Getting an alignment

sibhusz06 · 07-13-2018, 07:10 PM

This is probably more so a rant, but I still can't figure out why alignment stores want to charge more for German cars, given the M3 has tie rods and a toe bar in the back which is no different than a Honda, Ford and other mainstream cars... The mainstream shops don't even touch the camber and just stick to toe adjustments, what gives...

deansbimmer · 07-13-2018, 08:47 PM

A proper alignment for a stock M3 requires the car be weighted- the job takes more time. Not the same as an average Honda or Ford.

sibhusz06 · 07-13-2018, 09:30 PM

I guess what I'm asking is your conventional street car really just needs a typical 4 corner alignment in which camber and toe are set, and there is nothing unique about how this is done on a German car vs a Japanese car. I understand race and proper enthusiasts may go for corner weight adjustments but this is out of the scope even of the dealer and your typical auto repair center.

deansbimmer · 07-13-2018, 09:42 PM

No....I'm not talking about corner weighting which is completely different.... If you take this M3 to a proper shop or dealer they are supposed to add weight to the car. It simulates the changes to the alignment specs that occur at speed with occupants. This is one reason why not all shops are willing or able to do these cars, and why the job costs more. It's not the same as an alignment job on a Civic. The NTB/Firestones/Goodyears around here won't even mess with them- they'll tell you they can't do it. I refer customers to the dealer or to a race shop an hour away. #M3life

07-13-2018, 07:10 PM	#1
sibhusz06 Second Lieutenant 109 Rep 234 Posts Drives: 2011 M3, 2012 X35I, 2007 911 Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: DC iTrader: (0)	Getting an alignment This is probably more so a rant, but I still can't figure out why alignment stores want to charge more for German cars, given the M3 has tie rods and a toe bar in the back which is no different than a Honda, Ford and other mainstream cars... The mainstream shops don't even touch the camber and just stick to toe adjustments, what gives...
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07-13-2018, 08:47 PM	#2
deansbimmer BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 3749 Rep 2,907 Posts Drives: 2011 E93 M3 Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: DFW, Texas iTrader: (17) Garage List 1988 BMW M3 [0.00] 2013 BMW M3 [0.00] 2011 X5M [0.00] 2011 BMW M3 [0.00]	A proper alignment for a stock M3 requires the car be weighted- the job takes more time. Not the same as an average Honda or Ford.
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07-13-2018, 09:30 PM	#3
sibhusz06 Second Lieutenant 109 Rep 234 Posts Drives: 2011 M3, 2012 X35I, 2007 911 Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: DC iTrader: (0)	I guess what I'm asking is your conventional street car really just needs a typical 4 corner alignment in which camber and toe are set, and there is nothing unique about how this is done on a German car vs a Japanese car. I understand race and proper enthusiasts may go for corner weight adjustments but this is out of the scope even of the dealer and your typical auto repair center.
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07-13-2018, 09:42 PM	#4
deansbimmer BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 3749 Rep 2,907 Posts Drives: 2011 E93 M3 Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: DFW, Texas iTrader: (17) Garage List 1988 BMW M3 [0.00] 2013 BMW M3 [0.00] 2011 X5M [0.00] 2011 BMW M3 [0.00]	No....I'm not talking about corner weighting which is completely different.... If you take this M3 to a proper shop or dealer they are supposed to add weight to the car. It simulates the changes to the alignment specs that occur at speed with occupants. This is one reason why not all shops are willing or able to do these cars, and why the job costs more. It's not the same as an alignment job on a Civic. The NTB/Firestones/Goodyears around here won't even mess with them- they'll tell you they can't do it. I refer customers to the dealer or to a race shop an hour away. #M3life
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