|
|
|
|
|
|
BMW Garage | BMW Meets | Register | Today's Posts | Search |
|
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum
>
"Max Adjustment" for Alignment
|
|
04-09-2012, 08:20 PM | #1 |
Lieutenant
77
Rep 463
Posts |
"Max Adjustment" for Alignment
After my last alignment, the camber settings were way off from what I wanted... Instead of -1.4, the alignment shop said they could only do -0.1, and they circled it saying "max".
So, my question is... WTF??? How is that possible? I've seen this from other alignment shops once in a while in the past even on my old car... Is it because they are idiots who are setting up the alignment machine wrong? Also, some people have said that the camber in the E90 is not adjustable... is that true? I feel like it definitely it, as I have had it successfully adjusted in the past. I'm not going for anything weird or out of spec -- just going for very middle-of-the-road settings... Any advice? Thanks!! |
04-10-2012, 07:05 AM | #2 |
Lieutenant
152
Rep 502
Posts |
Does the e9X even have a way to adjust front camber? I assume the rear is adjustable using the eccentric bolt for the adjustment as are most BMWs.
__________________
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-12-2012, 11:30 PM | #4 |
driver mod in progress
225
Rep 1,858
Posts
Drives: with both feet
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Redondo Beach, CA
|
I believe you need to install aftermarket camber plates in order to adjust the front. Rear can go to -3.1 with stock adjustments.
__________________
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-12-2012, 11:32 PM | #5 |
driver mod in progress
225
Rep 1,858
Posts
Drives: with both feet
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Redondo Beach, CA
|
Correction; I found this with a basic search...
__________________
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-12-2012, 11:36 PM | #6 |
just another bmw douche bag
195
Rep 3,640
Posts |
From the factory, the front camber isn't adjustable. You have to remove the alignment pin on the guide support, which will then let you adjust camber up front. But it's not much, about -1 degree or so max.
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-13-2012, 10:11 AM | #7 |
Lieutenant
77
Rep 463
Posts |
Thanks... but I am confused! So what do alignment shops do when you come in with front camber that is out of spec, if the camber is not adjustable?
I've been shown a photo of the screws for camber adjustment, supposedly... so that makes me think it IS adjustable... I'm confused... Any wisdom? |
Appreciate
0
|
04-13-2012, 11:46 AM | #8 | |
Brigadier General
918
Rep 4,013
Posts |
Quote:
__________________
2021 M2 Comp Sunset Orange |Black with orange Stitching Dakota Leather|Executive Pkg|DCT
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-13-2012, 12:42 PM | #9 |
Lieutenant
77
Rep 463
Posts |
David1: but if the adjustments don't do anything, how is it that shops are able to fix the camber when the car comes in with a number that is out of spec?
I've seen multiple shops do this successfully (and I can feel the difference) without any additional modifications to my car... Thanks! |
Appreciate
0
|
04-13-2012, 02:06 PM | #10 |
Brigadier General
918
Rep 4,013
Posts |
Rear is adjustable the front is not. If you remove the pins up front you get a little adjustment up front. The X5 is even worse, you have to try different control arms to adjust front camber and there are three to pick from at 450 bucks each!
__________________
2021 M2 Comp Sunset Orange |Black with orange Stitching Dakota Leather|Executive Pkg|DCT
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-13-2012, 04:25 PM | #11 |
Lieutenant
77
Rep 463
Posts |
David1: heh...
But I'm still confused: if my front camber is changing from one visit to another (at the same shop), how is the possible if it's fixed? And how is it possible for the shop to change it? (I guess the latter may be explained by the "little adjustment" that you mentioned.) |
Appreciate
0
|
04-13-2012, 05:37 PM | #12 |
Brigadier General
918
Rep 4,013
Posts |
It can not move up front unless you have worn joints at the front carrier or the to[p bearing plate. If the pins are in the struts can not move. Also, you can take the car off the rack drive around the block and remeasure and it will not be the same.
__________________
2021 M2 Comp Sunset Orange |Black with orange Stitching Dakota Leather|Executive Pkg|DCT
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-13-2012, 05:46 PM | #13 |
Lieutenant
77
Rep 463
Posts |
Thanks again David1.
Of course each time you measure it can vary... but I would guess that those variations are pretty small, whereas some of the variation I'm seeing has been quite large. (Even when it's the same shop, just 2 months apart.) So... it makes me think about the worn joints you mention. Are those easy to check, and how much might they cost to replace? Thank you again! I'm learning a lot, and for that I am very grateful. |
Appreciate
0
|
04-14-2012, 10:20 AM | #14 |
Brigadier General
918
Rep 4,013
Posts |
How many miles on the car and any rattles?
__________________
2021 M2 Comp Sunset Orange |Black with orange Stitching Dakota Leather|Executive Pkg|DCT
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-16-2012, 11:13 PM | #16 |
Supreme Allied Commander
4010
Rep 55,390
Posts
Drives: F80 M3
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Santa Barbara, AP, Brembo, GIAC, Koni, Ohlins, Performance Friction, www.hpautosport.com
|
If your front camber is out of spec and can not be brough within specs, look for a bent control arm or other suspension component. It will not be possible to achieve -1.4 with oem parts and no camber plates.
|
Appreciate
0
|
Bookmarks |
|
|