[ResidualJinx]

So wifey took my M5 to get some all-seasons installed at a "reputable" tire shop (branded chain, not a mom and pop) in our area. The shop convinced here that the alignment was out of spec and she went ahead and had then correct it, to what they described as factory specifications. Should I be concerned it wasn't performed by an authorized BMW dealer? I've never taken my car there and I'm only going off of Google reviews to determine their reputation.

[SenorFunkyPants]

Did you get a print out with the before and after alignment?

[brava09]

I usually do my alignment at reputable tire shops, they have the specs for all car models

[ResidualJinx]

Originally Posted by SenorFunkyPants

Did you get a print out with the before and after alignment?

I'm currently overseas and haven't seen the invoice but I'll ask. I was wondering what they actually set it too as well, it would be beneficial to have to it to compare to factory.

[ResidualJinx]

Originally Posted by brava09

I usually do my alignment at reputable tire shops, they have the specs for all car models

When I called, after it was done that was exactly what they told me. Which did put me at ease but I just wanted to crowdsource my fears away lol

[SenorFunkyPants]

If you can post up your settings it would be interesting to see them.
And to know if your car drives any differently after the adjustment.
Yours is a non CP car I assume.

On a similar note...IIUC the CP suspension specs for the M5 are slightly different as they run more front negative camber...I'm thinking of having the CP settings applied to my non CP car to see if it makes any difference to the way it turns in.

[ResidualJinx]

Before and after, and yes it's a base (non-comp)

[M3PGH]

unfortunately a fair number of new cars get delivered with alignment issues that we never discover till our tires wear out prematurely ..
I sometimes have dealer throw in an alignment as part of purchase
PDI does not include alignment which to me is surprising

[wesleyan92]

Originally Posted by ResidualJinx

So wifey took my M5 to get some all-seasons installed at a "reputable" tire shop (branded chain, not a mom and pop) in our area. The shop convinced here that the alignment was out of spec and she went ahead and had then correct it, to what they described as factory specifications. Should I be concerned it wasn't performed by an authorized BMW dealer? I've never taken my car there and I'm only going off of Google reviews to determine their reputation.

You have a winner wife. My wife would give me the finger if I asked her to take my car in for servicing.

[SenorFunkyPants]

Originally Posted by ResidualJinx

Before and after, and yes it's a base (non-comp)

Well the figures are in the green but myself I wouldn't like that the rear toe is not the same side to side.
The more the difference the greater the tendency for the rear wheels to try and steer the car under acceleration.
I'd try and find a shop that specialises in suspension alignment who has the same equipment as a main BMW dealer.
I'd be looking for the front camber to be at the most negative end of the spec and equal side to side.... and for the rear toe to be equal.

[adeuel]

Does BMW still require the sandbag weighting across all seats during an alingment?

Wondering how many non-BMW shops do this as SOP?

That said, my indi shop has a Hunter machine and we've never sandbagged, and never had a problem.

[SenorFunkyPants]

The car is so heavy already I'd be surprised if putting sandbags to the weight of the driver on his seat is going to make much of a difference.
An 1980ies 911 then yes it would be a good idea.

[Superjackson]

How did they even know the alignment was off without putting it on the alignment machine first? It definitely wasn't off by enough for anyone to see or feel it with human senses 0.0 spooky stuff

[wesleyan92]

OP - here is my readout from the Dealership. No idea what all this gibberish means

[SenorFunkyPants]

Is yours a CP car?

Looks like the total front toe was ok...although it suggests the steering was off centre?
The rear toe was massively out side to side...thats never good, makes the rear of the car want to steer itself to one side especially under acceleration.
Getting the camber exactly to spec isn't that critical...prefered but not essential.
The car might feel a bit odd for a while until your tyres have worn into the new settings then it ought to feel better.

[wesleyan92]

Originally Posted by SenorFunkyPants

Is yours a CP car?

Looks like the total front toe was ok...although it suggests the steering was off centre?
The rear toe was massively out side to side...thats never good, makes the rear of the car want to steer itself to one side especially under acceleration.
Getting the camber exactly to spec isn't that critical...prefered but not essential.
The car might feel a bit odd for a while until your tyres have worn into the new settings then it ought to feel better.

Senor - assuming you are asking me...yes it is a comp package.