Alignment and DRL
 

Hey everybody! So since the day we test drove my wifes 02 X5 we have noticed that its not aligned. If you hold the steering wheel center it pulls pretty significantly to the right. If this were any other vehicle I wouldnt think twice about running it down to the local alignment shop but this is our first bimmer. Part of me wants to run it to the local BMW dealer but its a half an hour drive one way to get there. I would hate to spend the better part of an entire day just to go get an alignment done. Is there any reason I absolutely should not go to any local alignment shop?

Also it wasnt until my wife was following me in her X5 that I noticed one of the Daytime Running Lights seems to be quite a bit dimmer than the other one. Can I replace this myself....or is it possible it just needs aligned? It still turns on, just not very brightly.

Thanks all.

You can take it to a normal alignment shop. It would be nice to confirm that they have done alignments on X5s though.

Just get a 4 wheel alignment and most places usually give you a print out of before/after settings.

As far as the DRL, yes, that is something you can replace yourself.

Any suggestions on where to pick up that DRL? Is it hard to replace?

Nothing special about the bulb. You should be able to pick it up at a local parts store or just buy one online/ebay.

This DIY should help out but there are probably some more steps. I think the DRL bulb holder just twists out. Then R & R.

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/...placement.html

You can do a search. Also might want to checkout what's available at the top of the site (links). Like How Tos and Articles.

Good luck!

Would stress TwinsPoppa comment to be sure shop has capability and have experience aligning X5. I have had a hard time finding a ship that is qualified to do alignment.

30 minute drive? For Pete's sake! Try living in Logan and having to go 90+ miles to the dealer in Murry. Just mess'n with ya.

On a serious note, For what its worth, I'm having Jacks Tire and Oil do my alignment up here when I get my winter tires on. They said they have done quite a few of them and are pretty reputable. I pressed the alignment guy on some questions, and he was spot on.

I know there is one in Ogden....give em a call and see what they say.

I tried the Firestone Auto Care down their as well, because of their lifetime alignment option, but they won't touch the BMW's. Their loss. I was kinda puzzled they didn't have the equipment.

Good Luck and let me know who you go with.

As a caution, there's a good chance the your front suspension could need a few pieces, causing the alignment issues. You'll want to get those pieces fixed before an alignment. Some won't be able to align if the joints are loose. If you take it to the dealer, you might have the ability to get it all done right away. I would call and make an appointment first just so they block enough time.

Green Dragon, Jacks in Ogden just got done telling me on the telephone that they can NOT do a 4 wheel alignment for my X5. I didnt bother asking why. Seriously...whats up with Utah only having like one BMW dealer????

I understand the basic concept behind getting the wheels aligned, but what is so special about the X5 that a shop wouldnt be able to do it?

recklessspyder, As far as I can tell my X5 was maintained fairly well. I would be surprised to find that anything needs to be replaced on it to get the alignment done correctly.

As far as I know, there's nothing special about the X5 and does NOT need special equipment. Having said that, I would recommend you take it to a place that uses laser (IIRC) - modern alignment equipment.

Like this:
http://www.moderntiredealer.com/_Ima...lignment-1.jpg

So I am coming to the realization that what I am calling a DRL is not what other people are referring to as DRLs. Nearly everything I find about replacing the DRL lamp is for the blinker/side marker bulb....the outer most corner light on the front headlight assembly. The bulb I am talking about is the center most light, closest to the grill.

Does anyone know off the top of their head the part number for that bulb?