Camber adjustment (sounds like a rip off!)

[lo_jack]

You know, the rear suspension has wear parts which, if worn, would probably effect the camber. So perhaps they were quoting you with replacement of said wear parts? Seeing as how it will just come out of whatever they set it at eventually anyhow if the suspension is worn and needs to be serviced, that might be an explaination I would expect.

Vehicles with no adjustments possible to the rear caster or camber do not have replaceable parts back there, so there is no reason to adjust, and no wear to address, for the most part.

[fatboyoz]

Originally Posted by rogerkiu

I just cannot understand why some people want to adjust the camber of x5. The camber setting of x5 is a kind of character of this beast, if you don't like it, just buy an MB ML/GL or VW Taureg or Audi Q7. Why X5??? More over, change the original factory setting of camber of an x5 will change the drive character of x5, it may result in reducing the stability of x5 when in high speed and cornering. Just re-think about it before doing it. What is the fxcking point by doing this? Is the cost of replacing tires too high compare to the cost of the vehicle? A set of tires can run at least 60K miles/100K KMs, about US$600 for a set of tires, one set tires can last at least around 2 years or more (in HK, at least 4 years), compare to US$50K-80K of cost of an x5. Is that too expansive to afford it? Come on! Guys!

Roger,
If you adjust the rear camber to the absolute limit on the adjustor, you are still within factory limits as per the shop manual. Thus, it is a valid adjustment to extend the life of the tyres. I did mine years ago, and it has no effect on handling whatsoever. There is a bona fide reason for BMW designing in limits.
Colin.

[Sterling 4.4]

Even the stealer only charges $150!

[onlinealias]

I tend to agree with the alignment shop. On a car that has adjustable everything on the suspension, changin the camber also effects the toe and the ride height. So, adjusting one thing has an effect on all of the others and that means to really get it right it is going to take quite a bit of time. Others who go and change the camber by simply adjusting it in or out don't realize they are affecting the other settings. BTW, 2.5 degrees is a LONG way out. After having the (a) shop double check that reading, I'd ask them to determine what happened to your suspension and then put a mondo alignment on by an experienced guy.

[pvoltti]

Originally Posted by rogerkiu

I just cannot understand why some people want to adjust the camber of x5. The camber setting of x5 is a kind of character of this beast, if you don't like it, just buy an MB ML/GL or VW Taureg or Audi Q7. Why X5??? More over, change the original factory setting of camber of an x5 will change the drive character of x5, it may result in reducing the stability of x5 when in high speed and cornering. Just re-think about it before doing it. What is the fxcking point by doing this? Is the cost of replacing tires too high compare to the cost of the vehicle? A set of tires can run at least 60K miles/100K KMs, about US$600 for a set of tires, one set tires can last at least around 2 years or more (in HK, at least 4 years), compare to US$50K-80K of cost of an x5. Is that too expansive to afford it? Come on! Guys!

Well... if the camber is off the setting then the car becomes nasty to drive. I have ranted a couple of weeks ago about my new continental tires. My X5 was difficult to drive. When braking the X5 acted like a snake. The gas consumption has increased 1 liter/100 km.

I contacted Continental technical support and they said that it is 99.9% likely that the cambers are not in place. Local BMW service made a 4-wheel adjustments. Two tires were not in place. Now my car works beautifully. It is easy to drive and the gas consumption is normal.

So, I really recommend checking and adjusting all the 4 tires. It is a small operation but worth of it.

[Ranger]

Originally Posted by rogerkiu

I just cannot understand why some people want to adjust the camber of x5. The camber setting of x5 is a kind of character of this beast, if you don't like it, just buy an MB ML/GL or VW Taureg or Audi Q7. Why X5??? More over, change the original factory setting of camber of an x5 will change the drive character of x5, it may result in reducing the stability of x5 when in high speed and cornering. Just re-think about it before doing it. What is the fxcking point by doing this? Is the cost of replacing tires too high compare to the cost of the vehicle? A set of tires can run at least 60K miles/100K KMs, about US$600 for a set of tires, one set tires can last at least around 2 years or more (in HK, at least 4 years), compare to US$50K-80K of cost of an x5. Is that too expansive to afford it? Come on! Guys!

The reason the rear has so much neg camber is to build understeer into the car. Understeer means the front doesn't turn as much as you want because the front tires start slipping out from under you in a high speed turn. The opposite is oversteer where the rear tires start slipping out from under you in a high speed turn. Ideally the two are in balance so slippage is easily controlled by a driver with skills gained from the track.

Of the two, understeer is the far more docile handling characteristic. And also a car with understeering characteristics plays far better in liability cases which is a huge issue in the US.

So our trucks understeer like pigs because the alignment is designed for unskilled drivers and lawyers. Go ahead and dial out some of the rear camber if you like. Your tires will last longer.

Re. impacting the "feel" of an X5. You are only going to notice the camber of the car when there is some slip angle, meaning your tires are starting to slip in a turn. How often does that occur to us? I certainly don't drift my X5 thru turns.

[BlackE32_SilverE53]

Originally Posted by rogerkiu

I just cannot understand why some people want to adjust the camber of x5. The camber setting of x5 is a kind of character of this beast, if you don't like it, just buy an MB ML/GL or VW Taureg or Audi Q7. Why X5??? More over, change the original factory setting of camber of an x5 will change the drive character of x5, it may result in reducing the stability of x5 when in high speed and cornering. Just re-think about it before doing it. What is the fxcking point by doing this? Is the cost of replacing tires too high compare to the cost of the vehicle? A set of tires can run at least 60K miles/100K KMs, about US$600 for a set of tires, one set tires can last at least around 2 years or more (in HK, at least 4 years), compare to US$50K-80K of cost of an x5. Is that too expansive to afford it? Come on! Guys!

Most Indy's and alignment shops will not mess with BMWs because in order to do a proper alignment on a BMW you need to add a certian amount of weight to a special location in the car. It is more a a science than just adjusting some screws. So if you want a proper alignment take it to the dealer. If it takes 30 mins to do your alignment you just wasted your money

[rogerkiu]

Originally Posted by BlackE32_SilverE53

Most Indy's and alignment shops will not mess with BMWs because in order to do a proper alignment on a BMW you need to add a certian amount of weight to a special location in the car. It is more a a science than just adjusting some screws. So if you want a proper alignment take it to the dealer. If it takes 30 mins to do your alignment you just wasted your money

Totally agree!

[X Foomph]

You need to find a good tyre shop with an even better wheel alignment mechanic who knows what he's doing with beemers and not deal with someone who says [it was very "hard" and "tricky"]. You also need to find time next time to have a 'full' wheel alignment done and not half a job. From my experience when fitting new tyres the mechanic took about 1 1/2 hrs to complete full alignment job (after tyres were done). Rear camber was set at -01deg 40min.
Good luck with future tyre wear.