BMW has approved a new optical axle measurement system for use in the UK aftermarket for the BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce brands.

The technology, created by Bosch, allows contact-free measurement of a vehicle’s wheel position and height, enabling accurate adjustment of modern car chassis in a short time.

The system could be available from the second half of 2007 and Bosch says that aftermarket suppliers can benefit because it is quick to use, easy to handle and creates no wear on its components, providing a consistently good quality of service and results.

To obtain data, chassis marks are attached to specific points on the wheel housings and tyres of the car using magnetic adapters instead of conventional wheel sensors.

In order to take geometric measurements, the vehicle drives slowly past four measuring pillars, which incorporate eight high-resolution cameras. The cameras are used to record the position of the chassis and wheel marks.

Data is then fed into a computer and used to calculate the kingpin angle and the tracking, while compensation for the rim edge is also integrated into the input measurement.

In addition, the height of the vehicle is measured automatically and the corresponding required values are calculated. If the height changes the required values are automatically updated and the system compensates automatically for any inclination of the lifting platform.