BMW Wheel Alignment - Worth it?

[c3m]

I've been fixing various stuff on my 330Ci (new brake pads and discs all around, new rubber all around) and given that I'm putting on new tyres and doing Insp 1, I thought it might be good time to get the wheels properly aligned as I'd rather not find out by ruining the tyres with uneven tyre wear. BMW quoted me about 170 which seems a bit steep but from what I can tell, cheaper places (30-40) don't do the right thing.

Has anyone gone through the BMW wheel alignment and were they happy with it? Are there any guarantees that it will be done properly - a lot of it seems dependent on the particular person doing their job properly.

Any opinions are appreciated - thanks.

[Frances The Mute]

It's worth it - but not at their prices.

www.alignmycar.co.uk

Check their dealer locator. The KDS system uses Hunter equipment so cut out the middleman and their profit margin.

[Patrick Bateman]

c3m said:

I've been fixing various stuff on my 330Ci (new brake pads and discs all around, new rubber all around) and given that I'm putting on new tyres and doing Insp 1, I thought it might be good time to get the wheels properly aligned as I'd rather not find out by ruining the tyres with uneven tyre wear. BMW quoted me about 170 which seems a bit steep but from what I can tell, cheaper places (30-40) don't do the right thing.

Has anyone gone through the BMW wheel alignment and were they happy with it? Are there any guarantees that it will be done properly - a lot of it seems dependent on the particular person doing their job properly.

Any opinions are appreciated - thanks.

You will get a KDS printout showing all the readings measured and the tolerances for each bit.

[c3m]

Thanks, guys! Any ideas on rough costs expected for the 330Ci? It seems that the costs will depend on how many of the wheels are out of alignment.

[Salom]

I used these people, cost less than 100. First class job.

https://www.blackboots.co.uk/order.php?step=3

[andrewpg]

A second for Black Boots/Wheels in Motion if you're in the area. Gave the guy custom tow/camber settings and adjusted to those no problem. Seemed very knowledgeable.

[Frances The Mute]

Yup, cost is dependent on what it adjusted. You'll typically find a nominal charge regardless of what they do.

I've had several cars done over the years and have never paid more then 60.

[Drek]

162 from Blackboots for mine - eep.

[The Restorer]

Frances The Mute said:

It's worth it - but not at their prices.

www.alignmycar.co.uk

Check their dealer locator. The KDS system uses Hunter equipment so cut out the middleman and their profit margin.

Exactly what he said. I paid 60 for mine and got a before and after printout too. I believe they all use the same Hunter equipment anyway.

[Patrick Bateman]

c3m said:

Thanks, guys! Any ideas on rough costs expected for the 330Ci? It seems that the costs will depend on how many of the wheels are out of alignment.

I was 150 from BMW, that was through a friend though, think they'd normally quote about 200.

[jamoor]

Dealers usually do a deal for KDS, they charge 100 sometimes.

[S Works]

Should you get a geo done? Absolutely yes. I'll be learning a 170 lesson in the next week or so for not doing so (ruined front tyre that was replaced last year).

Don't though assume that just because a company has a Hunter they'll do a good job. The machine's only as good as the operator. Were it me I'd find a good independent who knows BMW set-ups. The best geo I ever had was done by a motorsports company using string lines and axle stands!