Alignment Procedures
When performing a wheel alignment, make sure that the thrust angle is as close to zero as possible. Failure to do so can result in a steering wheel that is not centered.
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Adjustments
The "Single Joint" front suspension has some adjustments available.
Front toe is adjustable on all variants. Caster is NOT adjustable, but should always be checked during the wheel alignment to insure there is no damage.
Camber is adjustable on the E46 and E85. There is a slot in the upper strut tower which will allow small Camber changes. A pin must be driven down in order to allow the Camber changes. The upper strut plate can then be moved to make a slight Camber correction of up to .5 degrees.
If the Camber adjustment cannot be achieved, check for suspension damage. Make sure the vehicle is at the proper ride height.
Use Special tool # 323 140 to make the Camber adjustment.
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When using the Special tool
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- Drive out the pin in the upper strut mount.
- Loosen all 3 upper strut mounting bolts.
- Install tool and turn the adjusting nut to make camber corrections.
- Once desired value is reached, tighten upper strut mounting bolts to specification.
Rear Suspension Adjustments
Camber and toe angles are adjustable on the E38/39 rear suspension through two eccentric bushings. There are no special tools required to perform these adjustments.
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The following procedure is an outline to follow based on BMW procedures. The actual alignment procedures will vary depending upon the alignment equipment being used. Refer to the alignment equipment manufacturers procedures for specific information. The steps listed below should be followed as closely as possible to perform a quality alignment.
- Vehicle Inspection - The vehicle inspection should include a road test before and after the alignment. Note any concerns during the pre-alignment road test and verify that the concern has been rectified during the post-alignment road test.
- Install Specified Weight - Install Specified weight in vehicle and compensate for fuel by adding extra weight if needed.
- Install Alignment Sensors - Install alignment sensors as per the alignment equipment manufacturers recommended procedures.
- Compensate Sensors - Depending upon the alignment sensors being used, compensation may not be necessary. Compensation may require the vehicle to be lifted from the alignment rack. If so, be sure to remove the pins from the front and rear slip plates. If the sensors do not need to be compensated, the next step can be ignored.
- Lower Vehicle and Jounce - Make sure the pins are removed from the slip plates. Lower the vehicle back onto the alignment rack and jounce the vehicle. This will insure that the suspension has settled.
- Check Ride Height - Check ride height using metric tape measure. Always check ride height after compensating the sensors. This will avoid having to check the ride height twice.
- Perform Alignment - Refer to the equipment manufacturers instructions for the next steps of the alignment.
When performing an alignment of a vehicle equipped with air suspension (EHC), disable the system by removing the fuse for the air supply system. This will insure that the ride height will stay consistent.
Alignment Sensor Mounting
There are two types of alignment sensor mounting, this depends upon equipment used. The first type is the "Rim Clamp" Method which "clamps" on the edge of the wheel rim. This method of mounting requires that the sensor be "compensated" electronically to allow for wheel runout and mounting irregularities. The second type is the "Beissbarth" type clamp, this method allows the clamp to be indexed to the rotor hub through holes in the wheel rim. The clamp hold on to the tire tread with a spring loaded clamp. The "Beissbarth" clamping method does not have to be compensated due to the fact that the clamp is actually mounted to the rotor hub, theoretically this method eliminates the need for compensation. Always remember that the holes in the rim should be clean and free of excessive rust, this could cause irregular mounting and inaccurate alignment results.
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Alignment Adjustment Summary
| Front Caster | Front Camber | Front Toe | Rear Camber | Rear Toe | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E30 | No Adjustment | No Adjustment | Yes | No Adjustment | No Adjustment (Offset Bushing) |
| E36 | No Adjustment | No Adjustment | Yes | Yes (Eccentric) | Yes Tool # 323 080 |
| E36/7 Z3 E36/5 318ti | No Adjustment | No Adjustment | Yes | No Adjustment | No Adjustment (Offset Bushing) |
| E46 | No Adjustment | Yes Tool # 323 140 | Yes | Yes (Eccentric) | Yes Tool # 323 030 |
| E34 | No Adjustment | No Adjustment | Yes | No Adjustment | No Adjustment (Offset Bushing) |
| E39 | No Adjustment | No Adjustment | Yes | Yes (Eccentric) | Yes (Eccentric) |
| E53 | No Adjustment | Yes Tool # 323 145 | Yes | Yes (Eccentric) | Yes (Eccentric) |
| E32 | No Adjustment | No Adjustment | Yes | No Adjustment | No Adjustment (Offset Bushing) |
| E38 | No Adjustment | No Adjustment | Yes | Yes (Eccentric) | Yes (Eccentric) |
| E65/E66 | No Adjustment | Yes Tool # 323 145 | Yes | Yes (Eccentric) | Yes (Eccentric) |
| E85 | No Adjustment | Yes Tool # 323 145 | Yes | Yes (Eccentric) | Yes Tool # 323 030 |
| E31 | No Adjustment | No Adjustment | Yes | Yes (Eccentric) | Yes (Eccentric) |
ALIGNMENT ADJUSTMENT SUMMARY