off center steering wheel

[wizlee]

Hi,

I bought my 325i a year ago. Soon after, I figured out steering wheel is off center to the right. So I took it to the dealer shop, but it is to the left this time. Yeah, you might think i'm too picky. But every single thing bugs me a lot.

My question is,
Is adjustment done by computer or by technician's "feeling"?
I'm afraid it would be gone to the right again if I take this to the dealer.

I'd appreciate it if you guys give me any idea, tips, and advice.

[TECH]

The steering alignment is done by a technician manually adjusting the tie rods and eccentrics, and using the computer to tell him where to go with the angles, and amounts of adjusting.
Getting the wheel perfectly straight is hard sometimes. Our machine sometime likes to cock the steering wheel a good bit to the left.
Are you sure you're not having to turn the wheel to keep the car going straight? That will make it seem off center. If you let go of the wheel, and it's still cocked a good bit while driving straight, then it will need adjusting again. Let them know that you want the wheel super straight, and they'll likely be more attentive.

[Fangs]

I had my alignment done (by sears - I know, I know... ), and it still pulls a little right, and the steering wheel is probably 4-5 degrees of right tilt.

However, with the steering wheel perfectly straight the car goes straight.

Can this be fixed? (Is it just the steering wheel off center?)
Am I wearing my tires unevenly?

Tech ROCKS. Thanks dude. It's really nice to have an expert available and eager to help!

[TECH]

If the alignment is good, and you still have a pull, it's probably a tire pull. It will pull to the side with the bad tire. You can rotate the side that it is pulling to front to back, and see if it helps.
Note that some cars have bigger rear tires than front... :P

A tire low on air pressure will pull as well.

[m3inrearviewmirrorhaha]

try and find any place that has the new hunter laser aligner it has puter programs for all makes regardless those are the best i used them in tech school got the volva in perfect with it!!!

[woobiee]

i doubt this is your problem, but the steering wheel may be off. when i installed my new OEM steering wheel, i found there was a marker inside that tells you the steering wheel is aligned to the steering column.

[wizlee]

I guess my 325i doesn't have 4 wheel alignment problem. Just the steering wheel is off center, I think.

But wheel alignment costs me around $230, and steering wheel $130. They told me wheel alighment has warranty under 2,000 miles. (I drove 8,100 miles, and 1year) What about just pulling steering and put it back? Warranty doesn't cover it?

What is the best idea? Let them take care of it? or take it to other professional shop? or have to learn how to control my mind with that?