How often do you get a 4-wheel alignment?

[Lotus Man]

For some reason, I don't see the wheel alignment info in the service manaul. What does BMW recommend for scheduled 4-wheel alignment? Thanks!

[dkl]

There isn't a scheduled alignment. Most people just do it on an as-needed basis. For example, when getting new tires or when excess tire wear is observed, etc...

If my old tires were wearing normally, then I would even skip the alignment on the new set of tire since everything is still aligned properly.

[realchef]

I have noticed that if there is simple drift, check the tire pressure. It has straightened the issue out for me.

[Vonbimmer]

I agree with DKL, I typically have the alignment done with every set of fresh tires as well as any time I see tire wear looking odd. On a similar thought any suspension work should typically be accompanied by an alignment.

[ZsX5o3]

I just dropped my e39 off at the dealer for an alignment, when I came back I had an estimate of over $3,000 worth of work


they refused to do the alignment unless I completed the other work.

[flyingmachine]

Originally Posted by ZsX5o3

I just dropped my e39 off at the dealer for an alignment, when I came back I had an estimate of over $3,000 worth of work


they refused to do the alignment unless I completed the other work.

what do they do for that $3000 job? control arms, tension struts, tie rod end and ?? 3K sounds excessive.

[vinuneuro]

It's standard procedure to inspect the suspension before performing an alignment. Any worthwhile shop/dealer/tech will do so. You might want to get a second opinion regarding what needs replacing.

[ZsX5o3]

Actually the only thing relating to the suspension on my estimate was rear control arms, and they quoted me $2200 for that alone Other stuff was just miscellaneous things they shouldn't have been checking. "Airbag light on - $650, possibly more". "Change spark plugs - $250"

doesn't matter though I'm not surprised by it, I was only upset that 1) I didn't get my alignment and 2 they charged me $150 for an inspection I didn't even ask for. My indy mechanic says control arms are fine

[flyingmachine]

Originally Posted by ZsX5o3

Actually the only thing relating to the suspension on my estimate was rear control arms, and they quoted me $2200 for that alone Other stuff was just miscellaneous things they shouldn't have been checking. "Airbag light on - $650, possibly more". "Change spark plugs - $250"

doesn't matter though I'm not surprised by it, I was only upset that 1) I didn't get my alignment and 2 they charged me $150 for an inspection I didn't even ask for. My indy mechanic says control arms are fine

you were getting robbed. I wouldn't even pay them $150 if I were you. they're right not doing alignment if rear control arms are bad but they shouldn't charge you a penny. how bad is the rear control arm? bushing cracked? you can just take it to an indy to have bushings replaced and drop your car in another dealer for the alignment.

[ZsX5o3]

yep, pretty much. I had to pay the $150 to get my car back, I didn't want to get into a huge thing with them. The bushings are fine, they just aren't "perfect". My mechanic offered to bring the car to them personally for the alignment so if they make any claim they'll have to show him exactly how it is out of spec.

I had just payed him to check over all of this stuff and replaced a few things as well, so I could get the alignment.

Also just replaced the spark plugs, but I don't think they actually checked them, they just went by the mileage.