Wheel Alignment, confused.com

[Geezah]

Mate takes his Zed for 4 wheel alignment dahn sarf on the latest Hunter system. Fitter puts the car on the ramp and cracks on with the job. "How come you haven't weighted the car down before adjustments?" asks my mate. "No need" says fitter, the machine will dictate if weights are needed and where and for E85 Z4, 2.0 SE none are required.

So......

I took my car (same model and spec as my mates) for Hunter 4 wheel alignment, latest system, etc. machine says to put weights in driver and passenger seats.

What's the sketch?

 

[si-forks]

My 3.0si was weighted down and they insisted on a full tank of fuel aswell

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[cj10jeeper]

I haven't got the TIS to hand on this pc but to the best of knowledge all have the same suspension with just variations of spring height for sport or standard.

TIS states they should be weighted in the front seats, boot and have 3/4 of a tank of fuel from memory, but don't me quote. (I can look it up if required).

The first garage would therefore appear to be talking rubbish.

 

[Geezah]

Blimey, so many permutations and combinations, I feel a bit like a confused Winnie the Pooh now!

The bloke my mate went to insisted that weights were not required because the Hunter would throw up on the screen the requirements if there were any.

Sorry cj, not up with the TLA's, what's a TIS, nothing like an HRW or FSH I presume? :?

Which one is to be believed and is there a definitive answer whereby you can point to A or B and say, "You're wrong mate." ?

 

[cj10jeeper]

BMW's online service and information manual.
You can run it on a PC. Just take a look on eBay and I'm sure you'll find copies along with the wiring diagrams too.


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[swanicyouth]

You want the truth? OK here it is. I used to work at an alignment shop for years doing alignments on Hunter racks. The truth is, we are far to lazy to weigh down the car and look up the specs. Yes it sux, but that is the truth. Unless something has changed in the past decade, the machine would not provide this information, nor could it compensate for weight.

 

[Grumpyowl]

I don't know about the technical stuff but you can see my car on the ramp having its Hunter alignment ,
All I know is the technician used a lot of stuff to weigh it down in the boot, I can't remember if he put weights in the car. The ignorant ( in my case ) just have to trust..






Not a good idea to post when I've had nearly a bottle of red Merry Christmas.

 

[Adam D]

Definitely ballasted and with 3/4 of fuel when I had my custom alignment carried out. You want the car to be set up with the most normal weight loading.

 

[Z4MO]

Great post, I had no idea about the weighting of the car. I am due to get mine done in the new year so really appreciated

 

[Geezah]

Satisfaction at last!

Bit the bullet and made the 3 hour round trip to John at Pro Grip in Larbert. (this is Scotland so one has to be prepared to travel around for expertise).

Apart from being a thoroughly nice geezer, he really seemed to know his onions. Took great care and attention and really seemed to know what he was doing....well, the proof of the pudding etc. The car feels perfect and has instilled me with confidence, too early to talk about tyre wear etc.

He weighted it down, measured it etc,etc. took the time and effort to perfect it and all for £70 - 4 wheel alignment and camber adjustments on Hunter system. I am a very happy bunny. Sure it's not rocket science but I wasn't happy that the local guys knew what they were doing re diligence, knowledge and experience.