[Technical] What does it mean to 'adjust the shock absorbers to factory spec'?

[autoque]

When I complained to the dealer about a random noise from the suspension, the dealer took the 2008 X5 and after a few days told me that they had adjusted the placement of the shock absorbers to the factory spec and it should be noiseless. I didn't inquire more about it, but I'm getting curious what that really means and why that was needed on such a new vehicle. It only has about 700 miles. Any idea?

EDIT: I forgot to mention, the dealer said they adjusted the placement of shock absorbers.
I don't have the sport package

[HaroldC]

They're giving you a bunch of BS. The front and rear shocks can only be installed in one location. Yes, the strut holes on the front strut tower are slotted so you can have a little play in camber adjustment, but that's it. There's no way they can adjust anything else on the shock placement, as the shock body itself is bolted directly to the kingpin up front and on the bottom of the shock in the rear.

Mine was clunking up front, and was evident that it was the sway bar. They couldn't find it the first time, and actually said that everything was tight and within spec. I had them take a look a second time, and they found the front sway bar to be defective. I have active sways btw.

If the sound is gone, then they did something, but not what they claimed to do. What does it say on the paperwork that was given to you? They have to say what mechanical work was done.

[rh71]

I'm taking mine in Friday for a suspension creak. I wonder if it's the same sound you're talking about. Do you hear it during driving on flat roads or only when it's put in play like bumps and driveways?

I've heard it plenty on sport mode but when I took it off for a couple days I didn't hear it. Last few days I've put it back on and again don't hear it. *shrug*

[autoque]

It's so very random. I think it happens on both road conditions...

The paper work said exactly the same thing the SA told me. But just one line stating that they did sth w/ the shock absorber...

Maybe they just didn't do anything and gave the vehicle back to me...

[Penguin]

Perhaps the bolts/nuts were loose and had play, and they simply retorqued them to spec.

[X5 E70]

Hm, here in Bulgaria because our roads is in very bad condition a had a problems with valves of the Adaptive Drive
BMW says that first must be changed valves and if there is a noise again to change front stabilization bar
In my case they change under warranty valves and bar