I went to an alignment shop to get my 2006 R50 a four-wheel alignment. As the mechanic was measuring how far off the alignment was, he asked me if I had any specific issues with the car. I told him that it was pulling a little to the right and the tires I had just replaced had all worn out on the inside of the tires. He told me that MINIs are set with a negative camber from the factory to give them better handling and that is why tires on MINIs tend to wear on the insides. He told me that he could adjust the camber so my tires wouldn't wear out as fast, but it may affect the handling, which brings me to my questions. Is it true MINI sets the alignment at the negative levels to give the cars their incredible grip and if I want to achieve better tire wear, should I let him adjust the alignment with less negative camber? Has anyone else heard of this? Has anyone else had their MINI aligned with less camber? If so, did it make a noticeable difference in handling? Did it make a noticeable difference in the life of the tires? Would you do it again to save on tire wear? Thanks.

 

I'm not an alignment expert, but I think the stock MINI camber is only about -.5 degrees in front, but over -1 degree in the rear. That much front camber shouldn't be enough to cause excessive wear on the inside edges, unless almost all of your driving is straight down the highway. I'd want to keep at least -.5 in the front for handling purposes. The rears on my car are also wearing evenly, even with over -1 degree of camber.

The other alignment setting that can wear the inside edges excessively is too much toe; toe-out (don't get it unless you compete in autocross or on track), or too much toe-in. Finally, worn suspension parts (bushings, etc.) can also cause excessive inside wear, but usually that would show up as feathering or cupping rather than even excessive wear all around the inside edge.

If it's the alignment that's causing the excessive wear, the initial alignment measures he got for your car should provide information as to the source of the excessive wear. If, instead, the initial settings are according to specs, have the alignment guy check for worn suspension parts.

 

Yes the camber is a bit aggressive on the back. That's how it's always been with BMW's and MINI's. If you do want less inner tire wear, you could reduce the camber a bit, but I warn you that if you like to take the car to the limit, you will certainly feel the difference. During everyday driving, it won't be a problem.

Also, rotate your tires every oil change or 5000 miles in order to make them wear evenly.

 

Another thing the dealer supposedly does a "loaded" alignment. (this was recommened for my BWM too which was totalled by a cell phone talking maniac and almost crippled me I digress).

I think it changes things. They are supposed to put X weight in the
front and Y weight in the back (on the seats) to simulate a load.

If this was a 67 camaro or a 71 MG I'd say take his advice. But quite a bit
on these cars have been worked out by highly professional engineers that
this is all they do all day long.

I remember going to the merchants tire here, to get my tires changed. Of course they scratched my wheels to he ll. I even argued with the manager about I don't need new valve stems. Well, uh, hey man, if it is flat when you drive out, there will be an extra charge. Well I thought I knew that one, they will purposefully make it flat. So I agreed.
Looked like he took a crowbar to dig my valve stems out. Only scraches on the car at that time.

We then enter into a discussion about checking the alignment.
I basically say (trying to be nice) I think that is covered by the warranty I'll just go to the dealer (I know it isn't I just didnt want to argue with the idiot at this point).

So he says, after I wait a while more, well, our rack is full, you should come
back and have the alignment checked when YOU HAVE MORE MONEY.
Like it is a rehearsed speech.

I JUST DIDNT WANT YOU TO KEEP TOUCHING MY CAR MAN

Anyway, keep this in mind. I dont support the dealer 100 percent I've already had a bad airbag experience. But supposedly they do it 100 percent by the book. And a non loaded alignment, it is not by the book.

Expect unexpected results if you deveate from the book.