Alignment Question / Help Needed

[Matt_UKTX]

Ard,

RPsX5d just posted in the other thread. I think these are the correct specs:
Alignment Question / Help - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums

[boyce89976]

Originally Posted by Matt_UKTX

Ard,

RPsX5d just posted in the other thread. I think these are the correct specs:
Alignment Question / Help - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums

That alignment looks pretty good except the front toe. I had them set mine at .02'.

[Matt_UKTX]

So, I just got back from the shop...

Turns out there is good news and bad...

Good news, my alignment was way out of spec (see attached) and the other shop obviously make some errors in calibrating it. The alignment is now back in spec, and the other shop has agreed to refund my money based on what I told them.

Bad news, the drifting issue is still present, but not as bad. Also, they tried to put a lot of negative toe (0.01-0.03) but the car just tracked like crazy and wouldn't stay in a straight line on our crappy Houston roads. Therefore, my toe is a little higher but still well within spec.

Additionally we did a test in the car, with some interesting results. With the steering wheel completely centered, I can turn it about 2.6 revolutions to the left, but 2.75 revolutions to the right before it reaches its limit. According to the tech, this should mean my steering needs some correction, and would explain why I have to turn the wheel every so slightly to go in a straight line. I'm going to make an appointment with my dealer for next week and insist they look into this at their cost.

[LI-X5]

weird but i have same issues with the 215's on car !

just had tires replaced and while she was in shop my guy recommeneded the alignment for $300 + so i did it and i still pull to the right !!

[Matt_UKTX]

The good news is that I have proof the alignment was hosed from the factory and now its BMW's issue.

I've decided I'm going to take the car to the dealer next week. I will get BMW to address the toe (reduce it to 0.02) when they recheck the alignment. I have an appointment scheduled for Weds. I didn't want to give the guy at Drivers Source a hard time since he didn't even charge me. He said he wouldn't charge me until the issue was fixed and encouraged me to go to the dealer to see what they say first.

The guy at the first shop has really disappointed me. Not only did they do a crappy job on the alignment (hosed from factory or not) but additionally I see bubbles in my window tint tonight. If they aren't gone by Sunday, I'm just going to dispute the whole charge on my AMEX and retint it with my usual guy, who does stellar work. At this point, I'm too angry to even call them.

I suppose worst case if BMW really can't fix the issue it may be something with the tires. At which point I'll be back at Discount Tire and switching them to the Michelin Tour HP's. Seems unlikely though, since Conti makes good tires.

[Matt_UKTX]

LATEST UPDATE 11/30:

So, I got back from my Thanksgiving Trip and took the vehicle into BMW today. My service advisor was a nice guy. Told him the problem, he noted all the issues, and I also asked him to minimize the toe within spec.

So, they did the alignment, adjusted the toe and the car still pulls to the right. He then suggested it might be the new tires that are pulling to the right. I told him I'd already rotated the tires (left to right) with no affect. As an additional test, they took four wheels off a new X5 (with factory tires) and the vehicle still pulled to the right. So, good news that the tires are not the issue.

I also brought up the issue about the wheel turning more to the right than the left. At first the SA argued with me, but after a hands on demo he acknowledged the issue, but said it was unlikely this was causing the vehicle to pull to the right, and that this could not be adjusted. I told him that wasn't acceptable on a $65K vehicle and I wanted it addressed.

So, after a full day the issue still isn't fixed and they will continue to test it tomorrow. I'm in a loaner for now. He said they may need to order some suspension parts and replace them if all else fails. This is obviously very annoying, but I'm glad they at least acknowledge the issue and can replicate it.

If anyone has any additional thoughts, I would really welcome advice/feedback!

Side note: I was a little irritated that they got dirt/soil on my oyster leather seats. I pointed this out when demoing the issue and the SA assured me it would be cleaned before retuning to me. Annoying nonetheless.

[boyce89976]

Check your thrust angle. If its not 0.00 it will both pull to one side and the steering wheel will be turned mor in one direction while going straight.

[Matt_UKTX]

I have e-mailed the SA and told him the following:

1) Adjust the tie rods to fix the steering wheel isse (# of turns left/right).
2) Have a Mater Tech review all the issues before any parts are replaced.
3) Ensure the leather is returned to factory condition - no greasy or abrasive cleaners and care taken not to rub the soil into the stitching.
4) Toe should be set to 0.02 not 0.05 to minimize tire wear.

On a side note, I have asked them to look at one other issue. When I first turn on the car, especially after letting it sit for a while, the AC smells a little stale or musty, especially until the cooled air has circulated and the air that has been sitting in the pipes has been blown out. Have you got any advice or experience with this? Thanks...

[Matt_UKTX]

UPDATE 12/1:

After sending follow up e-mails to my SA last night and this moring, I got this reply at 2:29pm today...

Matt,

My shop foreman is working on your car and he started a PUMA case on your car with BMW.

I will let you know if there are anymore update as we go along.

Thanks,
<SA>

I'm not sure if this is a good thing or bad, but at least they are taking the issue seriously and it has been escalated. Anyone have any idea what I can expect next? If they think I'm leaving my car there for 2 weeks while they "figure it out" then we're going to have an issue. I'll insist on a new car or at least an X5 loaner of comparable specs to my own. I have a smelly, thrashed out 3-series loaner right now

[ard]

That's pretty surprising.... seems like a simple suspension alignment.

Although it was horribly out of alignment when the first shop got it... what was up with that? Was there any 'hickups' in your car's arrival? Any chance the wheels got whacked off a truck, etc??

Anyway, my impression is that when they've exhausted doing 'what the computer says' they send it to PUMA so as not to waste their time...that way PUMA decides what they will do and- most importantly- the dealer is paid for the time they then spend.

Good luck on the loaner....

FYI- the SA will be your 'relationship manager' with BMWNA over the next few years. I've made it a point to cultivate a real relationship with my SA. I really like her. It took a while but it is very comfortable and respectful- both ways. She gets me nice loaners when she can, and I don't bitch too much when she cant....

BR

A