M-Sport alignment v M3 alignment

teelinboy

OK here is a challenge for the real tech-heads out there.

I have an 05 BMW E46 320 CD M Sport Coupe. I had the wheel alignment done last year by a guy I know in a local tyre centre who insisted on setting the car's alignment up as an M3 - (which as many of you know is a very different car) he got very excited and started talking about how the camber on these cars was different Blah Blah etc - he seemed to know what he was talking about so I went with it.

I recently have noticed the inside of the front tyres chewing up (10,000 miles on tyres). I know the car is in good shape otherwise as I had a BMW health check done on it about 4 months ago.

My question is was he wrong to set the alignment to M3 specs or could they be the same as the M Sport?

Mr.David

I'd reckon he was wrong, I cannot imagine the geometry settings would be the same for an M3 and a standard 3 series - in fact there is no way in hell they are the same.

Considering the fact that you will have different wheel widths, different spring rates (presumably), lower ride height, different damper tune etc etc etc and different customer expectations in terms of tyre wear, you can be guaranteed that the camber settings on an M3 will be more aggressive than a standard 3 series.

Which is why your tyres are fooked!

I'd say he just got carried away and wanted to set it up as an M3 for you!

How did the geometry settings affect the steering feel and handling?

teelinboy

Hi Mr. David - thanks for your reply.

The car had been tramlining a bit beforehand but up here in donegal there are plenty of dodgy roads just made for that. I have 225 x 40 x 18's on the front which are standard on this car and the tyre wear had been pretty even on the old tyres.

I didnt notice much difference in the tramlining on the new tyres (Falken 452's as opposed to Dunlop Sports that were on it) but tyres did feel a bit light when cornering and at high speed - other than that the car handles fine. I have always suspected the set up wasn't quite right but only really noticed tyre wear recently upon close inspection - I dont want to go back to the same guy 8 months later to get it fixed.

I was hoping someone out there who works with wheel alignment or better still has good knowledge of these cars could give me a definitive answer. You confirm what I have suspected.

Mr.David

Check all the suspension components for wear - ball joints, bushings etc could cause tramlining.

Also could be the toe setting.

teelinboy

Ok - will do - thanks for that

robtri

i would be very weary about setting up your car with the alignment of an M3. When manufacturers set up the alignment numbers for each model car, it is done with the ride height and the weight of the car being taken into account for.
Your car and the m3 will differ here... and a result the alignment will not be ideal for your car.
If it was me i would have it put back to the original manufactures spec for your car.

Captain Slow IRL

I would suspect the large alloys causing the tramlining.

Unless you've fitted an aftermarket suspension kit to your car, the camber is not adjustable in the front - only the toe is adjustable. Ideally, you should check your front wishbone bushings for excessive wear - when everything is tight up front, check the tracking.

teelinboy

Hi Robtri,

I agree with you and will get the car set up to original settings. Hope I don't have to go main dealer though - I know that can be very expensive.

I just wonder if most alignment centres understand the difference between a standard 3 series, my car which has sports suspension and the M3 which is a different animal altogether. I suppose it depends on the equipment they are using as well as expertise and experience.

teelinboy

Hi Captain Slow

Everything on the car is factory fitted, Im aware that the 18 inch alloys have a tendency to tramline - BMW in Sligo told me suspension was fine (about 5 months ago) from what you and Mr David say it is probably the Toe setting that has been messed up.

knifey_spoonie

This is the data that is listed for both 320d and m3.On both they show the set up for msport.TBH i dont think its right tho'.