[MineralGreyMetallic]

Controversial subject incoming...

I recently installed the M Performance Coilovers. The sales guy at the performance shop suggested I get an alignment after the suspension has "settled" in "about a week."

I know there's a lot of bro science online with car work just like anything else. But it's also been my understanding since I became a car enthusiast in my teens that any ride height change would warrant an alignment.

Then I found this: https://blog.tirerack.com/blog/make-...lower-your-car

• What do you guys think?
• Have any of you performed an alignment after lowering your M2 and seen the printout afer that shows things were clearly thrown out of spec by the ride height change?

[Bee Pee]

Sales guy is wise - MP coilovers will settle and any change in F &/or R camber will effect toe-in of either axle....

[lax01]

I don't know if there is any controversy...I don't know why someone would spend many dollar to modify a suspension and then not confirm that's it properly aligned and working correctly...seems like common sense to me

[MineralGreyMetallic]

Originally Posted by lax01

I don't know if there is any controversy...I don't know why someone would spend many dollar to modify a suspension and then not confirm that's it properly aligned and working correctly...seems like common sense to me

I'm trying to collect data with this thread because there's a severe lack of it on the internet in general regarding this topic.

My time is valuable. I'd rather not spend it doing things I don't have to do. Especially if I can confirm that with hard data.

[MineralGreyMetallic]

... also I think I might have misinterpreted that Tirerack Blog.

The author states an alignment kit is not necessary, which I'd guess probably means something that lets you adjust beyond the range of the existing hardware for correction. The implication is that a small drop of 1-1.5" can be corrected with the factory hardware. Something more severe might require modifying those parts - what might be more commonly known as a camber kit or something.

I really don't know.

[CommitConfirm]

In a word. Yes.

[BAN_M2C]

This is a no brainer. YES, after changing anything regarding the suspension geometry of the car you should get an alignment to confirm everything is still in spec.

[omasou]

Originally Posted by MineralGreyMetallic

Controversial subject incoming...

I recently installed the M Performance Coilovers. The sales guy at the performance shop suggested I get an alignment after the suspension has "settled" in "about a week."

I know there's a lot of bro science online with car work just like anything else. But it's also been my understanding since I became a car enthusiast in my teens that any ride height change would warrant an alignment.

Then I found this: https://blog.tirerack.com/blog/make-...lower-your-car

• What do you guys think?
• Have any of you performed an alignment after lowering your M2 and seen the printout afer that shows things were clearly thrown out of spec by the ride height change?

The ?alignment? or crash bolt kit as MB calls it is an eccentric bolt kit or longer bolts used in an eccentric hole you ream out to get extra adjustment to align the car to spec.

What Eibach is saying, is that lowering the car should not put the alignment so far out of spec that you would need an ?alignment? kit to bring it back into spec.

Yes, you need to align the car and probably smart to check it again once the springs settle.

[MineralGreyMetallic]

Ya, that makes sense. Thanks for helping me understand it better.

[ORIGIN M.]

Better safe than sorry, is the rule I live by.

[CommitConfirm]

BMW state that any fine tread fixing be replaced once removed.

The 12 point 18mm shock strut to guide support (front & rear) nut is single use.

The 5 hex head bolt that hold the guide support to the body are single use. They are stretched when the correct torque of applied and do not provide the correct clamping force if re-used

The 16mm nut for both the front drop link to strut & front strut to hub carrier are also single use.

The bolt that clamps the strut to the front hub carrier is also single use for the same reason above.

The rear shock to lower arm nut and bolt are also single use for the same reasons.

Now, flame suit on, a lot of guys will argue you can reuse them.... but if you go the dealer that will follow BMW guidance and replace these for a reason.

[MineralGreyMetallic]

Originally Posted by CommitConfirm

BMW state that any fine tread fixing be replaced once removed.

The 12 point 18mm shock strut to guide support (front & rear) nut is single use.

The 5 hex head bolt that hold the guide support to the body are single use. They are stretched when the correct torque of applied and do not provide the correct clamping force if re-used

The 16mm nut for both the front drop link to strut & front strut to hub carrier are also single use.

The bolt that clamps the strut to the front hub carrier is also single use for the same reason above.

The rear shock to lower arm nut and bolt are also single use for the same reasons.

Now, flame suit on, a lot of guys will argue you can reuse them.... but if you go the dealer that will follow BMW guidance and replace these for a reason.

wrong thread?

Ya, when I ordered the Coilover Kit I also ordered another kit that came with all that hardware.

[Benzima]

I am getting new springs installed and I am doing the alignment the same day. Hope it helps your data base.

[MDriven]

Originally Posted by MineralGreyMetallic

Controversial subject incoming...

I recently installed the M Performance Coilovers. The sales guy at the performance shop suggested I get an alignment after the suspension has "settled" in "about a week."

I know there's a lot of bro science online with car work just like anything else. But it's also been my understanding since I became a car enthusiast in my teens that any ride height change would warrant an alignment.

Then I found this: https://blog.tirerack.com/blog/make-...lower-your-car

• What do you guys think?
• Have any of you performed an alignment after lowering your M2 and seen the printout afer that shows things were clearly thrown out of spec by the ride height change?

I currently have Motion Control Suspension. I heard it is okay to get alignment done once suspension has settled in or after your new suspension has been installed. But alignment is very crucial, do not delay on getting one once suspension has settled.

I got my alignment done right after my MCS coilover's were installed.

[MineralGreyMetallic]

Just to follow up.

I ended up getting an alignment 2 weeks (not a daily driver) after install. The rears were way off.

Thanks everyone for chiming in.

[M3 Alex]

Originally Posted by MineralGreyMetallic

Just to follow up.

I ended up getting an alignment 2 weeks (not a daily driver) after install. The rears were way off.

Thanks everyone for chiming in.

Was it close enough to adjust using the OE hardware, or did you need to get additional adjustable hardware (like camber plates)?

[Bobh59]

Originally Posted by MineralGreyMetallic

Just to follow up.

I ended up getting an alignment 2 weeks (not a daily driver) after install. The rears were way off.

Thanks everyone for chiming in.

Don't forget to align the headlights too.

[MineralGreyMetallic]

Originally Posted by M2 Alex

Was it close enough to adjust using the OE hardware, or did you need to get additional adjustable hardware (like camber plates)?

I did not install camber plates. The adjustments were made with OE hardware. However, the tech did mention that the OE hardware was close to its limits in the rear in terms of adjustment. Not sure if he was exaggerating.

[MineralGreyMetallic]

Originally Posted by Bobh59

Don't forget to align the headlights too.

I thought about that. Where would I even go to do that? The dealer?