128 - Service after 1 year

[rob325ci]

I'm taking my BMW in for oil service which they do after one year. (warrenty)
The also suggested that after 1 year, I should have a 4 wheel alignment done.

The cost of the alignment is about $250. Does it sound necessary? Seemed like a good way for the dealer to make a few extra $$$ to me.

Only 13k on the car and no unusual tire wear or excessive hard driving.

128 2012 Msport - auto

... Rob

[doublegbmw]

not really necessary unless you've slid into something like the curb when driving in all the snow you get in the winter

[rob325ci]

Thanks for the reply.

Confirms my suspicion.

[ASPEC135i]

An alignment is $60-$80 at an independent shop. Laser machine aligned with printouts of all specifications.

No difference in having it done via BMW or a dependable independent shop.

You won't NEED an alignment if you have been driving responsibly (dodging potholes to the best of your ability), or have not smacked into anything (god forbid), or have not altered anything in terms of suspension (coils/springs/camber kit etc)

[BBursey]

Hey.

I'll go one step further and say I'd rather have an alignment done by an independent shop. When the dealer here installed my Dinan suspension along with M3 control arms, they had to do an alignment. They didn't seem capable of doing anything other than meet the preset alignments specs for a 1 Series and I'm going to end up going to an indepent shop next spring to get the alignment I want (and probably for less cost).

Cheers,
Bryan

[dorkdog]

My local Sears does the alignment for $79.99 and they usually have a coupon. They have these things theat clip onto the wheels and it's all done in a few min. with a laser. While I was there, a customer came in foar a check and it took less than 5 min.

[Dan550]

Originally Posted by rob325ci

I'm taking my BMW in for oil service which they do after one year. (warrenty)
The also suggested that after 1 year, I should have a 4 wheel alignment done.

The cost of the alignment is about $250. Does it sound necessary? Seemed like a good way for the dealer to make a few extra $$$ to me.

Only 13k on the car and no unusual tire wear or excessive hard driving.

128 2012 Msport - auto

... Rob

If all maintenance is included for 4 years or 80,000km. why should you pay for the alignement !!!!!!!

[Dackelone]

When you have your car in for service... don't forget to ask for new wiper blades and a new pollen filter. They should be covered for free. I would also have them check for any open recalls on your car. (see battery or seatbelt insulation recalls)

As long as your car tracks straight and the steering wheel doesn't pull(especially under braking or acceleration) I would skip on the alignment. Your car next year will most likely need new tires, I would do the alignment then.

[hyper1]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

When you have your car in for service... don't forget to ask for new wiper blades and a new pollen filter. They should be covered for free. I would also have them check for any open recalls on your car. (see battery or seatbelt insulation recalls)

As long as your car tracks straight and the steering wheel doesn't pull(especially under braking or acceleration) I would skip on the alignment. Your car next year will most likely need new tires, I would do the alignment then.

wiper blades are not free in Canada.
I had to replace one after 12 months. unless you have a special protection plan the blades are not cover.
The pollen filter was replace free of charge when they flushed the brake fluid.