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?

You are correct. The inner lamp in the headlight is the DRL.

Look on realoem.com. You don't really need a part number unless you're buying it from the dealer. You can just go by the bulb/connector type.

IIRC, its either HB3 or H11. Do a qucik search. I'm sure you're not the first to replace them. ;)

Jagged1973,
Well crap. I'll call again and play stupid for my own sake, otherwise, I'm in the same boat.

There really is nothing special about doing an alignment on the x. Same as any modern car really in that it has toe adjustment front (camber if you remove the pin or add camber bolts) and camber/toe rear. Simple really.

My understanding of the alignment is the steering wheel angle sensor needs to be re-calibrated to the wheels in order to have the steering wheel straight with the wheels. This is part of the alignmet process and can only be done with dealer's computers/tools or a shop that has this equipment.

Green Dragon, you find a shop that will do it let me know. I would really appreciate it. So far I have had several sure we can do it....but if we cant, then we wont charge you. I have also had several front counter folks swear they can and then the tech tells them flat out....no we cant.

Technically yes, but when a car that is already within fractions of a degree of perfect comes in for an alignment, there is NO NEED to recalibrate the steering!!!

No BMW dealer actually repeats this on a car unless it is getting new steering gear or sensors.


Yes, it is a scare tactic to get you back to the dealer, but IMO it isnt necessary or even done.



A

doesn't alignment call for 150 lbs dead body in driver seat, 20lbs baby in trunk, 75lbs... wait... those are sand bags... anyways, i might be mixing things up from my E34 past...

Jagged1973,
Okay, The Jack's Tire and Oil,in Logan, does it.* I reconfirmed it with them.

The rack in Ogden is older and out dated, and when I called Ogden, said that they avoid BMWs due to the complication/liability issue and fear of complexity of following BMW protocol with adding weight; sand bags to driver, passenger rear passenger trunk area and full tank of gas.

I called BMW of Murry. They were very helpful. Ask for John in service if you need any help. Here's what he said after confirming with the alignment guy. The weight is only used if the ride height is off. He measures first. Then adds weight if necessary to bring ride height to spec. Other wise the weight is not needed.

*He further explained that to request when doing an alignment, Maximum Positive Spec in the rear camber to counter the rear tires wearing on the inside.* Bolt kits/ and shims not needed.

John explained to me that any decent shop can align these no problem, just as long as you have someone who knows what they are doing. Outfits like Discount, Les Scwab, Big O, etc, hire kids that are not as competent and can set it up in the "Green" and end up full Positive on one side and full negative on the other causing a STRONG pull.

He said they can call him if they or you have any questions.
John Direct Line-801-892-6965

Its $149 to have it aligned at the dealer. $79 at Jacks. The Jacks in SLC said they would do them, if you don't want to come to Logan. I will let you know how mine comes out soon. I trust the outfit up here and personally know the owner.

Keep me posted on what you do. What kind of suspension do you have. Steel Spring/air in rear? Air/Air, or Coil springs all the way around?

Adding the weight does almost nothing to change the alignment (a good shop though will always align the car with the way it is driven most often). It typically adds -.1* of camber to the front right and that's about it.

In all the alignments I have done I have never had an instance where I have needed to reset a steering angle sensor. The only time I have had to worry about resetting the sensor is if the rack has been disconnected from the linkage.

Spot on! BMW Seattle does not use weights. BMW Bellevue outsources to a nearby shop but the last time I asked they also do not use weights. Obviously the weigting requirement may not be required in all cases or their are worksrounds to it. Otherwise these dealerships would not risk their reputations on doing alignments wrong, I think.

Right, except if your read his first post, he states the steering wheel is significantly off which would suggest the calibration is off by an amount that would require a recalibration of the steering wheel angle sensor to the wheels, right? ;)