Request for exact alignment specs - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

BKH · 18th March 2006, 22:00

My car goes in for a rear crossmember replacement on Thursday. I'll have a full alignment done and for the first time, want to specify the desired end-point specs. Two things:

I have a Dinan Stage 1 suspension (no camber plates).

I want the alignment spec biased evenly toward best tire wear and "canyon type" (not track) performance driving. I've searched but am not satisfied that I've seen the info I need. Anyone who knows is welcome to post! TIA.

M5Don · 20th March 2006, 00:10

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Not sure how the DINAN components will alter the alignment specs, but here are the factory desgnated specs for our E39 M5s.

PIC1 is a list of conditions that must be met before a proper alignment is carried out.
PIC2 is the actual alignment specs for the E39 M5
PIC3 is the breakdown of the screen on the BMW alignment machine. (In case they let you watch the process and you want to double check their work

).

I would assume that regardless of how you wish to modify the alignment specs of your car, you should start by returning all settings to the original factory specs. Adjustments are always easiest when starting from "zero".

ard · 20th March 2006, 02:05

I am pretty sure Dinan specs the car with full gas, no occupants...

Here was a useful thread-
Crazy tire wear, need some advice

You want to be close to zero on the toe, and on the high side (smaller negative number on rear camber) for max tire life.

Give dinan a ring and ask what the recommend...

BKH · 20th March 2006, 04:38

Thanks, sound good.

Redshift · 20th March 2006, 22:47

Check with CSBM5 also, he just got a Dinan suspension installed and might be able to offer some firm advice.

cosioboy · 20th March 2006, 22:58

I just had my allignment done today on a Dinan Stage III suspension according to the specs below (and yes, with full tank of gas):

****************************
Dinan alignment specs, Stage 3:

"All Dinan suspension alignments are done with full fuel tanks and no weight inside the vehicle."

Front:

camber -1.5 +/- 0.5

caster 6.5 +/- 0.5

total toe 0.20 +/- 0.08

Rear:

camber -2.5 +/- 0.5

total toe 0.34 +/-0.15

****************************

BKH · 21st March 2006, 08:11

OK, I'll try the Dinan specs. Thanks again.

ard · 21st March 2006, 08:53

That seems like potentially a lot of toe if you want minimum tire wear... If you want to stick with "dinan specs" try to get it as close to 0.06 on left and right as you can (for the front)- that will give you a combined toe on the edge of dinan spec. I set mine around 0.04 (total toe of 0.08) Lots of toe on that rear as well...

Keep in mind that there are HUGE adjustments within the dinan spec above or the BMW spec!

For example 0.34+/-0.15 is 0.09 all the way up to 0.25- that's maybe a variation of 10,000 miles on a set of tires!

You might want to specify the setting WITHIN the Dinan range....

My 2 cents-

A

BKH · 22nd March 2006, 22:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by ard

That seems like potentially a lot of toe if you want minimum tire wear.I set mine around 0.04 (total toe of 0.08) Lots of toe on that rear as well...

ard - Thanks, I'll tailor the toe specs as per your suggestion. Any specific suggestions for the rear? My shop says they'll align exactly to any spec I give them (i.e., no "range").

ard · 23rd March 2006, 03:04

I'm feeling like a lone ranger on this subject... surprisingly slim comment on where folks like to put alignments- I *KNOW* I'm not the only anal one here...

I'd shoot for close to the same on the rear.

I seem to recall that having a tire toed in will improve it's handling off center- ie in transition into turns- but at the expense of wear. I wouldn't recommend zero, but something close should be good....

A