Quote:
Originally Posted by Flyingdutchman
Hi
My 2005 e53 N62 has quite a big difference in front axle camber between left and right. My question is if there is enough play in the front subframe to shove it over a few mm?
//R
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Camber is locked at the factory with a pin. If that’s removed your can adjust a little bit. There isn't a camber adjustment on the control arm like rear, the top of the strut tower three bolts have a little wiggle room. (When the pin is removed)
That said, the bottom metal plate is structural and attached at the factory with 72,000# of force. If it's put back on "ugga dugga" style or "goodntight" that force will drop 50-80% and will no longer be effectively structural; only acting as a splash shield. One bad pot hole while braking could change your front geometry says BMW. (They are very strict to never drive without the structural stiffening plate and to replace all the single use TTY bolts).
If there’s a radical difference left/right I would suspect a worn ball joint or bushing. (Or stiffening plate turned splash shield). The factory option for camber is very limited but there is an aftermarket kit with eccentric bolts that hold the knuckle to the strut that allows a lot of camber adjustment you can dial in full range.
With 1200# of force in each front corner it’s very hard to find a loose ball joint without compressing the springs. If you have air springs your can let out the air and it’s ∞ easier!
Many examples can be found of a front suspension refresh (which is quite economical on the e53), will bring the car back to like new status.
I would first try to determine if any of the ≈ 12 bushings/bearings are worn and allowing play to affect camber then I’d pull the factory pins to agent to get them aligned equally.
Importantly: if tires aren’t wearing unevenly and you don’t track your car, odds are you’ll be just fine leaving it.
–awr–
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