10-19-2013, 02:10 AM | #1 |
Major
266
Rep 1,093
Posts |
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..
__________________
Has a bad car addiction
|
10-21-2013, 07:05 PM | #3 |
Major
266
Rep 1,093
Posts |
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.
__________________
Has a bad car addiction
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-24-2013, 11:59 AM | #5 | |
Banned
20
Rep 688
Posts |
Quote:
Custom Alignment in Mountain View. I wouldn't go anywhere else in the entire state. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-28-2013, 05:16 PM | #7 | |
450
Rep 4,592
Posts |
Quote:
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. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-28-2013, 05:29 PM | #8 | |
Law Enforcer
24972
Rep 22,264
Posts
Drives: '22 Chalk Gray Porsche C2S
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: ..in your rearview!!!
|
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-18-2013, 01:52 PM | #9 |
Enlisted Member
8
Rep 45
Posts
Drives: 2013 328i, 2014 328i
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Alabama
|
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. |
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|