Alignment Question

SuperF10 · 04-16-2020, 07:59 PM

So my M5 had a compression bolt that backed out and boom there goes the splines on both the axle and the rear wheel hub assy.

https://f10.m5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1710749

My car is now reassembled with a "quality recycled" axle shaft and a brand new rear hub assy. Prior to the repair, my car pulled to the right and now it's a little worse.

My question is, is it okay to use a company like firestone or similar to do a 4-wheel alignment or should I pay the dealership fees? Has anyone had their alignment done by a regular shop?

I am hesitant to pay all that money to local BMW dealership because I've had the car aligned by them before and it came out worse than when it went in.

AlisterB · 04-16-2020, 08:05 PM

I would go to a good independent wheel and tyre shop rather than using a dealer.

Dealer prices are always exorbitant for things like alignments and there is no reason why a independent shop with decent equipment can't do the job just as well if not better (find the right shop and there is some real specialists who REALLY know their stuff).

Ickdeep · 04-16-2020, 08:40 PM

I've done mine at Firestone and was very happy with the results

SuperF10 · 04-18-2020, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ickdeep

I've done mine at Firestone and was very happy with the results

Firestone told me that they can't do BMWs because they don't have the proper equipment or the weights. I just found another place and got it done for $75 and they had the hunter hawk-2 machine. I'm happy with the results.

Boosted M5 · 04-19-2020, 08:21 PM

In reality the main reason you would want to take it to the dealer is for all the driver assist systems. Sometimes if the alignment is way off it will throw those systems off. As a dealer tech myself I can tell you we take short cuts when it comes to re-aiming these systems anyway. I at the very least make sure the tank is 3/4 full and if you really want to get technical get a few weights and place on each seat as every current alignment machine gives you the specs of how much weight to put in the car.

Craze · 04-20-2020, 04:56 AM

Problem is when i went to bmw they only align to there specs

So if ur suspension is modified they wont help you!

04-16-2020, 07:59 PM	#1
SuperF10 Private First Class 42 Rep 101 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW M5 Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Alignment Question So my M5 had a compression bolt that backed out and boom there goes the splines on both the axle and the rear wheel hub assy. https://f10.m5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1710749 My car is now reassembled with a "quality recycled" axle shaft and a brand new rear hub assy. Prior to the repair, my car pulled to the right and now it's a little worse. My question is, is it okay to use a company like firestone or similar to do a 4-wheel alignment or should I pay the dealership fees? Has anyone had their alignment done by a regular shop? I am hesitant to pay all that money to local BMW dealership because I've had the car aligned by them before and it came out worse than when it went in. __________________ 2013 Black Sapphire Metallic, Sakhir Orange Interior, DCT
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

04-16-2020, 08:05 PM	#2
AlisterB First Lieutenant 171 Rep 349 Posts Drives: F10 M5 Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Melbourne, Australia iTrader: (0)	I would go to a good independent wheel and tyre shop rather than using a dealer. Dealer prices are always exorbitant for things like alignments and there is no reason why a independent shop with decent equipment can't do the job just as well if not better (find the right shop and there is some real specialists who REALLY know their stuff).
	Appreciate 1 SuperF1041.50 Quote

04-16-2020, 08:40 PM	#3
Ickdeep Brigadier General 5721 Rep 4,209 Posts Drives: '13 F10 M5 \| '15 F15 X5 Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (3) Garage List 2015 BMW X5 [10.00] 2013 BMW M5 [SOLD] [10.00] 2013 BMW 535i [SOLD] [10.00]	I've done mine at Firestone and was very happy with the results __________________ Stage 2 Tune BPM \| Fabworx DP \| SSP Performance Clutch \| Muffler & Resonator Delete Dinan Adjustable Springs \| Powder Coated 343 Wheels \| F&R Spacers \| RW Carbon Front Lip & Diffuser Sold!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-19-2020, 08:21 PM	#5
Boosted M5 Private First Class 69 Rep 193 Posts Drives: F10 m5 Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Sf bay area iTrader: (0)	In reality the main reason you would want to take it to the dealer is for all the driver assist systems. Sometimes if the alignment is way off it will throw those systems off. As a dealer tech myself I can tell you we take short cuts when it comes to re-aiming these systems anyway. I at the very least make sure the tank is 3/4 full and if you really want to get technical get a few weights and place on each seat as every current alignment machine gives you the specs of how much weight to put in the car.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-20-2020, 04:56 AM	#6
Craze Captain 161 Rep 687 Posts Drives: M5 E60, M5 F10, X5 50i Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	Problem is when i went to bmw they only align to there specs So if ur suspension is modified they wont help you!
	Appreciate 0 Quote