Procedure steps

Prerequisites: 

• Only BMW approved wheel and tire combinations are installed on the vehicle.
• The tread depth on the left and right differs by a maximum of 2 millimeters.

Technical Information: 

Only carry out wheel alignment using a Kinematics Diagnosis System with ride height measurement and without vehicle load if the technical prerequisites have been complied with.

If the technical prerequisites are not complied with or this process involves a damaged vehicle, carry out wheel alignment using a Kinematics Diagnosis System WITH VEHICLE LOAD UP TO DESIGN POSITION .

PRE-PROCESSES: 

1. Preliminary work before wheel alignment 
   • Correctly adjust tire pressure.
   • Check chassis components for damage and repair, if necessary.
   • On vehicles with rear axle slip angle control  :

     Run the service function "HSR actuator to center position".

   • On vehicles with air suspension  :

     Pull the fuse of the air supply system so that the chassis and suspension cannot be adjusted unintentionally.

   • Drive the motor vehicle onto the axle alignment test stand so the front wheels and rear wheels are positioned in the center of the rotating/sliding plates.
     Fig 1: Identifying Rotary And Sliding Plates

     Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

   Technical Information: 

   Follow the equipment manufacturer's specifications. Use only BMW-approved quick-clamping brackets. Due to excessive measuring inaccuracy, other quick-clamping brackets are not permitted.

   • Attach quick-clamping bracket (1)  to motor vehicle.

     Ensure that only Original BMW quick-clamping brackets are used.

     Fig 2: Identifying Quick-Clamping Bracket

     Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
   • In the Kinematics Diagnosis System, enter the customer and vehicle data.
   • Identify the equipment specifications of the vehicle and select the vehicle.

     If the spring strut does not feature a label to identify the suspension, the type of chassis and suspension can be identified by the part number in the BMW Electronic Parts Catalogue.

   • Enter tire pressure and tread depth.
   • Remove locking pins from both rotating and sliding plates.
   • Install brake tensioner.
     Fig 3: Identifying Brake Tensioner

     Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
2. Measuring vehicle ride height 
   • Determine ride height (A)  : For this purpose, attach the tape measure centrally on the rim flange (2)  and measure towards the wheel arch lower edge (1)  .
   • Load or unload the vehicle to keep the ride height within the prescribed tolerances.
     TECHNICAL DATA REFERENCE
     
     

     Ride height with vehicle load tolerance
     	Minimum value
     min. - 20 mm
     	Maximum value
     max. + 40 mm

     Fig 4: Measuring Vehicle Ride Height

     Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

KEY PROCESSES: 

3. Carry out wheel alignment 
   • Perform introductory alignment in accordance with equipment manufacturer's instructions.
   • If necessary, adjust front axle and rear axle.
   • Perform final alignment in accordance with equipment manufacturer's instructions.
   • Save and print out test record.

POST-PROCESSES: 

4. Removing the wheel alignment equipment 
   • Insert locking pins into both rotary and sliding plates.
   • Remove quick releases.
   • Remove weights from the motor vehicle.