[gunnerxq]

I was starting to get worried that I would have major repair bills coming up on my car such as bushings and control arms. The reason being is at highway speeds the car would float around and would need constant correction to stay straight.

During normal and spirited driving the steering felt like on my sisters passat because it was so light. So I go get an alignment and ask for the sport package one. the mechanic goes to the computer and tells me there is also msport or m package alignment, so of course I get it right away.

Well Now the car doesn't float, it doesn't matter what speed im going and can actually drive in a straight line. The steering is back to BMW like standards. And actually feels a little heavier then stock. The speed at which tire squeal begins on turns is quite a bit higher now also.

So guys get your alignments, it was definitely $98 well spent. And don't forget to ask for the different alignments if you don't mind a little more tire wear.

Can anyone explain how an alignment can make such a difference such as making the steering stiffer?

[tsensational]

In some cases, you're getting more tire to the ground than pre-alignment. A bit more friction means a bit stiffer.

[osukf09]

I've had a similar experience. Definitely a much heavier steering feel to the left and right after a good alignment (car was pulling slightly right prior).

[2ndname]

Agree. I myself would recommend an alignment once a year, even without any mods being done to the car.

[marshall834]

I've never heard of different "types" of alignments. Interesting. Was this at the dealer?

[chazzz]

$98 alignment at BMW dealer? That's a good deal. Would love to get my car aligned by BMW dealer at that price.

[lbernielu]

It is valuable to research the different types of alignments possible, particularly with respect to toe settings for the front wheels. Factory numbers tend to have moderate toe in, which increases stability, makes turn in more diffucult, and increases tire wear. M car settings may specify less toe in, and many experienced drives prefer 0 toe or slight toe in for the front. Front camber settings are also a matter of taste, with some drivers sticking to stock and others going up to two degrees negative or more.

[LocDawgg]

My buddy works at Toyota, and he aligned my car using regular settings then he aligned it using the m-sport settings. It felt much better afterwards. The computer and software he uses as options such as sport package, Msport, lowered, etc.

[Thp4]

Is the "sport" alignment different from the "msport"? I would think they would be same as msport is just sport with different bumpers / trim. I didn't think there was any suspension difference.

[dhanni848]

Going to get my car aligned this week. I have the sport package on mine and the steering is quite stiff. Does the Msport just alter the camber to put more tire on the ground? Would this actually allow the tires to wear more evenly?

[ndog14]

$98 for an alignment at a dealer? My dealer quoted my friend's mother $600! Hah!

[gunnerxq]

Originally Posted by marshall834

I've never heard of different "types" of alignments. Interesting. Was this at the dealer?

Nope it wasn't at a dealer. They put in my car model and year and 3 different options came up on the computer.

[Bamaben]

You can only change toe on front so if steering feels different it is because you have more toe-in which causes more feathering but a better tracking feel. Different setups are for different amount of toe front and back and different camber in back

[nycbr]

Originally Posted by gunnerxq

Nope it wasn't at a dealer. They put in my car model and year and 3 different options came up on the computer.

where did you get the alignment?

[BlackedOutF30]

Originally Posted by Thp4

Is the "sport" alignment different from the "msport"? I would think they would be same as msport is just sport with different bumpers / trim. I didn't think there was any suspension difference.

Well from what I have read I believe non-NA m-sport actually comes with a type of v1 perf. suspension. So I would imagine that could be the difference?

[gunnerxq]

Originally Posted by nycbr

where did you get the alignment?

"Guys tire buys"
373 Veterans Road West Staten Island, NY 10309
(718) 317-8473

[gunnerxq]

Originally Posted by Bamaben

You can only change toe on front so if steering feels different it is because you have more toe-in which causes more feathering but a better tracking feel. Different setups are for different amount of toe front and back and different camber in back

Why do I have no feathering now then compared to before the alignment with a stiffer feel?