[Tim182]

My F33 front left camber was diagnosed to be out by about 0'80, probably from hitting a pothole at some point during the last few years. I decided to ignore for a while and have been running the car like this for about 10,000 miles now, but there is good chance this actually happened much earlier so it may have been like this for 20,000 miles with a total of 42,000 on the clock.

There has been no obvious increased wear on the tyres and I am still running the original fronts, just swapping them across once a year. The car pulls ever so slightly to the left on the highway with the steering untouched, but otherwise it is barely noticeable.

I know the F3X camber cannot be adjusted, and it might be due to a slight bend in the control arm. Car is due a major service and front discs and pads, so am considering getting this looked at by a decent indy at the same time.

To avoid getting ripped off, how much will I be looked at to get it fixed (UK), and what is the most likely cause / repair? Control arm? Anything else that's common?

Values from the alignment are as follows:

Left / Right
Camber: -1'12 / -0'32
Caster: 6'30 / 6'27
Toe: 0'08 / 0'10
Total toe: 0'18
Steer ahead: -0'01

TIA!

[LA430]

Most common problem linked below. I was quoted around $1k from dealer for parts and labor. You could probably find a used strut assembly on eBay for less. If you’re handy and can work on your car it’s actually a pretty easy install.

I took the opportunity to install coilovers.

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1608356

[Tim182]

Thanks! That’s really helpful - I guess you’re referring to the video which explains the knuckle breaking off?

[Jvac]

I run negative 2 up front for the last 10000 miles or so by way of aftermarket camber plates. Haven't had any problems with tire wear. In your case it's not good that one side is askew so you should get it fixed. Bmw does make a camber correcting hub assembly for just such a situation. It gives half a degree correction. Search camber correctimg hub on the forum, but be sure to get the right part- They are offered in positive or negative correction

[LA430]

Originally Posted by Tim182

Thanks! That’s really helpful - I guess you’re referring to the video which explains the knuckle breaking off?

The video shows what happens. It’s easy to check to see if the strut is pushed through the knuckle. Just turn the wheel to lock and check on side, then to lock the other direction and check the other side.

If one side has gone through the knuckle chances are the strut is bent as well. If you determine the strut is through the knuckle I’d suggest removing the wheel and doing a more visual check.