4 Wheel alignment

[WVMTNBIKER]

So I've got four new Yoko tires coming this week for my '03 X5 3.0i w/manual tranny.

A local and well respected tire installer said he could do the mounting/balancing of the tires and also a four wheel alignment.

Based on his integrity, is it possible a non-BMW dealership could actually do a good four wheel alignment? He does have the latest and greatest of equipment, so...

The same guy did a C5 Corvette for me and it was absolutely perfect.

Thoughts?

[motordavid]

Yes, I don't see why a very good wheel joint, that has the right equipment, patience
and knowledge, can't do a good wheel alignment.
Some posters here, rec'd Hunter, some rec'd
Hawk Eye equipment...fwiw.

Some specs, that may be the on the nuts, via the
ol' Search Tab:

Parameter Specification
Front Axle
Total Toe 0degree18'+or-10'
Camber(difference between left/right maximum 30') -12'+or-20'
Toe Angle difference with 20degrees lock on inside wheel(difference between Left/right maximum20') -1degree35'+or-30'
Front Caster(difference between left/right maximum30'):
With+or-10 degree wheel lock 6degree 50'+or-30'
With+or-20degree wheel lock 7degree 06'+or-30'
Front wheel displacement 0degree+or-15'
Maximum Wheel Lock
Inside wheel(approx.) 37degree 06'
Outside wheel(approx.) 31degree 07'
Turning circle(approx.) 12.1 meters(39.7ft)
Rear Axle
Total toe 0degree 18'+or-10'
Camber(difference between left/right maximum 30') -1degree 50'+or-20'
Geometrical axis deviation 0degree+or-12'

Back at the Alignment Ranch, if they did your C5 well, and you trust them,
give it a go. Somehow I've managed to not feel the need for an alignment,
just because I got new tires, on our '01 X5, or on our '02 VetteVert, but YMMV.
GL, mD

[CharlieHustleX5]

I had my x5 done at an Americas Tire and they did it perfect. As long as they follow procedure, load the car with weights at designated points, it should be fine.

[WVMTNBIKER]

My X5 seems to track dead on and no obvious problems with steering/suspension.

However, when I took out the spare, which an OEM full size, it had been on the vehicle and one side of the tire was worn to the threads. This leads me to believe the car "could" be out of alignment. I hate to take the chance of ruining new $$$$ tires for the cost of an alignment.

I really appreciate the specs on the alignment. I'm printing those out to take with me when I go to the "alignment ranch".

Thanks again, gang, for all the great info. Boy, that premier membership is looking better and better all time. Cheap when you think one could go to a Stealer and really get ripped. You guys have already saved me a ton.

[AZX54.4]

I had my X aligned by my BMW dealership last week and a was not so pleased with the job they did. They seemed to get the car aligned but the steering wheel was not aligned. So driving straight my steering wheel was slightly angled to the left. Even after I took it back to be re-aligned the steering wheel doesn't seem centered. I guess what I am saying is my trust level for the BMW dealerships has really gone down over time. I would give your other guy a try if you trust him and he has previously done good work!

[WVMTNBIKER]

Originally Posted by motordavid

Yes, I don't see why a very good wheel joint, that has the right equipment, patience
and knowledge, can't do a good wheel alignment.
Some posters here, rec'd Hunter, some rec'd
Hawk Eye equipment...fwiw.

Some specs, that may be the on the nuts, via the
ol' Search Tab:

Parameter Specification
Front Axle
Total Toe 0degree18'+or-10'
Camber(difference between left/right maximum 30') -12'+or-20'
Toe Angle difference with 20degrees lock on inside wheel(difference between Left/right maximum20') -1degree35'+or-30'
Front Caster(difference between left/right maximum30'):
With+or-10 degree wheel lock 6degree 50'+or-30'
With+or-20degree wheel lock 7degree 06'+or-30'
Front wheel displacement 0degree+or-15'
Maximum Wheel Lock
Inside wheel(approx.) 37degree 06'
Outside wheel(approx.) 31degree 07'
Turning circle(approx.) 12.1 meters(39.7ft)
Rear Axle
Total toe 0degree 18'+or-10'
Camber(difference between left/right maximum 30') -1degree 50'+or-20'
Geometrical axis deviation 0degree+or-12'

Back at the Alignment Ranch, if they did your C5 well, and you trust them,
give it a go. Somehow I've managed to not feel the need for an alignment,
just because I got new tires, on our '01 X5, or on our '02 VetteVert, but YMMV.
GL, mD

Got the car aligned yesterday and it drives perfectly. Could not ask for more. However, it appears they aligned it according to an E39 5 series specs. Shop told me they were the same as my E53.
Could you take a look at my before and after alignment sheet and see if it's o.k. or not? Thanks.