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RE: Wheel Alignment

Darren,

        You wrote:

>From: THE BETTY <darren@domain.elided>
>Date: Fri, 30 Aug 96 14:24 GMT+0200
>Subject: Wheel alignment
>
>Hi all those alignment guru's. I had my car at the dealer today for the
>alignment. I have included the printout for those who can shed some light on
>the figures. He said I need to reduce camber at the back. I am not sure what
>the best seetings are. My car is VERY low, and I have 205/50/15. the car is
>a '85 325. Camber and toe I know, but caster, SAI etc.
>
>Front  Caster    +9 9'            +8.26    (degrees symbol not available)
>       Camber    -1 15'           -2 3'
>       Toe       -0.1             +5.8
>       Total toe             +5.7      (this was adjusted)
>       setback               +0 12'
>       SAI       +16 3'           +15 52'  
>       Incl Angle +14 42'         + 13 56'
>
>Rear   Camber     -2 52'          -3 1'
>       Toe        +4.9            +3.5
>       Total toe             +8.4 
>       thrust angle          +0 7'
>
>My rear tyres seem to be wearing heavily on the inside, and I think aside
>from the camber, the toe might be a bit excessive.
>

        Are you trying to correct the problem of the tires wearing on the
inside?  
        If so, when you lowered your car, was it by cutting, heating and
weakening, or otherwise adjusting the springs; or did you just change the tires?

        FWIW, Caster is related to SAI (Steering Axis Inclination) and is
the effect you have from the wheels on a shopping cart being set back from
the "axle" so they trail a bit for stability.  As long as the readings are
close to each other and the car tracks OK, they aren't an issue.

        If the tire wear is the issue, that is probably from the springs
being weakened to where the tires are allowed to set out on the inside.  If
the camber can be adjusted to say + 1  or + 1 1/2 degree, it could
compensate for the lowerering and about equal things out.  Not being blessed
with a car as new as yours, I don't know what adjustments are possible, but
on my 2002's and older E12's, the camber is not adjustable.  If yours will
allow the adjustment, just focus on the camber and toe.  In USA
measurements, the toe-in is usually at 1/16 - 1/8 inch with 1/4 inch being
maximum for unusual conditions.  Let's see converting by taking .125 * 25.4
= 3.18 mm ----  Your toe-in should be adjusted.


>I am aware that it is very difficult to give some advice, without seeing the
>car and that there is no average car or settings. It is suggested that I
>need a rear end shimmy, but will this adjust the ride height or ground
>clearance.

        Do you mean "shim"?  Shouldn't be that much to have much effect.

 They said they would have to push the top of the wheels out, as
>they couldn't bring th bottom nearer. Will the mags stick out a bit ???
>
        Probably not noticeably.  How will they push the top out?  I'm curious.

>I know this is anfair question, but if anyone could help me I would be
grateful.
>Regards
>DARREN

                                                Best wishes,
                                                John