alpina reps vibration solution!!!!!

[gareth]

i think i have found the solution to the well know vibration problem that the BK171's suffer from.

the castings are often blamed for uneven casting density but this is actually irrelevant. the tyres are out of balance as well. this is what the balancing machine at the tyre fitters is for! the tyre machine locates and centres the wheels using a cone through the centre to clamp the wheel. when you put the wheels on the car, they are centred buy the plastic centering rings. here lies the problem!!!!!

i have got a set of new rings and yet, when putting the wheels on the hub, due to the weight, the plastic rings deform and the wheels falls about 0.5mm off centre. if i simply fit the bolts and drive off, i get the usual steering shimmy. if i lift the wheel a little (easy to see, half of the free 'play') with a lever (jack handle) and nip the bolts up in this position, they tighten as usual...... silky smooth!

i reckon some rigid plastic (or ali?) rings will do the job and will be making some for mine at some point.

maybe someone who has access to a machine shop could start the next 'Zone' product production?!!!!!

[Richy325iTouring]

plastic spigot rings are crap
thats why oz and decent wheel manufactorers use metal ones lol

[gareth]

i suppose they're not so bad with a light 15" wheel but the alpina reps i have are bloody heavy when they have tyres on.

it's a bit pants really!