any DIY e30 alignment threads

[bimmer30]

howdy the e30 needs an alignment
the alignment specs are off definately off please help don't b a jerkk thanks

[Red_Rocket]

Start your car, straighten your steering wheel (if anything off to the right a touch) then eyeball it. Usually gets me to around 1/3 of a digree of where it should be, but that can still wear your tires faster. That's only toe.caster and camber good luck!

[Ceeker]

If you don't have experience with this...which I am assuming you don't. take it to a shop who do alignments and drop the 70-100 and get it done right..that way you know it's correct and you aren't messing with it forever trying to correct it. there should be weight in the car (front seats) to simulate occupants as done at bmw. they put about 150lb sand bags inside each side then do the alignment. Which only makes sense.

the only alignment shop I know of using sandbags to simulate occupancy is "BMW dealership" This is how they have always done it regardless of whether toe or toe/camber adjustment is required. Doing this without occupancy will change the toe slightly as weight is added to one side of the car. if you're 180-250 you can bet it will alter your alignment once inside. if you aren't then chances are it most likely will be undetectable. The cost is between 100-200 at the dealer. I know this sounds "picky or anal" but this is the reasoning behind the weight inside.

this comes from my experience working at bmw.

[everlast]

For what it's worth, I've done toe alignments in my driveway a number of times. Google the "string method" for more details. It involves running a string around the whole car to measure toe and using glossy magazine pages under the tires to allow them to turn easily, so you can adjust the tie-rods. I've done it to get my car to the dealer, and found it needed 0 adjusting once there.

edit: FYI, on a stock e30, toe is the only thing you can adjust.