I have a Mini R53 July '04 build "s'. It is stock with no aftermarket modifications. I will be puting four new tires on it shortly. Do any of the members know of a reliable, knowledgeable shop in the Central california area that is capable of a proper front end alignment? Also, do I need to align the rear? I live in San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, Paso Robles, Atascadero area of Central California. The nearest Mini dealer is 200 miles from me, one way.
Thanks
Evensteven

 

Just some info to think about. It's a good idea to get a 4 wheel alignment. However the MINI's built before Jan 2005 don't have any rear camber adjustment and is the reason many people buy the adjustable rear lower arms. The rear OEM Springs will sag at some point. If tire wear has been good you may not need them or an alignment just be ready for the shop to try and sell them to you.

 

Big Brand Tires in Santa Maria is good. You can get tires and an alignment.
I hear that there is a really good alingment place in SLO but I do not know the name. I suggest you ask Peter at British Sports Cars - Marsh St in SLO for his recommendation of an alignment shop.
The one alignment shop that I went to in Santa Maria (Dale's Brakes & Alignment) would not touch the rear toe, they screwed up my front camber (I had adj camber plates), and did adjust the front toe.
With your 2004 MCS the only adjustment that most shops will do on your car is the front toe since many will not do the rear toe. I would ask the shop if they will do the rear toe. The rear toe is a pain without speciality BMW tools and most shops do not have the tools and will not take the trial and error time to do it without the specified BMW tool.
Thus, since you will probably only be getting the front toe adjusted, most shops can handle that without any problem.