ATL Dealership Alignment Problem

[cobraken]

What’s up fellow E30ers?

My Somewhat new Ronal’s had destroyed my two front tires, so after getting new Yokohama Avid 4s installed I took the BMR to Global BMW in Atlanta to get the car aligned. (Its close to work and thought they would do a better than average job)
They called and said that I needed one right tie rod boot, and a new inner and outer tie rod. That was going to cost $550.00 (labor included) plus the $140.00 for the alignment. So I immediately went online to see how much the tie rods cost and said, hey look like they are only 50-100 bucks everywhere else. I then said look this car isn’t worth much let me bring the car home change the tie rods and bring it back and finish the alignment on the rack. He said you mean, get two alignments? I said no, just finish the one you started. He had to get managers approval.

The manager called back and finally said it was ok.

My question is, were should I get my tie rods? Is there a preferred manufacturer?
I have looked at Bavarian Auto (to be safe) and Parts America/Advance Auto Parts.
Please help me pick some good tie rods guys. I don’t want to go back to find out I put the worst ones on.

Later
Ken

[andyman2487]

Wherever you get them, make sure they're made by Lemforder. I found them on this site for $65.

[SpecM]

+1 on the Lemforders. If not, at least get Moog parts, they are the best non-German chassis parts available.

Adavance Auto, Pelican Parts, or Rock Auto

[bolognablake]

+1 on the Lemforders. If not, at least get Moog parts, they are the best non-German chassis parts available.

Adavance Auto, Pelican Parts, or Rock Auto

Rock Auto is going to be the cheapest if you go with Moog.

[Money$hit]

how do you know if they are bad?

[cobraken]

Are Lemforders OEM or something?

[chuck90m3]

Are Lemforders OEM or something?

yes they are OEM manufactures. If you want a deal and live near Global PM me and I will let you know what they cost me.

[cobraken]

So how can I find more information on Lemforders? What makes them better than the others like Meyle? Do they use better steal? Do they last longer? It found information that seems to say they are made here in the USA. Common guys give me some more info.

Thanks again,
Ken

[SpecM]

So how can I find more information on Lemforders? What makes them better than the others like Meyle? Do they use better steal? Do they last longer? It found information that seems to say they are made here in the USA. Common guys give me some more info.

Thanks again,
Ken

better quality + tighter tolerances in the joints. The steel is probably the same

[cobraken]

Guys, I just spoke with a friend who is a Master BMW tech and he had never heard of Lemforder. He said just replace them with what ever the parts store has. I was reading about Lemforder and it looks like they are made some were here in the USA.

With that said, please continue to explain why Lemforders are better. Money isnt a problem, but I want to know why there so good.

[atomic]

I had mayle's tie rods on a e30 that rubbed the inner barrel of the 14" bottlecaps slightly. I switched to lemforders and the problem went away completely as there was a lot more clearance between the outer ball joint and the inner barrel of the wheel.

I think the lemforders are just held to a higher standard with fitment and quality from what I experienced.

[Farbin Kaiber]

Guys, I just spoke with a friend who is a Master BMW tech and he had never heard of Lemforder. He said just replace them with what ever the parts store has. I was reading about Lemforder and it looks like they are made some were here in the USA.

With that said, please continue to explain why Lemforders are better. Money isnt a problem, but I want to know why there so good.

He is prolly a master bmw tech at a dealer, and has never used non dealer parts.

[delatlanta1281]

I'm running MOOG and I couldn't be happier.
World Pak btw.

[Dominic49]

i'm running oem tierods bought from global actually... dont forget to get a new set of lock plates.

[Turf1600]

Guys, I just spoke with a friend who is a Master BMW tech and he had never heard of Lemforder. He said just replace them with what ever the parts store has. I was reading about Lemforder and it looks like they are made some were here in the USA.

With that said, please continue to explain why Lemforders are better. Money isnt a problem, but I want to know why there so good.

WTF? What kind of tech hasn't heard of lemforder?