$280 reasonable for a four wheel alignment?
07-16-2009, 02:48 PM
#21
The points of reference I use are the rear bolt head attaching the K-Member to the front sub frame and the bolt head of the rear LCA attached to the car.
I also have a specialty tool that adjusts camber and caster in and out using a threaded collar instead of a pry bar.
I also place 200lbs in the driver's seat.
FWIW ... it really does suck when you trip over the string in mid alignment ...
07-16-2009, 08:31 PM
#23
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Pay attention, for the second explicit repeat ... he's getting a 4 WHEEL alignment. That price you mention is for two. You're in plentiful company, half the posters in this thread aren't paying attention to this either.
OP - you need to decide if you want a perfect alignment or just sufficient.
If you want perfect, frame referenced - $280 is very fair. What's their warranty?
For sufficient, I personally would be hard pressed to pay more than $150-200 for 4 wheels, and it best have a multi-year warranty for that price. I'd be STUNNED if you found even a decent, legit, 4 wheel alignment for $80.
This is all assuming they have competent techs. I'll pay more for someone who knows what they hell they are doing, especially if you have adjustable components.
You should have done a bit more research, perhaps, but it's not too late. Just pay attention to front tire wear. Don't cheap out here, a good alignment does WONDERS for the way the car drives. Good luck!!
OP - you need to decide if you want a perfect alignment or just sufficient.
If you want perfect, frame referenced - $280 is very fair. What's their warranty?
For sufficient, I personally would be hard pressed to pay more than $150-200 for 4 wheels, and it best have a multi-year warranty for that price. I'd be STUNNED if you found even a decent, legit, 4 wheel alignment for $80.
This is all assuming they have competent techs. I'll pay more for someone who knows what they hell they are doing, especially if you have adjustable components.
You should have done a bit more research, perhaps, but it's not too late. Just pay attention to front tire wear. Don't cheap out here, a good alignment does WONDERS for the way the car drives. Good luck!!
hey *******, it was a 4wheel alignment.
07-16-2009, 11:15 PM
#25
firestone did okay with my car. first time they left a bolt loose but i didnt catch it till 6 months later ha. Went to a different one bought a couple tires and complained about the loose bolt and they gave me a free alignment. drives good with no tire wear now
07-17-2009, 01:07 AM
#26
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OP - you need to decide if you want a perfect alignment or just sufficient.
If you want perfect, frame referenced - $280 is very fair. What's their warranty?
For sufficient, I personally would be hard pressed to pay more than $150-200 for 4 wheels, and it best have a multi-year warranty for that price. I'd be STUNNED if you found even a decent, legit, 4 wheel alignment for $80.
This is all assuming they have competent techs. I'll pay more for someone who knows what they hell they are doing, especially if you have adjustable components.
You should have done a bit more research, perhaps, but it's not too late. Just pay attention to front tire wear. Don't cheap out here, a good alignment does WONDERS for the way the car drives. Good luck!!
If you want perfect, frame referenced - $280 is very fair. What's their warranty?
For sufficient, I personally would be hard pressed to pay more than $150-200 for 4 wheels, and it best have a multi-year warranty for that price. I'd be STUNNED if you found even a decent, legit, 4 wheel alignment for $80.
This is all assuming they have competent techs. I'll pay more for someone who knows what they hell they are doing, especially if you have adjustable components.
You should have done a bit more research, perhaps, but it's not too late. Just pay attention to front tire wear. Don't cheap out here, a good alignment does WONDERS for the way the car drives. Good luck!!
I might go back, but I need to save up some money and stay out of the for sale section.
Or do my alignment for some cash?
**** NTB! 1) Broken exhaust clamp. 2) Did not tighten the bolts in the front and they gave way, while attempting to drive out of the bay. 3) Alignment always sucks afterwards
NEVER EVER ******* AGAIN
Thanks for the heads up about Firestone. I always figured they were just another NTB type place.
07-17-2009, 11:53 AM
#27
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Well that is your experience with a particular NTB. I am friends with all of the guys at the NTB i go to and its great. They always do a good job with aligning lowered cars. Just because one sucks doesnt mean they all suck. The member 94trans on here actually works at the NTB i go to. He is a good friend and makes sure he treats every car like his own. I can understand your frustration but dont label all of them as being horrible.
07-17-2009, 11:48 PM
#28
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No... I worked at a couple NTB locations. Half the time they don't even like to do a full alignment. I've seen on many occations where one mechanic will hold a sensor in position to make it "green."
I work at an independent BMW shop, where we have our own alignment machine. All the newer BMWs have fully adjustable suspension in the front and rear. (except caster, which would mean something is fucked up bad) We charge about $180.
My advice is to find an independent shop where the techs don't get paid by the job. Tell the owner/service writer that you have adjustable suspension in the rear and they should be willing to do it for a fair price.
If you want to take it farther, you can offer a $20 tip to the guy that will do the alignment and ask him to take his time on your car.
I work at an independent BMW shop, where we have our own alignment machine. All the newer BMWs have fully adjustable suspension in the front and rear. (except caster, which would mean something is fucked up bad) We charge about $180.
My advice is to find an independent shop where the techs don't get paid by the job. Tell the owner/service writer that you have adjustable suspension in the rear and they should be willing to do it for a fair price.
If you want to take it farther, you can offer a $20 tip to the guy that will do the alignment and ask him to take his time on your car.
07-18-2009, 11:09 AM
#30
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Well that is your experience with a particular NTB. I am friends with all of the guys at the NTB i go to and its great. They always do a good job with aligning lowered cars. Just because one sucks doesnt mean they all suck. The member 94trans on here actually works at the NTB i go to. He is a good friend and makes sure he treats every car like his own. I can understand your frustration but dont label all of them as being horrible.
07-18-2009, 11:11 AM
#31
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No... I worked at a couple NTB locations. Half the time they don't even like to do a full alignment. I've seen on many occations where one mechanic will hold a sensor in position to make it "green."
I work at an independent BMW shop, where we have our own alignment machine. All the newer BMWs have fully adjustable suspension in the front and rear. (except caster, which would mean something is fucked up bad) We charge about $180.
My advice is to find an independent shop where the techs don't get paid by the job. Tell the owner/service writer that you have adjustable suspension in the rear and they should be willing to do it for a fair price.
If you want to take it farther, you can offer a $20 tip to the guy that will do the alignment and ask him to take his time on your car.
I work at an independent BMW shop, where we have our own alignment machine. All the newer BMWs have fully adjustable suspension in the front and rear. (except caster, which would mean something is fucked up bad) We charge about $180.
My advice is to find an independent shop where the techs don't get paid by the job. Tell the owner/service writer that you have adjustable suspension in the rear and they should be willing to do it for a fair price.
If you want to take it farther, you can offer a $20 tip to the guy that will do the alignment and ask him to take his time on your car.
Does your shop only work on BMWs?
