Shop can't align my Ti??

[Mr.Squeelerz]

I just got a call from my shop saying they can't align my car because they need special tools that they don't have. Is this for real? What kind of "special" tools does a shop that aligns cars, need?!

I need some input. I've been waiting to get my car on the road since last fall. I'm getting antsy

[slow_ti]

That doesn't make sense.


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[Mr.Squeelerz]

Exactly my thoughts.

[familytruckster]

Not much....Though it does depend on the suspension setup you have.

If you are dropped too far, the just won't be able to get it within spec.

[Mr.Squeelerz]

Originally Posted by familytruckster

Not much....Though it does depend on the suspension setup you have.

If you are dropped too far, the just won't be able to get it within spec.

It's factory suspension.

[dave45056]

The BMW spec calls for weight to be added to the seats and a full tank of gas.
Most likely they don't have weights.

[98318ti]

Couldn't somebody just sit in them?

[dave45056]

Provided they each weighed 68kg kept still and the alignment shop allowed them in the car while it was on the rack, sure. But good luck with that.

The spec is 68kg in each front seat
68kg in the center of the back seat
21 kg under the hatch
Full tank of gas

[zoner]

Special tools = open-end wrenches.

If a shop doesn't have these, I would probably run away from that shop as fast as I could. Wheel toe is the only adjustment on a stock suspension. My assumption is that it is out of spec. due to damaged or defective suspension components and the only way to fix that is to determine which components are the problem and replace them.

[zoner]

Originally Posted by dave45056

Provided they each weighed 68kg kept still and the alignment shop allowed them in the car while it was on the rack, sure. But good luck with that.

The spec is 68kg in each front seat
68kg in the center of the back seat
21 kg under the hatch
Full tank of gas

Like this:

[xxxJohnBoyxxx]

Run from that shop. My local average knowledge shop can align my car for cornering or straight 1/4 mile performance. They can do it all and I can watch on the machine exactly what specs are being dialed in for my setup.

It's not rocket science just basic alignment unless you have been hit hard and have frame issues...\

Maybe they don't have the module for the BMW specs?

[Mr.Squeelerz]

I replaced my control arms and tie-rods. I just need it put into spec. I went to this shop because it's the most trusted that our family uses.

I will have to look elsewhere. If they say the can't do it, they either can't or won't. Not worth my time. I'm just getting anxious. Waiting on this appointment for a week only to find this out the day OF, kinda bums me out. The guy probably looked at the schedule and saw "BMW", and freaked out.

[Mr.Squeelerz]

Originally Posted by zoner

Like this:

I seen that a while back. He doesn't live to far from me. I should have him do it for me. He's got all the "special tools".

[Mr.Squeelerz]

I guess my question now is...How important is the weights on seats

[mohaughn]

It just approximates what your car would be like with a full load. Some car companies give the stock specs with an unloaded car, some give specs with a loaded car.

Most shops will have weights to at least simulate the driver being in the car.

Somebody else mentioned this, but I'll repeat it again. The only adjustment they can make is toe by adjusting the steering tie rods It is screw it one way to open the toe out, move it the other to close the toe in. No special tools or special knowledge needed for a 318ti.

Now, an e39 is a different beast, and there is a whacky sized wrench that you need to make adjustments on the rear end of that car. I only know this because my alignment shop has that wrench, and it is the only car they use it on. Nothing super fancy, just think it is longer than what most shops have for wrenches in that size.