BMW Special Tool xxxxxxxx

[Bulk]

I'm sure there is a list somewhere but I can't find it. Anyone able to point me in the right direction to find the list of BMW special tools that are talked about in the Haynes manual?

[ripp222]

This list is from 2008: http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/b.../bmw_tools.pdf

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by ripp222

This list is from 2008: http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/b.../bmw_tools.pdf

I especially like PN 81129427785, Sandbags - used for alignment of suspension.

Sorry couldn't resist.

[mrbmwx5]

Bimmertools.com - Quality Tools to Diagnose, Repair, and Maintain your BMW

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by TwinsPoppa

I especially like PN 81129427785, Sandbags - used for alignment of suspension.

Sorry couldn't resist.

And many indy shop and dealers are doing alignments on unloaded Xs.

Had to pull my Viper out of the service dept at Kenyon Dodge in Clearwater, FL. I witnessed them starting alignment adjustments on my RT/10 without loading the vehicle or mounting the measurement rails to the lower control arms that are used to set ride height.

[Bulk]

Thankyou very much

Andrew

[killcrap]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

And many indy shop and dealers are doing alignments on unloaded Xs.

Had to pull my Viper out of the service dept at Kenyon Dodge in Clearwater, FL. I witnessed them starting alignment adjustments on my RT/10 without loading the vehicle or mounting the measurement rails to the lower control arms that are used to set ride height.

some alignment machines do not need to load the vehicle down. was this the case?

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by killcrap

some alignment machines do not need to load the vehicle down. was this the case?

Alignment #s change with load and ride height on all 4 wheel IRS vehicles. That's why the alignment procedure defines the use of ride height verification tools and load bags. The Viper alignment procedure even defines the amount of load thats needed to be put in the trunk based on the fuel load of the vehicle at the time of alignment. Camber and tow is dynamic not static (it changes with ride height/load), please let everyone here in on what alignment equipment measures these variables and self corrects to provide a proper alignment.

[TwinsPoppa]

When I've had a 4 wheel alignment done at the shop I use, I don't remember them ever using sandbags. Of course, I wasn't there 100% of the time to know for sure. Never had any problems with alignment.

Are the sandbags supposed to simulate having a full tank of gas?

They put it on this drive-on lift, mount some equipment to the wheels, and there's this laser thingamajig in front of the vehicle.

This is not the same brand but similar setup. You get the idea.

[SlickGT1]

My shop didn't use sandbags either. The guy I have is a magician though. Never had a problem with any of my cars, especially bimmers after his alignment.

I don't understand the reason for the sandbags, and I think its a bullshit gimmick designed to sell you an alignment from BMW.

Think of it like this. So they load you up for the driver, and or trunk load. Yea it would make sense on a sports car like a Viper, but not a family hauler like an X5. I rarely drive alone. I sometimes drive with the kids. I usually use the truck to put shit in the back. So if my alignment was done with sandbags just for me, that means most of the time I would be out of alignment. And fuel always changes, so what does one do, keep filling up for full tank. Does not make sense to waste time and money on this BS from BMW.