I went in for a regularly scheduled tire rotation/balancing at my local discount tire. To my surprise, the inside tread of the two front and rear tires was completely worn out. The driver's side had the steel wires exposed.

I obviously need new tires but also an alignment. Is there anywhere that does BMW alignments, besides the dealership? In my other vehicles I would take them to the dealer whenever there was service coupon or special, or SEARS automotive before they closed down.

I'm sure the alignment at the dealership is probably in the $200 range, but if there is a cheaper alternative that I can take it to, i'd much rather go that route.

Located in North Dallas, TX if that helps!

 

That is a problem I've had since 2008. Sadly the only way to get your BMW properly aligned is at the dealership. Their are Indy shops that do it but hard to find one that does it the correct way. I need one of mine aligned and will be going to the dealership when I get back.

 

I found a "service special" coupon for a dealership about 1.5 hours way for $169.99. Two other local dealerships near me want $229.99 for a 4 wheel alignment. That's a $60 difference, so I may end up driving out there to save some money (plus make a trip out of it) and ask for a loaner!

I did some research and read somewhere that they put "weights" on the car to mimic the weight of passengers when doing the alignment, so I guess that's why the extra cost(s).

 

Oh you didn't know the proper process for a BMW alignment? This is why not many shops can do it. Hell the last alignment I had in my E60 was about 10 years ago and my tires still wear evenly.

 

I had non-BMW dealer alignment done and it stayed tight for eons. The times I did experience uneven tire wear was due to a bad wheel bearing, and another time I had a bad wheel (pock mark). I really would not assume you just need an alignment.

I believe I still have the alignment results and my car was only 1-2 degrees out of spec in the front and spot on in the rear.

 

Got the alignment done a few hours ago. The service advisor wasn't familiar with the alignment process (young kid) but the tech was able to provide pictures of the adjustments. Apparently they don't print out the green/red offset papers anymore.

(Ford dealer on the mrs. vehicle didn't provide a print out of it either, just pictures).

I have attached them here for reference. I seems the front was off more than the rear. If anyone can tell me how bad it was that would be fine. I hate to say i'm not good with numbers regarding camber, caster, toe, etc.

 

 

You don't have to be good with numbers because the spec is right there. You were only a degree or two out just like my car was.

 

Wait a minute, that Toe cross measurement looks odd. Initial measurement was 03, which is in spec but final measurement was 13? That makes no sense at all.

 

Right? I'm not sure if I am reading it correctly.