West End Alignment

[blueskies7]

Why is West End Alignment in SoCal the place to go? How much does it cost to get a regular alignment? What’s different than going to a regular shop to get an alignment done? Thanks!

[BzsBimmer]

Great question. I ended up going to Les Schwab. I couldn’t wait since everyone was booked out.

They have an inground system great for lowered cars and it was $100 with guarantee.

[blueskies7]

Originally Posted by BzsBimmer

Great question. I ended up going to Les Schwab. I couldn’t wait since everyone was booked out.

They have an inground system great for lowered cars and it was $100 with guarantee.

Geez, how long of an appointment wait was West End?

[Justin.AutoTalent]

West End is family owned. Darren and Chris are the best out here.... Everything done by hand, and done so perfectly and precisely.

[BzsBimmer]

Originally Posted by blueskies7

Geez, how long of an appointment wait was West End?

To be fair, I travel for work so I have small windows of time that sometimes come out of the blue. Hard to book appointments at the last minute.

[ssuene93]

Originally Posted by blueskies7

Geez, how long of an appointment wait was West End?

I was able to get an appointment on the same week on a Saturday morning back in December last year.

[THEROK]

Chris is cool, but no one has ever been able to technically qualify exactly what makes them “good” as I see very few people who seriously track their cars make substantive remarks.

I just use them because they haven’t messed anything up yet. I would go to them for suspension installs. One throat to choke.

[bmrwrld]

They probably align using your weight in the driver seat and any other passengers weight you may carry in the car.

[JibSTir13]

Originally Posted by bmrwrld

They probably align using your weight in the driver seat and any other passengers weight you may carry in the car.

I can confirm they align while you are sitting in the car.

[helothere]

I don't know how they do it, but when I tell Chris or Darin how I'd like to have my car behave, they can dial it in easily where other reputable shops couldn't.

Car feels different, even when not pushed to the limit.

I've had fair share of experience with shops that offer 'custom alignment specs' based on your needs, but no place comes even close to what Chris and Darin can deliver.

They are THAT good.

[bmrwrld]

Originally Posted by JibSTir13

I can confirm they align while you are sitting in the car.

Nice! yes use them them. I did mine at a shop but they used sanbags for my weight.

[danimal87]

Originally Posted by BzsBimmer

Great question. I ended up going to Les Schwab. I couldn’t wait since everyone was booked out.

They have an inground system great for lowered cars and it was $100 with guarantee.

Did Les Schwab mention anything about a steering wheel sensor tool that was a dealer only item? The guy there told me that the alignment could be done, but to reset the steering wheel sensor they needed that tool; without it would void the warranty????

[BzsBimmer]

Originally Posted by danimal87

Did Les Schwab mention anything about a steering wheel sensor tool that was a dealer only item? The guy there told me that the alignment could be done, but to reset the steering wheel sensor they needed that tool; without it would void the warranty????

No mention of any special tool. I had Big O Tires tell me something very similar about my X5M though.

My car still does drift lightly to the left and as I understand it, there is a SIB to fix. I need to take it in and see however I’m lowered on springs with 20” wheels and I don’t want them to throw a fuss over being modified.

[DanMpower]

Took my F80 there to get an alignment after my Eibach springs install, the car drives better than I have ever experienced since buying it. It tracks straight like an arrow with no drifting unless there is a big crown on the road.

Ordered some new tires for my E92 and I'll be there as soon as I have them installed.

The cost was $140 or so if I recall but mine was just a standard alignment, nothing special. Well worth the money and drive.

[WIKDF80]

West End is the ONLY place I take my performance cars.
Johnson's (in Torrance) is the ONLY place I take my 4x4.

[danimal87]

Originally Posted by BzsBimmer

No mention of any special tool. I had Big O Tires tell me something very similar about my X5M though.

My car still does drift lightly to the left and as I understand it, there is a SIB to fix. I need to take it in and see however I’m lowered on springs with 20” wheels and I don’t want them to throw a fuss over being modified.

Thanks brotha, been about 2 weeks since I had my springs installed. I think I’m gonna try a local shop in Redlands. Just need to find some time.

[mrcheezle19]

I used them for my M2 and chris was able to dial my car just right after a track day. Got referred there from some evo buddies and have been going ever since.

[CigarPundit]

I had mine done there after installation of my MS Comp springs. As has been said, they don’t use an alignment machine, which is imprecise compared to the old school string method WE uses. They ask you how you use the car, make recommendations and then precisely align the car for its intended use. The car drives and tracks great. Will definitely use them in the future. They work on a lot of track cars too.