50k on 2011.5 BMW M3 : time for an alignment?

[dparm]

My car has just over 50k and to my knowledge has never had an alignment. It spent most of its life in Los Angeles, and is now in Chicago. I wouldn't characterize either of these locations as having excellent roads, and the tires have some fairly small sidewalls (245/35R19 and 265/35R19).

Is there any value in getting an alignment at this time? I have a pretty good coupon for the dealership that I could use. I figure at the very least, the alignment will be within spec and I'll know everything is good.

 

[Klutch9]

I probably would, especially since you aren't the original owner. Even if the car tracks true, doesn't pull, etc., alignment can still be off.

 

[CharBaby]

I agree with Klutch. And too, have the alignment shop check the suspension parts 1st! A good time to replace any worn parts,

Some alignment shops will also do a FREE Alignment Check...to see if you even need one

My local G/Y will do Free Alignment Checks. I go there often.

 

[Quest]

alignment check can only be as good as suspension component and tire wear check.

If neither of the 2 latters aren't performed before a re-alignment, your are still ended up throwing money away.

I'd get the latter 2 checked/inspected before even considering an alignment check (or performed).

Q.

 

[dparm]

Tires only have about 2k on them. The car had its last "major" inspection about 20k ago, which was in June of 2012, and a "minor" inspection about 8k ago, which was in April of 2013.

It's still under warranty from BMW until 100k, so I will need to continue with their minor/major service schedule.

 

[Rolla07]

Id go for a free alignment check..but I wouldnt spend money on having it done if it doesnt need to be.. I agree with Quest.. I had an alignment done when I got new tires, and than 2-3 months later I had my wheel bearing replaced, had alignment done again, and I will soon need my other bearing done.. (and will need another alignment afterwards.. So I think excellent idea to check on all your suspension parts prior to doing an alignment. When you replace any suspension parts you will need to redo the alignment anyways.. Im going to have had 3 alignments done now, which could of been avoided.. live and learn i suppose.

 

[Eddie]

+1 Rolla07

 

[zzyzzx]

If you don't find any suspension problems or tire wear problems, then don't waste your money on this.

 

[Sayjac]

If tire wear is good ie., no abnormal wear with normal rotation interval, then I vote no. A 'free' alignment check 'could' be ok, but I'm dubious regarding 'free' as I tend to think while on thier rack for the check, the incentive is to find 'something'.

And there's alignments and 'alignments'. Last one I got was after a new set of tires, and similar to you it had never been done. Dealer put it on the rack and found it 'in spec' and charged ~$65 for basically an alignment check. Lesson learned if I ever (doubtful) get another done I want the alignment maximized with center spec, not just in tolerance. Besides that I'm always doubtful they aren't messing with printout, but that's just me. My .02

 

[Brybo86]

I know sears around Chicago does free alignment checks, just pull up to the bay and ask one of the techs

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Don't go near it if steering feel, feedback and tire wear are fine. Most shops try to misalign the car with the rack out of cal. Their #s are meaningless. Ive only had maybe 3 good resulting alignments out of 50. Just had my Honda "misaligned" by the local dealer in november. Now the wheel is pointing 15deg anti-clock and turn in response is soggy. Total toe WAS acceptable. The rear results show left-rear toe and camber out of spec. This is a solid twist beam axle with no adjustment capability unless you start bending metal or replacing springs. I think the car has a LR sag due to my 240lb carcass it hauls around. OE front Tires lasted about 15Kmi.

 

[Hokiefyd]

The number 1 rule of vehicle alignment: if it drives straight and there are no tire wear issues, DON'T TOUCH IT.

Even if there are issues, fix it yourself. I've never been satisfied with an alignment done on a rack. In many cases, I've fixed what they did in my own garage at home.

 

[JOD]

I often wonder this myself. I'm over 150K and have never had an alignment. The car tracks perfectly and there's no odd tire wear, so I have to wonder what possible benefit there would be to doing it? If both of the above are true in your case, I guess you have to wonder what there is to gain.

 

[exranger06]

My truck has 50k miles on it and has never had an alignment. It doesn't seem to need one, either. I don't plan on getting one until it actually needs it.

 

[dparm]

Fair enough. Sounds like it's better to leave it be for now. BMW does not require/suggest alignments at any set interval.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: Brybo86
I know sears around Chicago does free alignment checks, just pull up to the bay and ask one of the techs

Not sure how it is on the OP's M3, but on my BMW, I was told by every single alignment shop that it's not possible to just "check" the alignment. To check it, you'd actually have to perform it.

Also, I highly doubt that Sears knows how to perform one on a BMW correctly.

 

[Rolla07]

Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
Don't go near it if steering feel, feedback and tire wear are fine. Most shops try to misalign the car with the rack out of cal. Their #s are meaningless. Ive only had maybe 3 good resulting alignments out of 50. Just had my Honda "misaligned" by the local dealer in november. Now the wheel is pointing 15deg anti-clock and turn in response is soggy. Total toe WAS acceptable. The rear results show left-rear toe and camber out of spec. This is a solid twist beam axle with no adjustment capability unless you start bending metal or replacing springs. I think the car has a LR sag due to my 240lb carcass it hauls around. OE front Tires lasted about 15Kmi.


I agree.. of all 3 of my alignments.. I feel like it was better prior to all 3..

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete


Also, I highly doubt that Sears knows how to perform one on a BMW correctly.


This is key!

My local Chrysler dealer last year hired a BMW tech who also, conveniently, runs their alignment rack. They have a beautiful Hunter machine that is properly equipped to do BMW's and they have the weights that some models (like my M5) require in order to be aligned correctly.

Many BMW models (your car IIRC requires it too) require weights placed in various parts of the passenger compartment to properly load the suspension for the alignment to be performed. Not doing this would likely result in a less than optimal alignment.

 

[Donald]

Does not hurt. They typically check all the front suspension also. It really depends upon the roads. If you are banging a lot of potholes, then it would be more needed than if you drove on smooth roads. But you must get potholes in IL.

 

[dparm]

As I said, I would've taken it to the dealer since I have a really good coupon. No plans to let Sears, Firestone, etc. touch it.