[buckybadger]

I just got new M performance suspension (shocks/springs) installed on my car a month back.

I drove the car for a week and then got the alignment done at a local BMW shop. The tech said that alignment is in spec and he also printed it out for me.

Now I have been driving the car for few days and I notice that steering is slightly more looser with less feedback post-alignment. Also, sometimes when I make sharp turns, the steering needs to be turned more. There seems to be a pull in the opposite direction of the steering. The car still drives straight but feel a little wobbly with looser steering. This was not the case before alignment. I took the car back to the shop and they checked my suspension and alignment. Everything was normal. Now the tech is saying the suspension may have settled down and softened in the last few days and that is what I'm feeling. I don't think that is the case though.

Can a bad alignment cause such issues even when they are within spec? Maybe the tech didn't do a good job? The BMW alignment specs, which I had done last year are different compared to the local tech ones. However both are considered to be within the spec range.

[buckybadger]

Anyone?

[B58 parts]

Post the printout ..

It's possible his machine isn't calibrated right. A little toe either way on either wheel can make a difference in feel. Maybe get a 2nd (3rd) opinion on a good rack.

You're also supposed to put weight in the car https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...ent/1VnXNvlEsc

"Vehicle with complete equipment for normal operation with: 2 x 68 kg on front seats (seats in centre position); 1 x 68 kg on rear seat (centre); 1 x 21 kg in luggage compartment (centre) and full fuel tank."

but nobody does that. I sat in the drivers seat last time but I would like to try that method.

[buckybadger]

Thank you, please see attached snapshot of before and after alignment.

[buckybadger]

Anyone?

[cfm56d7b]

This is a very unusual case. There is a likely case of more understeer since extra effort is needed while turning. The question is why.

Sometimes it's best to go back basics.

How is the tire pressure?

Any chance that the shocks are defective?

All suspension components torqued to specs?

Can the alignment be done again this time mirroring factory specs?

[buckybadger]

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

This is a very unusual case. There is a likely case of more understeer since extra effort is needed while turning. The question is why.

Sometimes it's best to go back basics.

How is the tire pressure?

Any chance that the shocks are defective?

All suspension components torqued to specs?

Can the alignment be done again this time mirroring factory specs?

Yes shocks look good. Tire pressure also good.

Only thing I can think of is alignment. Can anyone tell if my alignment is setup in a way that can cause the loose feeling in the steering?

[buckybadger]

Can anyone give feedback on my alignment specs?

[DSH7]

Originally Posted by buckybadger

Can anyone give feedback on my alignment specs?

Your alignment numbers look good. They added a little front toe, but hardly any. If they added a ton it would contribute to the symptoms you describe, but not .22 total toe. Check out this thread for some great info on alignment specs.

[B58 parts]

The printout looks good. I'd call the guy and tell him you think it's a bit out up front and ask him if he's calibrated the machine .. ever. And/or fork over $100 to have it checked somewhere else and get a 3rd opinion.

[wdeerfield]

32psi front left, 35psi front right? Ive noticed that tire pressures being different on mine caused a weird feeling of twitchy steering before and that turning one way was easier than the other.

[buckybadger]

Originally Posted by wdeerfield

32psi front left, 35psi front right? Ive noticed that tire pressures being different on mine caused a weird feeling of twitchy steering before and that turning one way was easier than the other.

Thanks a lot!

I have mine at front 35 psi and rear 38 psi, just like the door jam says. I do have non-run flats. Should I use the same psi or different one?

[B58 parts]

I didn't even notice the tire pressure L/R. LOL. well, yeah ...


"Observe the following test conditions prior to the chassis/wheel alignment check:

Only BMW approved wheel and tyre combinations may be installed on the vehicle
Correct tread depth. The tread depth for each axle may differ from left to right by max. 1‐2 mm.
Correct tyre pressure (see label on vehicle).
All chassis and suspension components must be technically OK.
Condition of suspension and shock absorbers OK: Visually inspect for breakage, etc.
Vehicles with self-levelling suspension: Pull fuse of air supply system so that there is no controlling down or up." [1]

"Car loaded down to normal position Vehicle with complete equipment for normal operation with: 2 x 68 kg on front seats (seats in centre position); 1 x 68 kg on rear seat (centre); 1 x 21 kg in luggage compartment (centre) and full fuel tank." [2]

[1] https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...rement/6IrCYFB
[2] https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...ent/1VnXNvlEsc

Further reading, https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...g-measurement/

[buckybadger]

Originally Posted by YuminNuman

I didn't even notice the tire pressure L/R. LOL. well, yeah ...


"Observe the following test conditions prior to the chassis/wheel alignment check:

Only BMW approved wheel and tyre combinations may be installed on the vehicle
Correct tread depth. The tread depth for each axle may differ from left to right by max. 1‐2 mm.
Correct tyre pressure (see label on vehicle).
All chassis and suspension components must be technically OK.
Condition of suspension and shock absorbers OK: Visually inspect for breakage, etc.
Vehicles with self-levelling suspension: Pull fuse of air supply system so that there is no controlling down or up." [1]

"Car loaded down to normal position Vehicle with complete equipment for normal operation with: 2 x 68 kg on front seats (seats in centre position); 1 x 68 kg on rear seat (centre); 1 x 21 kg in luggage compartment (centre) and full fuel tank." [2]

[1] https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...rement/6IrCYFB
[2] https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...ent/1VnXNvlEsc

Further reading, https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...g-measurement/

Thanks, I believe all the components are intact. I still feel something to do with alignment or steering adjustment.

I'm going to get the alignment done at the dealership soon.

[buckybadger]

Just a quick update, I went back to the dealer and got my car aligned:

1. The previous alignment was more biased to move the car to go right. That's why I always felt the car is drifting or heavy on one side.
2. The car was within spec but it was not aggressive enough.
3. Now that my car feels more planted, less bumpy and tracks straight.
4. The steering definitely feels more precise with the on-center feel significantly improved.

The dealer just made minor changes to the alignment compared to before and the car rides much much better, feels more aggressive and rotates around corners more smoothly compared to before.

In general, the dealer was expensive but well worth it in my case. Going forward, I will only do alignments at BMW.

[strobe89]

Originally Posted by buckybadger

The dealer just made minor changes to the alignment compared to before and the car rides much much better, feels more aggressive and rotates around corners more smoothly compared to before.

In general, the dealer was expensive but well worth it in my case. Going forward, I will only do alignments at BMW.

Mind sharing the new alignment specs? I just installed ACS springs on my car and in need of an alignment. Would be nice to know what I should be targeting. Thanks!

[DSH7]

Originally Posted by strobe89

Mind sharing the new alignment specs?

Also interested. Thanks.