F31 Camber issue

F31 Camber issue

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Discussion

PedroB

Original Poster:

498 posts

139 months

Monday 7th August 2023
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Wondering if I could pick your collective brains about a camber issue I have with my 2012 F31 330d.

Recently changed the (adaptive) shock absorbers all round with Bilstein B6 Damptronic units. Went and had the 4 wheel alignment checked afterwards and found that the camber on the front left wheel is out by a full degree. I don't know if this was out of whack before I changed the shock absorbers as the car was relatively new to me and I'd not had them done at that point.

The garage have suggested that the top mount has been put on the wrong way round, but I don't see how that is possible, as it can only be mounted one way round as far as I can see.

There's no way of adjusting the camber on this model as far as I can see, so was wondering if anyone had any suggestions as to what might be the cause. Knackered bushes? Bent control arm? Damaged knuckle that holds the base of the shock absorber unit?

Any suggestions welcome before I rip it all apart to look!

Kawasicki

13,471 posts

242 months

Monday 7th August 2023
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Camber will be higher than standard because you’ve lowered it. Does the other side have somewhat low camber?

PedroB

Original Poster:

498 posts

139 months

Monday 7th August 2023
quotequote all
I thought the B6 dampers were supposed to be a straight replacement for the stock shock absorbers, and are compatible with the stock springs?

Camber on the other side is fine, which is why I thought there might be damage or a worn part instead.

ian332isport

203 posts

238 months

Monday 7th August 2023
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Standard top mounts have a locating dowel that sets the camber. If you remove the dowel, there is then some adjustment. I believe they do it like this to allow for fine tuning the geometry after an accident repair.

Is it possible the dowel isn't fitted and the top mount isn't in the original position?

d_a_n1979

9,680 posts

79 months

Monday 7th August 2023
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PedroB said:
I thought the B6 dampers were supposed to be a straight replacement for the stock shock absorbers, and are compatible with the stock springs?

Camber on the other side is fine, which is why I thought there might be damage or a worn part instead.
B4 are OEM replacement. B6 & B8s are for the likes of the Eibach pro-kit/Sportline springs; sp they're slightly shorter IIRC