Alignment help!!

[texasmeat]

I have recently replaced all four tires and am in the process of finding a shop to do a 4 wheel allignment. Every damn shop that I call says that they cant do BMW's because of special weight that are needed to set the alignment. Where do you guys go to get the alignment done on your E30 325i?? THanx

[7hills]

The last time I had my 325 aligned we discussed the weight requirement from BMW. My alignment tech said that BMW and some others recommend doing the alignment with "normal load weights", or with the weight of the driver and passengers in the car. Since I usually drive alone in this car, we broke out the free weights and put 200 pounds in the driver seat. He said that he can usually compensate for the extra weight due to his experience (20+ years w/ BMW and Mercedes) but we put in the weight to see if there was a difference in his settings with and without the weights. He was dead on both times.

We did spend some extra time that a shop may not want to spend, but if you take the weight with you even the chainstores should be able to do the alignment. My recommendation would be to try to find an alignment tech with some BMW experience though.

Good luck!

[phaques]

Not sure how this will compare, but I can't believe it won't be easier: ON my 79 911SC I found a couple of very easy and cheap ways to do a home alignment, and I'm also convinced they are more accurate. It is a very satisfying way to save a couple of hundred bucks, and you can feel the difference. Search the 911 tech BBS for "home alignment", or something like that. the process and tools will obviously be the same, but you will need to adapt the rest to your BMW. I'm getting ready to do mine, and I'll be happy to post on the results when I'm done. I have a good description for a home camber alignment tool that works like a charm - any interest, email me and I'll send you the document. Also created a simple excel spreadsheet to help set toe-in for front and rear. All you need tool-wise is a long stick, two jack stands, a laser level, tape measure, and a section of solid metal the length of your wheel's diameter. It is a fun project.

[randini74]

phaques,

I'm interested in your procedure. I can't email becuase you have opted to not recieve emails through this forum.

How much is a laser lever?

randini

[phaques]

Sorry - my email is hayres@adelphia.net
Laser level is the most expensive piece - about $40, but worth every penny. Send me an email, I'll send you the word document.

fax