BMW Alignment Guide — Specs and Settings

Why Alignment Matters

Proper wheel alignment ensures:

• Even tire wear
• Straight tracking
• Optimal handling
• Fuel efficiency

Alignment Parameters

Camber

• Tilt of the wheel when viewed from the front
• Negative camber: Top of wheel tilts inward — better cornering grip
• Positive camber: Top tilts outward — rarely desired
• BMW stock: -0.5° to -1.5° front, -1.0° to -2.0° rear

Toe

• Direction the wheels point when viewed from above
• Toe-in: Wheels point toward each other — stability
• Toe-out: Wheels point away — turn-in response
• BMW stock: Slight toe-in front and rear (0° to +0.15°)

Caster

• Angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side
• More caster = better straight-line stability, heavier steering
• BMW typically runs 5-7° of caster
• Not adjustable on most BMWs without aftermarket parts

Street Alignment

For daily driving, stick close to BMW's factory specs:

• Front camber: -1.0° to -1.5°
• Rear camber: -1.5° to -2.0°
• Front toe: +0.05° to +0.10° (slight toe-in)
• Rear toe: +0.10° to +0.15° (slight toe-in)

Track/Aggressive Street Alignment

For spirited driving or track days:

• Front camber: -2.0° to -2.5°
• Rear camber: -1.8° to -2.2°
• Front toe: 0° to -0.05° (neutral to slight toe-out)
• Rear toe: +0.05° to +0.10° (slight toe-in for stability)

Adjustability by Model

Model	Front Camber	Rear Camber	Rear Toe
E46	Eccentric bolts	Eccentric bolts	Adjustable arms
E90	Camber plates (aftermarket)	Adjustable arms	Adjustable arms
F30	Camber plates (aftermarket)	Adjustable arms	Adjustable arms
F80 M3	Adjustable from factory	Adjustable from factory	Adjustable

Tips

• Get alignment after any suspension work
• Get alignment after lowering the car
• Use a shop with a Hunter or John Bean alignment rack
• Print out your alignment report and keep it
• Re-check alignment after 1,000 km (bushings settle)