How Often Do You Get An Alignment?

[abe]

I rarely, if ever, get an alignment. I'm curious if there's a set interval that folks follow or if it's an "as needed" basis.

You can select more than one option in the poll.

[Desertnate]

I do it on as as-needed basis. I keep a eye on the tire ware and watch the steering to see if it is pulling at all.

I should probably get it done each time I put on new tires. My local Firestone service center has a sign on their wall that says you should have it done every 6K miles. I don't see the point unless you have a bad habit of bouncing off curbs. The roads here are really good so pot-holes aren't an issue either.

[AzNMpower32]

Alignments should be done on a "as-needed" basis mentioned above. It isn't really a routine maintenance thing. Potholes, bumping the curb too hard can cause the steering to pull to one side. But you really only need it when there's unusual tire wear or the car pulls to a side.

[TD]

When I can feel things "ain't right".

[TeeKay]

A proper alignment is more than just keeping your steering wheel straight. :banghead:

A competent precision alignment is the best performance "mod" you can make to the car. For about $60-$150, you will instantly feel the additional grip and stability in turns, and will notice much even tire wear, because the car has been set up based on your driving habit and preference. You will have the confidence & grip to take that corner faster, even without any increase in HP. :thumbup:

And by "precision alignment," I don't mean having the dealership guy eyeballing to make sure that your steering wheel is centered. Take your car to an independent BMW mechanic or performance car shop and ask for this; those doofuses at the dealership don't know about this and will charge you an arm and a leg for it.

It involves adjusting your front and rear wheels (all 4 wheels) to the recommended (or desired) toe, camber, and caster settings based on your driving preference. Some shops even allow you to sit in the car while they're adjusting it to account for your weight, as 150 lbs in one corner can really change the balance of the car. A reputable shop should first ask you what settings you prefer; if you don't know, they'll ask about your driving habits/preferences and recommend a particular setting for you. Then, afterwards, they should show you a printout for your record of the before- and after-alignment settings. Again, this should cost no more than $150.

If the shop has no idea what you're talking about, run away. These guys will BS and charge you money without doing no more than centering the wheel.

Once set, an alignment should be good for 2 years or so, unless you track your car a lot, hit a huge pothole, or get into an accident.

[abe]

+1 INFORMATIVE

:thumbup:


Thanks!

[vegastrashed]

I get an alignment when I switch my suspension from low (stock Sport), to lower (H&R Sport), to lowest (H&R Race). If I decide to blow up my current suspension for coilovers then that's another alignment. :D

[Desertnate]

I get an alignment when I switch my suspension from low (stock Sport), to lower (H&R Sport), to lowest (H&R Race). If I decide to blow up my current suspension for coilovers then that's another alignment. :D

I would think an alignment is mandatorywhen you start swaping out suspension parts, isn't it?

[BIMMERUSAM5]

I get an alignment when I switch my suspension from low (stock Sport), to lower (H&R Sport), to lowest (H&R Race). If I decide to blow up my current suspension for coilovers then that's another alignment. :D

Damn your car is low in your sig! Looks good. I like the low profiles.

[Dave 330i]

I've never gotten an alignment because I have never hit a curb or gone over a pothole. Everything is still aligned after 70K miles. I replace two rear OEM tires, and then complete set of 4 tires at 56K miles. I've been on the track only once, but I took it easy.

[Desertnate]

I've never gotten an alignment because I have never hit a curb or gone over a pothole. Everything still aligned after 70K miles.

I ran my 99 323i for 120K miles without an alignment. Tire wear and steering was as straight and true the whole time I owned her. I was really surprised...there were a few pot-holes hidden under water that had me worried.:eeps:

[Mike_Check]

When I can feel things "ain't right".
+1

[AusBmw]

When I can feel things "ain't right".

Yup same here:thumbup:

Mine dont pull to one side when i brake,I can let the steering wheel go and she'll drive in straight line,so no tracking to one side,so I think all is ok.

[WhiteAngel330]

When I change suspension or upgrade my wheels or if my steering wheel is off pulling to the left/right then I get an alignment, which is a rare thing.