BMW Dealer Alignment Job related problem?

B///MWGuy · 12-14-2015, 11:47 PM

Hi. I had a dealer do an alignment job few days ago for free due to their mechanic setting up the alignment measurement wrong multiple times. Luckily I was able to check the value of their basis on the alignment report for correct alignment.

In the end, the alignment did not do much change so they let me go without a fee.

Here are the problems though:

Problem 1: after the alignment Ive got a message on the iDrive screen saying "Steering malfunction - possible hazard from fluid loss in steering or suspension hydraulics system"

Problem 2: My X5 has Adaptive Drive that controls the stiffness of its suspension but Deactivating sport mode does not less-stiffen the suspension. (Dealer had trouble identifying my car's suspension setup at the time of alignment, so im assuming its related)

Is it safe to say that this is caused by the dealer?

smass · 12-15-2015, 10:02 AM

Problem 1 was probably caused by the dealer. Problem 2 may not be a problem. Was it different before the alignment? I can barely tell the difference for AD Sport on vs off. The only place I notice a difference is on speed bumps and even then it is mild.

B///MWGuy · 12-15-2015, 02:33 PM

Prob 2 is definitely noticeable. You can tell the diff when you brake hard and go through curve a bit hard.
I live near LA and there's a portion of a freeway (I-10) where the road make cars with regular suspension go up and down like a boat. With AD on my car on Sport Mode, it didnt do that; while with it off, the car goes up and down like regular car... Now the car is strangely very firm either on or off

B///MWGuy · 12-15-2015, 04:17 PM

im really getting tired of the dealers in my area.. i cant believe they charge premium for their incompetent skills.

Is there any dealer in OC and LA area in california with respectable workmanship?

Poppyboy · 12-15-2015, 04:42 PM

Stop going to dealerships. There are many great experienced independent BMW mechanics out there. Search the world wide interweb.

B///MWGuy · 12-15-2015, 04:49 PM

I have done that before. However, after realizing that businesses can comment and rate themselves on yelp and other websites, I choose to trust words of mouth more.. I have horror stories with indies near me too..'

If anyone can recommend me one, would really be appreciated...

12-14-2015, 11:47 PM	#1
B///MWGuy Lieutenant 264 Rep 506 Posts Drives: 2019 X5 xDrive40i Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: California iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 X5 xDrive40i [0.00]	BMW Dealer Alignment Job related problem? Hi. I had a dealer do an alignment job few days ago for free due to their mechanic setting up the alignment measurement wrong multiple times. Luckily I was able to check the value of their basis on the alignment report for correct alignment. In the end, the alignment did not do much change so they let me go without a fee. Here are the problems though: Problem 1: after the alignment Ive got a message on the iDrive screen saying "Steering malfunction - possible hazard from fluid loss in steering or suspension hydraulics system" Problem 2: My X5 has Adaptive Drive that controls the stiffness of its suspension but Deactivating sport mode does not less-stiffen the suspension. (Dealer had trouble identifying my car's suspension setup at the time of alignment, so im assuming its related) Is it safe to say that this is caused by the dealer?
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12-15-2015, 10:02 AM	#2
smass Lieutenant Colonel 396 Rep 1,578 Posts Drives: 06 325i - 10 335i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Scottsdale, AZ iTrader: (1) Garage List 2010 E90 335i [0.00] 2016 F15 35i [0.00] 2003 E53 3.0 [0.00] 2006 E90 325i [0.00]	Problem 1 was probably caused by the dealer. Problem 2 may not be a problem. Was it different before the alignment? I can barely tell the difference for AD Sport on vs off. The only place I notice a difference is on speed bumps and even then it is mild.
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12-15-2015, 02:33 PM	#3
B///MWGuy Lieutenant 264 Rep 506 Posts Drives: 2019 X5 xDrive40i Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: California iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 X5 xDrive40i [0.00]	Prob 2 is definitely noticeable. You can tell the diff when you brake hard and go through curve a bit hard. I live near LA and there's a portion of a freeway (I-10) where the road make cars with regular suspension go up and down like a boat. With AD on my car on Sport Mode, it didnt do that; while with it off, the car goes up and down like regular car... Now the car is strangely very firm either on or off
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12-15-2015, 04:17 PM	#4
B///MWGuy Lieutenant 264 Rep 506 Posts Drives: 2019 X5 xDrive40i Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: California iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 X5 xDrive40i [0.00]	im really getting tired of the dealers in my area.. i cant believe they charge premium for their incompetent skills. Is there any dealer in OC and LA area in california with respectable workmanship?
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12-15-2015, 04:42 PM	#5
Poppyboy Captain 194 Rep 828 Posts Drives: 2011 X5 3.5i w/ SA Package Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Lincolnshire, IL iTrader: (0) Garage List 1976 Triumph TR6 [10.00] 1993 Bentley Turbo R [10.00] 2011 X5 [10.00]	Stop going to dealerships. There are many great experienced independent BMW mechanics out there. Search the world wide interweb.
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12-15-2015, 04:49 PM	#6
B///MWGuy Lieutenant 264 Rep 506 Posts Drives: 2019 X5 xDrive40i Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: California iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 X5 xDrive40i [0.00]	I have done that before. However, after realizing that businesses can comment and rate themselves on yelp and other websites, I choose to trust words of mouth more.. I have horror stories with indies near me too..' If anyone can recommend me one, would really be appreciated...
	Appreciate 0 Quote