Alignment values

[Bonza39]

So I recently posted that after having 3 attempts at aligning the car, I had it all sorted...bit premature! Basically, I whacked the back offside wheel hard on a kerb and cracked it, but replaced the wheel and also the tyres all round, and had it checked and there are no bent components. The 3 alignments took place, twice with one company, and then after a refund due to it driving like a total dog, once with another company on a hunter machine. Took the car for a decent run, and although it does feel a lot better, I'm still getting a light, wandering sensation at 80-90+, a vibration through the car, not the steering at about 80, and the car just feels generally twitchy...looking at the geometry printout, the front cambers do not match...is this set up due to the road camber effect or is it just plain wrong?? Any help would be appreciated as I'm genuinely starting to fall out of love with the car as it no longer inspires confidence when driving it, whereas it was beautifully planted before



Also does it matter that it is showing as an E85, when it is an E86, 2.5si??

 

[Bing]

If yours is a 2.5Si then it's an e85, which is the roadster chassis designation - e86 is the coupe. So it's all good

 

[Bonza39]

Well well well...I always thought the E86 was the facelift version of the E85! Learn something new everyday! Any thoughts on the mismatching camber values Bing??

 

[Z4MO]

I recently messaged EXDOS (forum member) to ask what could be done to improve the suspension/geometry of the original set up which doesn't give that total confidence when driving to make progress.
I know that run flat tyres should be removed for an instant improvement.

He replied as follows ;

' I'd suggest that you keep the front front camber to OEM.
At the rear, I'd reduce the -ve camber to around -1.2 degrees and have VERY slight toe-in.

I would also recommend one of the Rear Trailing Arm Bush Limiter kits: there's potentially a lot of lateral movement possible in the OEM bush housing and so the rear geometry can change considerably in the dynamic situation. Fitting a limiter kit prevents this happening and therefore the rear wheels only move in the vertical plane, as they should '.

Bush limiter kits

http://www.simpsonmotorsport.co.uk/bmw-tuning/product.asp?id=67&pid=67&cid=61&pcid=59&product=98

http://www.rogueengineering.com/rogue/s_bush/rtab_shim.html

Hope this helps and I advise you pm EXDOS and ask if he can help with your specific car, don't make any changes on my input.

 

[Stuart Truman]

Well well well...I always thought the E86 was the facelift version of the E85! Learn something new everyday! Any thoughts on the mismatching camber values Bing??

If they're green, they're within tolerance so I'd not worry unduly.

Vibration at a set speed tends to be wheel balance. Double check your tyre pressures and maybe bushes etc if that doesn't sort it (although I'd expect the alignment guys to check nothing is unduly worn before working on the car)

 

[Bing]

Agree with Stuart, sometimes balancing weights fall off, or if the tyre has been off to repair a puncture a lazy fitter might not re-balance the wheel.

I think that sometimes it is not possible to adjust the settings as far as the 'ideal' because bits simply wont move without breaking them. That could be a completely fabricated memory, but green is good.

 

[Bonza39]

Hmmm, I was hoping the camber difference would have been the issue! All wheels have been balanced and rechecked as well...actually thinking of chopping it in for an Alfa cos I just can't get it right!!!