sure PTuning in Manassas can do it. They only charge $125.

[MDyDinanM]

that seems a bit high for an alignment...

but At Speed does quality work, better than your typical BMW dealer.

I'd shop around first.

[pseto]

AtSpeed will do a custom alignment if you want to set it up more aggressively (this is what I did). Russel will only give you stock specs and may give you shit since you're lowered.

If you go the AtSpeed route, please tell the owner Bob that I sent you.

[335TWNTURBO]

Originally Posted by alex2364

$220 for an alignment is crazy. If Russel BMW can't do it, I'm sure PTuning in Manassas can do it. They only charge $125.

This place seems like they specialize in lowered cars. They are just too far from Baltimore. they are 1 1/2 hours away from me.

Any other recommendations.

[kartracer]

Originally Posted by 335TWNTURBO

This place seems like they specialize in lowered cars. They are just too far from Baltimore. they are 1 1/2 hours away from me.

Any other recommendations.

Yes - check out York Automotive in Mt. Airy. Talk to Ed there. He custom set my 2007 E90 with a lowered suspension and active steering for <$100. They set up racers, so they know what they're doing.

Highly recommended.

Mike

[OneThreeFive]

I have had good experiences with PTuning (Manassas) and Mach V Motorsports (Sterling). Both gave me the setup I requested at a solid price. My car is lowered on KW coilovers.

[MDyDinanM]

Originally Posted by OneThreeFive

I have had good experiences with PTuning (Manassas) and Mach V Motorsports (Sterling). Both gave me the setup I requested at a solid price. My car is lowered on KW coilovers.

he's up near Baltimore and looking for a place closer to home

[zaxjax]

ATSpeed is in Hanover not far from 95 and well worth the drive.

[Pcemkr]

I've never paid more than $69.99 for an alignment. What people don't understand is an alignment is an alignment. Once you're in spec, you're in spec. Just take it to Firestone or any chain tire place.

[335TWNTURBO]

Originally Posted by Pcemkr

I've never paid more than $69.99 for an alignment. What people don't understand is an alignment is an alignment. Once you're in spec, you're in spec. Just take it to Firestone or any chain tire place.

I am going to call Firestone. But can they do lowered cars?

I just left Goodyear and they said because of some sort of steering wheel sensor they cant do it.

[Pcemkr]

Sure they can. My GTI was dumped lower than any car on e90post, and I got it on Hunter alignment racks no problem. My E90 is fairly low and still have no issues.

[335TWNTURBO]

Originally Posted by Pcemkr

Sure they can. My GTI was dumped lower than any car on e90post, and I got it on Hunter alignment racks no problem. My E90 is fairly low and still have no issues.

No luck at firestone

[1N54E92]

Originally Posted by 335TWNTURBO

I am going to call Firestone. But can they do lowered cars?

I just left Goodyear and they said because of some sort of steering wheel sensor they cant do it.

I wouldn't go to Firestone. Pseto recommended so I had mine done at Atspeed Motorsports. Bob will give you a tour of the shop. Yes, $220 is high but only other place I have taken my car is in VA, RRT. RRT charges $165 and they are very good. So what is your time worth ? For $55 more, I would take it to Atspeed Motorsports if you don't want to go to VA.

[Wonka]

Interstate Tire in Cockeysville took care of my car and has worked on several Bimmers and Porsches that I see in my client's garage. Many of Frank's clients have been going to him for 20+ years. What the place lacks in ambiance it has in spades when it comes to quality.

[pseto]

Originally Posted by kartracer

Yes - check out York Automotive in Mt. Airy. Talk to Ed there. He custom set my 2007 E90 with a lowered suspension and active steering for <$100. They set up racers, so they know what they're doing.

Highly recommended.

Mike

I forgot about Ed York's place; definitely recommend him too.

[Sniz]

Originally Posted by Pcemkr

I've never paid more than $69.99 for an alignment. What people don't understand is an alignment is an alignment. Once you're in spec, you're in spec. Just take it to Firestone or any chain tire place.

I've got to disagree with you yet again.

avoid chain tire shops like the plague UNLESS you know someone that works there and you know that they are competent. This isnt a Honda Accord with stock everything.

get it done right. get it done by someone who knows performance cars and what a full coilover suspension is. Get it corner balanced too if you want to spend the dough, well worth it in th end.

cheap = cheap for a reason

there have been several good shops mentioned in this thread. Performance shops exist for a reason. Firestone and Mr Tire exist for a reason.

[pseto]

+1 for Sniz....an alignment is NOT an alignment. there's differences in the equipment used, but more importantly, WHO is using them.

BMWs handle like no other car b/c of their suspension setup and weight distribution. No one at a $5 shop could give a shit about any of that, so hopefully you take that into consideration

[cssnms]

Originally Posted by Sniz

I've got to disagree with you yet again.

avoid chain tire shops like the plague UNLESS you know someone that works there and you know that they are competent. This isnt a Honda Accord with stock everything.

get it done right. get it done by someone who knows performance cars and what a full coilover suspension is. Get it corner balanced too if you want to spend the dough, well worth it in th end.

cheap = cheap for a reason

there have been several good shops mentioned in this thread. Performance shops exist for a reason. Firestone and Mr Tire exist for a reason.

x2

[Royal Flush]

Originally Posted by Pcemkr

What people don't understand is an alignment is an alignment.

You can't possibly believe that.

I think in regards to you car, you think every shop/professional is the same if they list the same type of work. For example, a detailing job at a detailing chain is the same as an individual detailer but for a lot cheaper, an alignment at Firestone is the same as ATspeed but for a lot cheaper.

Originally Posted by Sniz

avoid chain tire shops like the plague UNLESS you know someone that works there and you know that they are competent.

get it done by someone who knows performance cars and what a full coilover suspension is.

cheap = cheap for a reason

Performance shops exist for a reason. Firestone and Mr Tire exist for a reason.

Originally Posted by pseto

+1 for Sniz....an alignment is NOT an alignment. there's differences in the equipment used, but more importantly, WHO is using them.

BMWs handle like no other car b/c of their suspension setup and weight distribution. No one at a $5 shop could give a shit about any of that, so hopefully you take that into consideration

+1

[335TWNTURBO]

I just spoke with Ed at York Automotive. He said that I may need camber plates. He wants me to bring the car in for an assessment before actually doing the alignment.

Is this common for an E90 lowered on KW V2? My rears are aggressive but I haven't heard any of my friends having to add camber plates.

Please advise so I dont have to spend unnecessary cash.

thx

[pseto]

Originally Posted by 335TWNTURBO

I just spoke with Ed at York Automotive. He said that I may need camber plates. He wants me to bring the car in for an assessment before actually doing the alignment.

Is this common for an E90 lowered on KW V2? My rears are aggressive but I haven't heard any of my friends having to add camber plates.

Please advise so I dont have to spend unnecessary cash.

thx

Depends on how you want to set up your suspension. If you want something close to factory spec b/c your lowered, camber plates are not needed.

On the other end of the spectrum, if you want a true race setup or something a lot more aggressive for handling, I guess its possible (although I don't believe many e90/e92 guys have new camber plates).

When you say that rear is 'aggressive', do you mean that its totally slammed and fenders rolled (i.e. height)? Or, are you talking about having excessive negative camber or something related to your current suspension setup?