[newoldbeemer]

Probably a newbie question.
Is it necessary/preferable to get wheel alignment done at the dealer only, or independent shops ok? I'm asking because owners of regular brand cars like Toyota and Honda get oil changes at jiffy lube and places like that but if believe bmw/Audi drivers don't - probably because of branded Oil needed or something like that?

Is bmw suspension complex enough that only dealers would know how to align it correctly?

Dealer charges $200 for alignment..

[Presario]

Any high end alignment shop can do it. It will be comparable to having it done at the dealership but it will be a little cheaper.

[newoldbeemer]

Ok I was wondering what my options were in case I need to get a second opinion. I can feel a pull to the right but the dealer swears black and blue there isn't any.

[Nitrous Garage]

Yeah get a second opinion. Sometimes the dealers are just lazy.

[F32]

Originally Posted by newoldbeemer

I'm asking because owners of regular brand cars like Toyota and Honda get oil changes at jiffy lube and places like that but if believe bmw/Audi drivers don't - probably because of branded Oil needed or something like that?

Is bmw suspension complex enough that only dealers would know how to align it correctly?

Don't fool yourself. The suspension on these cars is no different or more "complex" than the average Honda or Toyota.

Custom Alignment in Mountain View. I wouldn't go anywhere else in the entire state.

[newoldbeemer]

Thanks!

[richb811]

Originally Posted by F32

Don't fool yourself. The suspension on these cars is no different or more "complex" than the average Honda or Toyota.

Custom Alignment in Mountain View. I wouldn't go anywhere else in the entire state.

So are you saying that cars with active steering and optional active rear steering require the same amount of effort as a 94 corolla with a solid beam axle?

I respectfully disagree with you sir. There are more than a few shops that you shouldn't let near your BMW. You are only "Fooling" yourself if you think that a journeyman tire guy making 10 bucks an hour using 20 year old equipment can do the same job as a quality aftermarket shop or BMW dealer

I'm not saying you always have to go to the dealer, there are plenty of great alignment shops out there that can more than adequately handle your needs, and in some cases do an even better job than your dealer.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by Rich@GTBPerformance

So are you saying that cars with active steering and optional active rear steering require the same amount of effort as a 94 corolla with a solid beam axle?

I respectfully disagree with you sir. There are more than a few shops that you shouldn't let near your BMW. You are only "Fooling" yourself if you think that a journeyman tire guy making 10 bucks an hour using 20 year old equipment can do the same job as a quality aftermarket shop or BMW dealer

I'm not saying you always have to go to the dealer, there are plenty of great alignment shops out there that can more than adequately handle your needs, and in some cases do an even better job than your dealer.

Agreed! F32 is at it again I see.

[jelecroy]

I noticed some unusual tire wear on my 2013 328i at ~10,000 miles. Called the dealer. Learned that there is no warranty on alignment after 2000 miles, and the the flat rate for alignment at my dealer is $189.50. Made an appointment. The next day they did the alignment, found toe off on front and rear (what I expected based on the tire wear), and minor issues with camber. I suspect the toe was off from day one - I attributed the tire noise that sounds like front end scrub to the run-flat tires. My mistake.

The bill was presented at $240, but with a credit for $50. Seems as if the dealer adds $50 to "reprogram" the electric power steering as part of an alignment job, but waived that charge in my case since they quoted the lower price on the phone. I can't imagine that the "reprogram" is anything more than setting zero on the steering rack.

My wife's Accord has electric steering. Reprogramming that (for instance, after a battery change) involves running the steering twice from lock to lock. I presume that the Honda steering computer assumes steering center based on where it hits the stops. Too bad BMW can't do that. Or may they do, and the $50 is just a bloat charge.