Alignment Problem

Hello Ladies and Gentleman,

Brand new 2006 325i just shy of a month old and I notice last week that the car is pulling to the right. My wife is the primary driver and never noticed it and assures me that nothing has been hit.

So we take the car up to the local dealer to have it checked and they have had it for two days (one day trying to align and now a full day in the body shop) and can't figure out what is causing the problem. Here's the latest response from my SA.

Quote:

According to our front end machine, it shows that it does not have enough caster on the right side and the caster is not adjustable. That is why we have it at the body shop having there laser alignment machine check it out. As of 5:40, they are still measuring and do not have a conclusion. I will let you know as soon as I hear something.

This really concerns me and not sure how to handle this. Any experience or advice with this issue would be greatly appreciated.

Reply » Alignment Problem

Quote:

Not to put a downer on things but we had 2 new Honda Accords a little while ago and friends had the same model. My car continually had problems after a couple thousand miles. To cut a long story short - the dealer tried everything to rectify it but could never get it right. I also took it to several independents who said there was a problem with the alignment (can't remember what exactly - think it might have been rear caster) but there was no adjustment for it. The end result was that I got a dud! Our other Accord ran straight as an arrow - no problems and other friends also had no problems - although i did hear of 1 other incident. I had to get rid of it in the end - drove me barmy!

Hope that isn't the case for you - or for everyone elses sake - mine included - hope it is

Don't forget the Lemon Law

Reply » Alignment Problem

Quote:

The only way that i can think of for it to be out is to bend something.... not a good thing.
You can bend an e46 fairly easily, i was thinking the e90 would be a little tougher. I have seen the top of the body where the strut mounts mushroomed up on those.

Reply » Alignment Problem

Thanks guys. Halfway through day 3 and the latest is "the frame is OK". This so aggravating!

Reply » Alignment Problem

Quote:

Thanks guys. Halfway through day 3 and the latest is "the frame is OK". This so aggravating!

I would demand another car. My .02. Eibach makes camber adjustment parts for various autos. My SVT Focus was lowered with Progress Springs/Koni Yellow Sports etc. After this they never could get the alignment absolutely correct. Something about cross camber off a minor amount. This after Eibach front/rear camber plates/shims etc used!!! The auto carriage/frame configuration/specs were obviously not welded correctly at the factory. It happens. My Ford Ranger does not sit level as well. A typical problem with many makes. TOLERANCE! I could view evidence of this at the front passenger fender. (SVT Focus) Painted and after the paint dried the fender was obviously moved, as you could see the area where there was not paint! Hermasillo, Mexico (SVT Focus) quality labor? Prolly not! The SVT Focus was canned! My Lightning sat good though. LOL

Just brainstorming here guys.

Reply » Alignment Problem

Here's an update.

They loosened all of the related front-end components and readjusted, reseated, retightened etc. and the car is aligning correctly now. Only took them a week to figure this out!!

Will see what happens.

Page 1 of 1