Jump to content
SAU Community

Recommended Posts

Wheel alignment

I've searched and found some info but nothing overly comprehensive. 

I have attached the specs for alignment for a v36 coupe from the service manual of a G37 (assume they are the same). I've got an SP coupe  but assume it doesn't matter if it's a sport or not.

From my understanding caster is adjustable front and rear. Alignment same. But camber is only adjustable in the rear which is only minor adjustments. No camber  adjustment in the front on stock suspension.

Getting it done on the weekend (along with sway bars) so hoping this is all correct.

Screenshot_20170216-112341.png

Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/469106-wheel-alignment/
Share on other sites

I'm going to aim for nominal. I understand more negative should improve cornering (within limits) but wear tyres out. 

Caster will change how much it wants to drive straight or corner. At the moment it's too sensitive to turning, especially on high speed corners.

Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/469106-wheel-alignment/#findComment-7811658
Share on other sites

If you're in Sydney, there's a guy I go to in Granville (Pedders) who knows his cars very well and always performs excellent alignments on my vehicles.

I'd suggest you take your car to him and tell him what you want to achieve. What he says is gospel, in my opinion.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/469106-wheel-alignment/#findComment-7811680
Share on other sites

31 minutes ago, V35_Paul said:

are you planning to dive on the track?

or is this just everyday driving?

It's a daily that will eventually hit the track for the odd weekend. Was planning a track s15 but decided to buy this as a great daily instead with the odd track day. But mostly daily.

27 minutes ago, The Max said:

If you're in Sydney, there's a guy I go to in Granville (Pedders) who knows his cars very well and always performs excellent alignments on my vehicles.

I'd suggest you take your car to him and tell him what you want to achieve. What he says is gospel, in my opinion.

Yes I am in Sydney. I have it booked in for the sway bars (whiteline - see other thread) and full allignment at Blairs Tyres in Narellan. I have had great experience there previously on my S15. I went ot Pedders in Campbelltown and they offered great service (suspension sqeak unsolved because it was wet but they didn't charge me) but they quoted like 5 hour labour + full price for the sway bar... So decided to go where I knew. I'll give your suggestion some thought though as I know how much a bad alignment can change handling as I had this on the s15 with Bob Jane.

Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/469106-wheel-alignment/#findComment-7811685
Share on other sites

There's a big difference between tyre shops and suspension shops when it comes to wheel alignments. I wouldn't waste my time (and money) on any of those idiots.

That said, no one Pedders is the same as another either. That's why without knowing the folks at Campbelltown, the only Pedders I go to is in Granville and wherever he goes, I'll follow, because it's not about the shop/chain. It's about the one dude with the knowledge that I'm referring to and where he just happens to be.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/469106-wheel-alignment/#findComment-7811689
Share on other sites

54 minutes ago, The Max said:

There's a big difference between tyre shops and suspension shops when it comes to wheel alignments. I wouldn't waste my time (and money) on any of those idiots.

That said, no one Pedders is the same as another either. That's why without knowing the folks at Campbelltown, the only Pedders I go to is in Granville and wherever he goes, I'll follow, because it's not about the shop/chain. It's about the one dude with the knowledge that I'm referring to and where he just happens to be.

I hear you. Thanks for the suggestion.

Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/469106-wheel-alignment/#findComment-7811697
Share on other sites

6 hours ago, Hank Scorpio said:

I know it wasn't your initial question but let me chime in all the same. Get yourself a set of adjustable rear camber and toe arms mate, your car will love it!

So I'm assuming you're saying the v36 likes more rear camber? 

Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/469106-wheel-alignment/#findComment-7811767
Share on other sites

13 hours ago, Pete_Repeat said:

So I'm assuming you're saying the v36 likes more rear camber? 

Sorry mate, should have been more in depth. The amount of camber and toe adjustment is so minimal that (especially if a car is lowered) optimum wheel alignment specs can't be achieved with the factory adjustments. If the car is even slightly lowered it will have way too much negative camber in the rear and god knows what toe settings.

Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/469106-wheel-alignment/#findComment-7811831
Share on other sites

5 minutes ago, Hank Scorpio said:

Sorry mate, should have been more in depth. The amount of camber and toe adjustment is so minimal that (especially if a car is lowered) optimum wheel alignment specs can't be achieved with the factory adjustments. If the car is even slightly lowered it will have way too much negative camber in the rear and god knows what toe settings.

Ahh makes sense. No plans to lower my car at this stage. If I do change I will factor those bits on aswell though.

Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/469106-wheel-alignment/#findComment-7811837
Share on other sites

  • 5 months later...

Well finally getting my wheel alignment done (did the sway bars myself) with the new tyres on the weekend. 

If anyone has any feedback on their wheel alignment on the v36 then feel free to chime in. 

I've got the SP coupe. All suspension standard except for the whiteline sway bars.

Edited by Pete_Repeat
Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/469106-wheel-alignment/#findComment-7841689
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now


  • Similar Content

  • Latest Posts

    • Out here E90s are the cheapest way into a sporty-ish car because everyone knows just how expensive the repairs can get. 8-10k USD for an automatic 335i. 
    • Noted. Have noticed BMW are more 'high maintenance' for sure. They've attracted my attention as I think the used car prices seem reasonable vs other options, and the extra quality overall vs a commodore / camry / corolla or similar of the same vintage is appealing, especially the interior, and they are more on the sporty side whereas the others mentioned can be more cruising or economical A-to-B only.
    • Haha yeah I know, this is SAU after all, why are we talking about BMW's of all things!? I hear you on the 'don't have to worry about it' side of things. Having been fortunate enough to be have been able to buy a brand new motorbike or two...never really enjoyed them as much as I'd have liked as you worry so much about where you park it, will it get scratched, stolen, attempted theft, knocked over, etc...and yes dirty. Older less valuable bikes you can just go where you want and park it wherever and not really worry that much in comparison. And who cares if it gets dirty! Never owned a V8, and have had my eyes on VE / VF commodores for years but with their prices climbing so high, the M3 has come into focus more as prices are much closer than I've ever seen...is it a potential contender now?...of course need to factor in the S65 'maintenance' especially and like you said general M car 'tax'. One can dream anyway. But more on the reality front - did read the whole 330i thread as well and was a great read too, both threads enlightening as I've never even driven one of these cars! I do recall 330i didn't seem to have the same amount of issues for almost the same car (turbos and related differences notwithstanding)...perhaps down to getting it earlier in it's life so looked after better than the 335i? Perhaps so as your 130i has been good and quite similar, so finding a car that's been looked after well is the especially-crucial-BMW-first-step.
    • Nice. Dont worry about the time of not running. My current skyline hasn't run since I bought it. About 8 years ago.
    • It's also worth noting that I am heavily and unconditionally biased. I've had a lot of cars including some GTRs a fair while ago. I love my BMW's now a lot. They make no sense a lot of the time and the guys on here remind me regularly that I could get something else that does what I want better and cheaper. If you're going to take on an older BMW it's definitely a commitment. If you bail on it early you'll lose money and also the ability for it to put a smile on your face. Stick with it and it just gets better.  f**k I should get into advertising.  
×
×
  • Create New...