BMW 330 ZHP alignment and data + Pics

[t.er]

How are you liking your rear toe? I'm running 0.1° (0.2° total) but I'm thinking about going to 0.05° (0.1°) total.

Didn't really notice much difference, tbh. Just did a bunch of highway driving but no track or autox yet - if I feel a difference I'll be sure to report back!

[ZHPizza]

Didn't really notice much difference, tbh. Just did a bunch of highway driving but no track or autox yet - if I feel a difference I'll be sure to report back!

If it's still stable on the highway, then you've got enough toe-in. Going too close to zero would be a little squirrelly.

[dpark]

Does anyone know if Hunter is a good alignment system?

My local indy mechanic just sent out an email that he got a "state of the art" Hunter alignment rack.

I am sure there is some combination of operator skill and a good alignment system that is needed for a good result. Just interested if the system is actually a good one for BMWs (if anyone happens to know).

Thanks.

[fredo]

I remember Hunter machines are among the best. But I never asked my Indy if that's the one they have. Do you have a printout of alignment specs ?

[johnrando]

I have heard that too, that they are top of the line.

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[28firefighter]

Was suggested that I post here. I had my RTABs replaced a few weeks ago and knew it needed an alignment after.

Initially, took it to Firestone which was a big mistake. They had it on the rack and proceeded to tell me that I had either serious bends in critical suspension parts or that my frame was bent. I knew that wasn’t the case.

Ended up finding out about a local place, Tru-Line Seattle, that specializes in all things wheels, tires, and suspension including a Hunter Alignment machine. These guys are pros. It wasn’t a cheap alignment, but they did an amazing job aligning and weight balancing the vehicle for me.

Should also note I have Koni Yellows installed, which may be what threw Firestone for a loop. Judging by what I heard them telling other alignment customers, I’d say that wasn’t the sole issue.

New results below.




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[BMWCurves]

If you don't mind my asking, how much was it? I feel like alignments vary wildly in cost so I always like to hear what people pay.

[28firefighter]

It was $175 for the alignment and $50 for the calibration of the steering angle sensor. They also made a small adjustment to the right front suspension to bring it around that added a bit more. I’d have paid more, honestly....

[t.er]

It was $175 for the alignment and $50 for the calibration of the steering angle sensor. They also made a small adjustment to the right front suspension to bring it around that added a bit more. I’d have paid more, honestly....

Wow, that's quite a bit, but then again Seattle/SF Bay Area/other techie areas seem to just have higher rates.

But hey, it's better than the alignment I got - my car still has its slight pull to the left, and I took it to a place that caters to the local grassroots motorsports community. I should've known better, that place didn't have an actual alignment rack, they lifted the car on the 2 post then set it down on 4 leveling pads with grease plates. The specs themselves were good, it's either their equipment, my car being the sensitive little b1tch it seemed to be when I DIY'd my alignment 3 times, or both.

[Galapolis]

It was $175 for the alignment and $50 for the calibration of the steering angle sensor. They also made a small adjustment to the right front suspension to bring it around that added a bit more. I’d have paid more, honestly....

The steering angle sensor calibrates itself so they ripped you off there.

175 is definitely on the steep end, but I guess there can be a lot of regional differences. I got my alignment done at a VW dealership with a Hunter machine for $60. It was an "after hours" special though.

I used to have a tire shop that always got my alignment spot on for $70. My European imports specialist (who charges $220 for a custom alignment, yikes) uses that place as a backup when their machine is down. Not sure what that tire place uses but I was very sad when, after installing my MTech body kit, they told me the car didn't fit on the machine anymore.

The one at the VW dealership is a tight squeeze too and I always have to send it to make it over the edge. Can't wait for those Pro-Kit springs.