Alignment

[TSilver330CI]

I have a 2001 330CI with almost 110K miles on it.

I notice that when I hold the wheel completely straight the car pulls to the right. In order to make the car go straight the wheel is slightly to the left...

Does this mean my alignment is messed up? Which one do I need to fix... front or rear? How much will this cost?


I think I read big daddy say his rear alignment only was fixed at like 165K miles. But here in NJ there are a lot of pot holes and crappy roads.

As always appreciate the advice....

 

[Big Daddy]

If your cars pulls to the right it could be a low tire, front end alignment or your steering wheel is installed improperly. Most quality shops will check your alignment free, have it checked.

 

[TSilver330CI]

thanks!

 

[TSilver330CI]

I got this coupon in the mail from a local dealer saying a 4 wheel alignment is just $200.00

Is this a good deal?

 

[Big Daddy]

If you need it it could be, make sure you need it first. Read this: http://www.familycar.com/Alignment.htm

 

[William330]

If you need it it could be, make sure you need it first. Read this: http://www.familycar.com/Alignment.htm

That's an excellent article, very informative!

I once had a mechanic put new springs on a 300ZX to fix (looking at article) severe negative camber. It didn't fix the problem, so he then had to remove them, as he agreed to beforehand. That was at Midas, who were always honest and professional (Meineke, was the complete opposite -- dishonest and unprofessional).

 

[TSilver330CI]

I agree. Thanks again!

 

[TSilver330CI]

Well I found an independent who will do it for 70 bucks... big difference although they don't specialize in bimmers....

You think for something general like an alignment its ok to bring it to an outside mechanic?

 

[TSilver330CI]

I had a buddy drive my car and he doesn't think the alignment is bad. It's just that when I hold the wheel completely straight it does pull to the right.

In order to go straight the wheel is slightly to the left.

I guess I should just get it checked at a shop... Im just scared they aren't giong to be honest and try to talk me into a bunch of other stuff wrong with my car.

 

[Big Daddy]

Have your alignment checked by an alignment shop, they will generally check it for free. Is there any wear indications on your tire?

 

[MrElussive]

I have a 2001 330CI with almost 110K miles on it.

I notice that when I hold the wheel completely straight the car pulls to the right. In order to make the car go straight the wheel is slightly to the left...

Does this mean my alignment is messed up? Which one do I need to fix... front or rear? How much will this cost?


I think I read big daddy say his rear alignment only was fixed at like 165K miles. But here in NJ there are a lot of pot holes and crappy roads.

As always appreciate the advice....

Basically, you are a stupid Italian prick and the car pulls to the right because Italians are just naturally a lil off to the right. Get used to it you ziti-eating meatball.

 

[William330]

MrElussive, where did that come from?

 

[William330]

Avoid a 'discount' alignment place. I used to have places align my
old car (not a BMW) and they would set the alignment with the steering
wheel crooked.

I finally took it to an honest guy at Midas, and he strapped the steering
wheel in the center, then did the alignment. It remained dead perfect
until I sold the car.

 

[TSilver330CI]

Basically, you are a stupid Italian prick and the car pulls to the right because Italians are just naturally a lil off to the right. Get used to it you ziti-eating meatball.

Yeah dude you are right. Maybe I should take it to that Armenian mechanic of yours who charged you $100 just to swap a tire lol....

Tell your aunt I said hi

 

[TSilver330CI]

Avoid a 'discount' alignment place. I used to have places align my
old car (not a BMW) and they would set the alignment with the steering
wheel crooked.

I finally took it to an honest guy at Midas, and he strapped the steering
wheel in the center, then did the alignment. It remained dead perfect
until I sold the car.

Good idea William. Does Midas check for free? What do you think they would charge? Since I have a rear wheel drive car, I'd imagine I'd just need the front alignment....

 

[William330]

I believe the check/diagnosis is free.

Their prices come from a corporate notebook, rather than
making them up out of thin air like some places do. ("Ah, a
BMW, let's double the price.")

I haven't been there in a few years, but found them honest and
competent.

 

[MrElussive]

Yeah dude you are right. Maybe I should take it to that Armenian mechanic of yours who charged you $100 just to swap a tire lol....

Tell your aunt I said hi

Hahahahaha, tell her yourself!

 

[TSilver330CI]

so now I'm not even sure if I need the alignment. I called Meineke and they said to go on a straight road and take your hands off of the wheel and see if the steering wheel moves...... befores this I was physically holding the steering wheel straight...

Well I did that and it doesn't really move... so maybe its naturally to the left a bit and I never noticed....

However Meineke says they will do it for 70 bucks....

so maybe I should just to be safe? I'm 112K mileage...

 

[Big Daddy]

That is a generally good way to tell, remember that most roads have a crown, the middle being higher than the left or right sides, so water will run off. Like it has been said many things can influence the pull of the car to either side. If your not getting any odd tire wear, and it does not pull on a flat level surface leave it alone. I have my alignment checked when I buy tires so I do not mess up a new pair. Thus far, 55k on the car I have not needed an alignment.

 

[William330]

I've had several bad experiences with Meineke.

Midas was the exact opposite -- honest and professional.

I think people tend to blur these similar-sounding shops together, as I once did.

Learned my lesson the hard way.