Camber and Toe Issue after lowering E39 M5

[E39m5]

Couple months ago, I change my suspension. I went with ST Stage 1 (made by KW). They are height-adjustable ONLY. When suspension was changed, Rear Upper Control Arms were changed as well. I used OEM BMW parts.

After lowering and aligning, the Left tire is cambered in, but the Right one is 100% straight. I was recommended to purchase an alignment kit, but I know nothing about this stuff. Any advice would be great.

Here are the alignment numbers:

LF Camber: Actual -0.5 / Before -0.5
LF Caster: Actual 5.6 / Before 5.6
LF Toe: Actual 0.08 / Before 0.06

RF Camber: Actual -1.1 / Before -1.0
RF Caster: Actual 5.6 / Before 5.6
RF Toe: Actual 0.08 / Before -0.01

Front Cross Camber: Actual 0.6 / Before 0.5
Front Cross Caster: Actual 0.0 / Before 0.0
Total Toe: Actual 0.16 / Before 0.05

LR Camber: Actual -1.7 / Before -1.0
LR Toe: Actual 0.31 / Before 0.83

RR Camber: Actual -1.7 / Before -1.7
RR Toe: Actual 0.15 / Before 0.56

Rear Total Toe: Actual 0.46 / Before 1.39
Thrust Angle: Actual 0.08 / Before 0.14

The RR: Tire looks straight and flushed with the fender.
The LR: Tire seems to be tilted inside the fender.
Car is not pulling to any side. Seems to be handling well. Just looks odd.


Here are the pictures:
RR - shot from the rear of the car


RR - shot from the front of the car

LR - shot from the rear of the car


LR - shot from the rear of the car



LR - shot from the front of the car


Left Rear tire seems to pushed in and Right Rear tire seems to be straight.

Any help would be great.

Thanks.

[Lord Vader]

How much was the drop? Depending on how much t was adjustable control arms may be required.

[E39m5]

The rear was dropped about an inch.

I guess my biggest question is why Rear Left tire is being pushed inside and Rear Right tire is perfectly straight.

[Jack Dabsy]

I would do a re-fit !

[E39m5]

You mean to remove the rear suspension and re-install again or re-do alignment?

[Jack Dabsy]

Remove and re-fit !
Taking particular notice of ALL measurements !

[E39m5]

Thank You!!!

[Jack Dabsy]

Seems only a rears issue so jack her high and do the re-fit moving to each side to tighten opposing bolts in sequence
Why not take some pics as you do it?

[E39m5]

I am going to take it back to the shop that did the work.

[Lord Vader]

That's a good idea. Ask them to see the car when they lift it up. Any good shop will have no problems with this. A shop that says no isn't worth my time IMO.

[E39m5]

The shop that I'm using is great. Plus the owner had E46 M3, and now has E60 M5.
Will be going to the shop sometimes next week. I'll post an update, just in case anyone is interest.

[rivroshaun951]

Your measurements don't look to bad. I have looked everywhere for specs for your car but could not find them. One thing you have to remember is that many factors are working here. The biggest one is that you are introducing new suspension components with Old suspension componenets. Old bushings, Wheel Bearing end play, wheight distribution, spring rate. These all alter your alignment if they are bad or worn. This is a small list. Again your measurements don't look to bad but I have not seen specs. I suspect your rear toe might not be within specs. Thrust angle looks okay to. As long as the vehicle is not pulling or dog tracking and you don't see any execssive strange tire wear, you should be okay. Unless your a perfectionist and must get it right because you are a "Driver" and you must have everything perfect. Even then you might be out of luck. You also have to remember the most single most important rule with being a auto enthusiast. "You must pay to Play". So you might have to just live with your alignment never being withing specs or pay more money to get within specs.

[E39m5]

Yeah, I think I don't think I am going to rest until I have it perfect; looks and handling.
Car is handling just fine. I do not feel any pull.
However one tire tilted in is not going to work for me. Yes, I know that on pictures it looks much worst, than in real life. After all we are talking less than 5MM difference. But my M5 has to run and look its best.

Hoping to make it to the shop this week before it snows again. Otherwise will have to wait another week.

[Jack Dabsy]

I couldn't "Live" with those differing cambers either, just because you Know it's there !!
Can't wait for their reply mate !!

[E39m5]

It may be another week or so. I have not had time to take the car to the shop. Been very busy with work and tomorrow we are getting show. So I am going to pay it safe and wait for roads to clear up. But I will post an update once I have an answer for the shop. I know these guys would not lie to me. I have sent about 3 guys there with their bimmers and all were explorer happy with the service and prices.