XSeries-forum

Noticed front tyres are getting more wear on outer edges but center and inside are still good.  I've got 285/20 in front and 315/20 rear. Car registered in April 2011, last service April 2012

Is it wheel alignment or incorrect pressure (I run what BMW recommends) or simply because they are 285?

Are you enjoying your driving a bit too much  ) ). But seriously I would have the tracking checked.

Hi IanP

I do indeed enjoy my driving but most of the time my other half is behind the wheel...  BMW quoted me £300-400 for wheel alignment which sounds rather high - do you know if they do something special there?

Would it make any difference if I go to a local garage something or say .. Halfords?

I would have a 4 wheel alignment done, there are specialist garages that have all the kit. They check all the alignment, then give you a before and after readout ( printed ) for around 75 quid.
Dealers just have your pants down for a load of money.
I had my E60 530I re tracked at an indie due to a reoccuring " Active steering fault", on the Idrive and it came out with the steering wheel 5 degs out ! and was told that if it hadnt cured the problem I would need a new 3 grand steering rack
Yes you guessed it changed the battery and it was sorted. 200 quid for tracking/alignment. 80 quid for a battery.

£300 to £400  :'( Are they 'avin a giraffe.

Try this to find a local one in your area

http://www.alignmycar.com/

As Horizon said it should cost around £75. I had mine done as the inside edges of the fronts were going. I took it to a specialist rather than the Main Dealer.

[quote="acideraser"]
Hi IanP

I do indeed enjoy my driving but most of the time my other half is behind the wheel...  BMW quoted me £300-400 for wheel alignment which sounds rather high - do you know if they do something special there?

Would it make any difference if I go to a local garage something or say .. Halfords?
[/quote]
If you lived anywhere near Blazingsmoke or Milton Keynes then their obsession with roundabouts will definitely reduce the life of your tyres!!  It did with all ours.. >:(

I'm not sure I'd trust Halfrauds to do a decent job with tracking, even if they could do a 4-wheel alignment.  They probably don't do many and could end up messing the whole system up which given the cost of the tyres is not desirable.

Richard

[quote="X5Sport"]
[quote="acideraser"]
Hi IanP

I do indeed enjoy my driving but most of the time my other half is behind the wheel...  BMW quoted me £300-400 for wheel alignment which sounds rather high - do you know if they do something special there?

Would it make any difference if I go to a local garage something or say .. Halfords?
[/quote]
If you lived anywhere near Blazingsmoke or Milton Keynes then their obsession with roundabouts will definitely reduce the life of your tyres!!  It did with all ours.. >:(

I'm not sure I'd trust Halfrauds to do a decent job with tracking, even if they could do a 4-wheel alignment.  They probably don't do many and could end up messing the whole system up which given the cost of the tyres is not desirable.

Richard
[/quote]

+1, I wouldn't trust them with a push bike, let alone a four wheel alignment!

Don

BMW use KDS or KDS2 systems.............effectively camera alignment.

Link given to "align my car" will give you local independent outfits with Hunter System which is pretty much same as KDS. I believe the alignmment specialists on that site are properly trained to use the relavant kit.

I have had a KDS done before & car came back with alignment out............Like anything - kit only as good as the operator.

Maybe double check to ensure make sure you are running correct PSI for 20's as cspecified presures can vary depending on tyre size.

Thank you all for replies, not going to dealer, not going to Halfrauds. :'(
Will find a specialist in my area.

I suspect tracking went off because of bumpy/patched roads where I live i - arguably the worst road surface in London!

Is alignment part of 1st or second service by any chance?

I don't think it's part of any routine service.  I expect it's one of those 'if we find an issue we'll phone you and tell how much!!' jobs.