e46 M3 tracing adjustment and camber question

[MPETT]

I had my wheel alignments checked due to wear on the outside of the front tyres and the conclusion was the toe in was too great. The bloke couldn't get the track rod ends to adjust. I saw on REAL OEM that there are locking collars between the track rod ends and the locking nut. Could this be the reason he couldn't adjust and it is easily removed to alow adjustment?

On another note, I suspected the F/s wheel to have too much camber, because the top of the wheel looked like it was sitting further into the arch. I was concerned because the car has had a knock on this side of the car. However, the camber setting said it was spot on, which was a relief. We even checked it 3 times to make sure!. Had anyone else noticed this on there front wheels?
Cheers,

[E30M3SE]

Take it somewhere that knows what they are doing with these cars.



These cars all run some -ve camber on front and rear as standards, between -1.3 & -0.7deg, on the front.

Edited by E30M3SE on Tuesday 12th October 10:31

[gareth h]

Ditto a proper set up by somebody who knows what they are doing makes a world of difference to how these cars drive, try Thorney Motorsport I think they are in your neck of the woods.

[TheEnd]

All i can imagine is that the track rod ends were all seized up.
I can't think of any tracking place that has the kit to measure it no being able to figure out how to adjust it.

Basic tracking can only work by comparing the front wheels against the back, which is usually set rigidly, but it's adjustable on BMWs, so it can often mess up if you are taking "relative" measurements.

The better stuff is 4WA, which can measure each wheel independently and is the BMW method.

Before you take it to a 4 Wheel Alignment place, check with the first garage what the problem was, if they were all seized, maybe get a new set ready to go (although it is possible that with a bit more effort, the originals can be freed up)

[MPETT]

Cheers guys,

The orignal place was a 4wheel alignment set up and is widley used in the warwick area, however the guy was reluctant to put too much effort into freeing it up and having the risk of breaking something and being stuck with a car on his ramp. He suggested taking it to a local BMW place where he has sent other BMW owners who've had sticky track rod ends. I think the message is, they can be loosened, but you need the right gear.

See you at the Sunday Service?

Cheers,
Martin