[MIM5]

I'm going to be lowering my car in the next few weeks here by myself and was wondering if any of you guys are getting your cars aligned at bmw? Also would it change the geometry of the suspension if I got it aligned after the springs have settled and did it without the spacers on? I only ask because I saw the thread about bmw dealer turning down warranty for brakes because the op in that post had spacers on. I'll be running 15mm up front and 13 in the rear for spacers if that matters.

[DoubleDave]

Originally Posted by MIM5

I'm going to be lowering my car in the next few weeks here by myself and was wondering if any of you guys are getting your cars aligned at bmw? Also would it change the geometry of the suspension if I got it aligned after the springs have settled and did it without the spacers on. I only ask because I saw the thread about bmw dealer turning down warranty for brakes because the op in that post had spacers on. I'll be running 15mm up front and 13 in the rear for spacers if that matters.

My advice is get the alignment done at the place that installs the springs.

When I got mine done, they aligned the car after the install then after 1K miles they rechecked it.

Involving the dealer in any mods isn’t worth it IMO unless they are mod friendly and do some of that work in house (like the spring install)

[Dr.Deep]

As Double Dave said, definitely do it with the guys that do the install.
Usually no need to do it after they settle as this is so minor that it won't affect the alignment…but still worth to do a check to be sure

[Vic55]

My thoughts:

Lower
Drive about 200 miles or so to allow for settling
Align at reputable shop (dont need BMW center)
Spacers dont matter as they dont change the toe/caster/camber (I run 15 square)

I have a local indy shop that aligns as their specialty- they scan the vin and the specs pop up. There is no camber adjustment from the factory on our cars but my rather aggressive drop left me at -1.90 left and right camber and Im totally ok with that. Remember that for normal street driving, toe is key to avoid scrubbing and tire wear.

[MIM5]

Thanks guys! I'll lower and drive for 200 miles for it to settle and then find a reputable shop to align. Now to find a shop in my area that I can trust.