Free alignments are worthless if they are not done properly. If the shop has proper staff and equipment there is no way they can survive doing lifetime alignments unless they make it up by selling you tires which you will need more of if the alignment is not done properly. How many red flags here! If you like DIY maybe look into getting a quick trick like was mentioned before. makes for a good learning tool and you will at least be able to bet your tow set right and steering wheel centred.

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1988 325is (purchased new) sold
2004 X5 3.0 2005 X3 2.5
2008 X5 3.0 (new to me)