[techietaichi]

$300 for an alignment!? The guys checking to see if you're an idiot.

[mike3000fl]

Firestone lifetime alignment.

[notnow]

If anything costs more than what it costs in Vancouver BC (Canada), it is overpriced.
Normal alignment = $80 (standard)
Advanced alignment = $120 (stance/race/custom alignments)

[stanlalee]

Originally Posted by AughtOcho335

What I don't understand is how can an independent shop that charges way more than the dealership keep their doors open....

Some people think they are getting some sort of expertise and attention to detail that is absent at a dealership.

[MrQuickR1]

No way would I take it to Firestone.
Unless they have the Hunter machine and a tech that knows what they are doing.
In Jersey, I take it to Paul Miller BMW. $149
They have specials on their website as well. My advice is look at your dealers website and look for alignment/service specials to see if you can catch a break.
Paying $300 proved to them they can screw you on the next visit too.
I'll bet they said you have another issue or service needed soon and come back in so much time or miles.
I overheard a tech talking to a lady about a small oil leak on her oil filter housing and it will cost $650 and 4 hours labor. I laughed out loud. A $25 gasket and 3 bolts plus an oil change at about $75 would take about 45 minutes taking your time.
Know before you go. Don't get talked into something on the spot. If you feel it doesn't sound right, it probably isn't. Ask a million questions. Let them know you aren't an idiot. In this case they think you are now unfortunately.

[gary88]

I had mine done for $105 at an independent shop.

Originally Posted by ken1137

Indy $100. Good thing b/c I'll need another in March due to all the damn potholes in Chicago.

After Chiberia the roads are like minefields now.

[Harry335i]

$285 for my X5

[mike3000fl]

Originally Posted by MrQuickR1

No way would I take it to Firestone.
Unless they have the Hunter machine and a tech that knows what they are doing.
In Jersey, I take it to Paul Miller BMW. $149
They have specials on their website as well. My advice is look at your dealers website and look for alignment/service specials to see if you can catch a break.
Paying $300 proved to them they can screw you on the next visit too.
I'll bet they said you have another issue or service needed soon and come back in so much time or miles.
I overheard a tech talking to a lady about a small oil leak on her oil filter housing and it will cost $650 and 4 hours labor. I laughed out loud. A $25 gasket and 3 bolts plus an oil change at about $75 would take about 45 minutes taking your time.
Know before you go. Don't get talked into something on the spot. If you feel it doesn't sound right, it probably isn't. Ask a million questions. Let them know you aren't an idiot. In this case they think you are now unfortunately.

A 3 series is a German taxi. No magic parts. Firestone can align it fine.

[DetectiveLoki]

$60 for my alignment at a local tires shop. $300 is ridiculous.

[AughtOcho335]

Found a NTB shop three min from my house that had great reviews online and took it there. Only charged me $114.50 & I got to hang out with the guy while he did it.

Oddest thing. I thought my front toe was off. It was within spec. The rear toe and camber was off which caused the front to misalign. Took him 40 min with a hunter machine.

I chose the NTB shop because the specialty shop was 40 min on the other side of Houston. Stress I'd rather avoid.

It made a HUGE difference in ride and perceived stability. And guaranteed for 6 months. I am happy

The $300 was because the lady thought I had "active steering". I didn't. If your power steering fluid cap has a green ring you don't. Mine did. If it is solid black. You have active steering.

[jafza412]

This is well covered by now, but yeah $300 is ridonkey. Even at the BMW dealership in Madison, WI, I paid $120 all in for four wheel alignment.

[MrQuickR1]

Originally Posted by mike3000fl

A 3 series is a German taxi. No magic parts. Firestone can align it fine.

No there isn't magic parts but they are not equipped for the BMW specs....

Our apologies, we aren’t seeing alignment options that fit your vehicle in our database. But there may be options that our local stores can identify for you. Give them a ring to find out or try a new search -

[Dark_Knight_335]

No matter who does it make sure they have a road force machine- that's the only way to get it done.

[ken1137]

I hit another pothole two days after my alignment.

[Dark_Knight_335]

That sucks brother... I know the feeling.
HATE when it happens!

[chronos6]

I paid $200 and felt like a idiot about 5 minutes after I paid for it. Then along with the $200 i paid some more money and got a useless exhaust that doesn't even sound as good as the stock with the golf tee mod. I feel ashamed and annoyed. Live and you learn.

[Boogster]

I've used Firestone Lifetime alignment on my 2008 335i for years and I have had NO issues. I drive the car pretty hard. The Euro taxi comment was spot on. My local Firestone is new so may have more modern equipment. And they are very nice and professional. I will ask what machine they use for alignment next time I go (every couple months). Hey, it's free after the first time! Only takes an hour. Or less.

They always want to change my oil or flush my radiator though. It's all about money off added services... I do that stuff myself. I know it is done right, it's relatively easy, and it feels good to do it yourself, see under your car to make sure all is well, etc.

I have a neighbor friend who said I can use his lift! I am so happy. I need to get two more jack pads!

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by Boogster

I have a neighbor friend who said I can use his lift! I am so happy. I need to get two more jack pads!

You don't need any jack pads if you are using a lift.

[e92oholic]

I paid 250 or 300 at the dealer when I had my 545 with active steering. And it took them 3 times to get the wheel straight.

[jeffro535]

Pretty sure one of the differences in the initial quote is the re-initialization/calibration of the SAS...don't know why they feel that's required. Mine's gotten aligned 3 times at a dealership for around $130 with no issue other than one of them was perhaps not as good as it could have been.

[Dozhdbog]

only 150lbs in driver's seat? I weigh 235.

[Amini77]

Originally Posted by Potty_Pants

I've heard the adaptive steering adds to the cost of an alignment.

firestone lifetime alignment gets my vote.

ppp

Definitely the best bang for your buck. I wanted to start taking it there but when I called up and told them I have a BMW they said "no exotics" I mean...I was flattered but seriously? exotic? Lol I guess some locations are different. I called another they said yes. But ended up not going