mattvds

I have gone to wheel works (Tires Plus), 3 times in the last week. Each time, they center the steering wheel and adjust the alignment. The car drives OK at slow speeds, but on the freeway, the car pulls right and requires the steering wheel to be held at ~3-5 degrees counter clockwise. If I let go of the steering wheel it returns to center, and my car drifts right. Wheel Works claims they have the same alignment machine as BWM, and everything is well within spec. Is it possible that the Active Steering is interfering with their ability to properly center and align the car? Do I need to do something special?

My car: 2005 545i Sport with Active Steering.
Tires: Michelin P/S All Season, rear tires 1 week old, front tires 1 year old with 10K miles

healthservices

And they swapped the two front tires from side to side already to make sure there was no radial pull?

mattvds

They have not swapped the tires, since the A/S tires have directional tread. Sorry I was wrong in my first post. The front 2 tires are 1 week old, rears are 1 year old. The car pull slightly before I replaced the front tires, after mutliple alignments its way worse.

I can try and go into the shop for the 4th time (I have tried multiple locations to avial), but searching the forum I see refernces to a "GT1" machine for Active Steering centering. Do I need to give up and spend $179 for the BMW alignment?

545felix

with active steering I would strongly recommend the BMW alignment. there's a lot more going on than in a car without the active steering. "center" is determined by computer, not just because the wheels are pointed straight on the active steering cars.

but yes, I would also check the radial pull, even if it means making the tire shop swap the tires.

omaralt

i've been told by many different people that bmw cars with active steering must have their alignment done at the dealership. they need a special active steering alignment. that could be your problem.. the downside? it costs over $300 for an alignment..

wanker

There could be a lot going on, that a simple alignment would not address. I'd take your car to a BMW specialist or dealer who can perform a 4-wheel alignment.

Worn front ball joints, bushings or suspension could all lead to the misalignment.

Rimal310

BMW Long Beach in Ca. just quoted me $420 for their active steering....

and they said they knocked off $80...my ass