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2011 BMW 5 Series - Alignment Problems (pulling to right)

75 messages,  Last post on Oct 09, 2011 at 9:23 AM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 5 Series, Performance Mods, Sedan

Messages Page 1 of 8

#1 of 75 2011 BMW 5 Series - Alignment Problems (pulling to right) by wengel

Aug 18, 2010 (9:43 pm)

I just purchased a 2011 528i (8/4) with the sport package and when driving contently pulls to the right slightly. Took back to my dealer with 150 miles on it and they tested and indicated the car is not out of alignment, so they called BMW Corp and BMW Corp indicated that they have had multiple complaints regarding this problem and that it is a problem with the steering column. BMW Corp indicated that they are working on a software fix for this problem that should be available in a month plus!
  
I asked my BMW Service Center if this would cause undo wear on my tires (especially at $550 each..its a concern!)..they promised it wouldn’t. I plan to contact BMW Corp directly myself to inquire how they plan to acknowledge a customer sat problem for us customers who have spent $65K+ on a new car and after 50+ miles of driving your wrist hurts so bad you want to drive directly to the store to obtain a wrist brace!
 
Anyone else have this issue and if so what type of reponse/compensation have you received from BMW?

#2 of 75 Re: 2011 BMW 5 Series - Alignment Problems (pulling to right) [wengel] by james27

Aug 19, 2010 (12:49 pm)

Replying to: wengel (Aug 18, 2010 9:43 pm)
If the alignment and tire pressure is okay, there should be no undue wear.
 
Sounds sort of like the steering wheel position sensor is slightly miscalibrated and the car is trying to return the wheel to straight-ahead, when that setting is off - sounds like you are fighting the electrical steering assist motor. A lot of the self-centering is the suspension geometry, but is sounds like there's some in the power steering logic as well.

#3 of 75 Re: 2011 BMW 5 Series - Alignment Problems (pulling to right) [wengel] by flame2

Aug 24, 2010 (9:23 am)

Replying to: wengel (Aug 18, 2010 9:43 pm)
I leased a 2011 535i on June 29. Have had nothing but problems. First was the hard pull to the right, experienced immediately after car picked up. First week in July, dealer told me BMW North America aware of problem.."working on a fix". The following week around July 10, transmission failed,dealer said it was a broken transmission line...another INITIAL FACTORY DEFECT. Took BMW 3 weeks to replace parts, after dealer called all over world to locate new line and gaskets. Still no idea when allignment to be fixed 1 month after lease began. I am returning this car to BMW, as I cant trust vehicle anylonger, AND, until I threatened to hire lawyer, BMW customer service was NON_EXISTENT interms of helping me. The service reputation one hears about with BMW, is a lot of BS. Hopefully in the next week's time I'll get my money back, and move on. Its very sad that their engineering dept and Customer service dept, have performed so POORLY, since I still think "potentially" this is a great vehicle. However, I am VERY RELUCTANT to try another 535i since this allignment problem seems to exist with many of their cars

#4 of 75 Re: 2011 BMW 5 Series - Alignment Problems (pulling to right) [flame2] by shipo

Aug 24, 2010 (10:38 am)

Replying to: flame2 (Aug 24, 2010 9:23 am)
As I understand it, there is no "Alignment" issue with the new 5-Series, just a software issue with the steering control software. Not that this makes a car any easier to drive, just pointing that out.
 
Funny thing, cars produced all over the world seem to experience more problems than the norm when in their first model year, so much so that many-many folks wait until the second model year to purchase a new(ish) model. It seems that the new 5-Series is no different. Also as a general rule, first year cars suffer from a lack of spare parts, and it seems you've been hit with this one as well.
 
Personally, I'd say if you like the car, hang in there and ride out the issues.

#5 of 75 Re: 2011 BMW 5 Series - Alignment Problems (pulling to right) [shipo] by inlinesixok

Aug 24, 2010 (10:47 am)

Replying to: shipo (Aug 24, 2010 10:38 am)
Well, after loosing the transmission and that aggravation I have a hard time voting on keeping.
I posted my drift to the right issues on Bimmerfest and hoping a little cross talk will bring a solution. Mine is annoying and takes some JOY out of the drive. One 528 poster got a solution with tire rotation and alignment.
 
Others say a software fix. Seems a little sloppy to only have a 2,000 mile alignment warranty )true check your manual) and then have no fix.
 
I was hoping a central solution so I did not have to go in and hear about crown of road and all roads different etc. My 2007 328 was spot on for 36,000 miles with no alignment. In fact what happened to that kind of steering in this new 5 series? A great looker and interior but that steering really is like a Lexus.
 
Post your solutions and experiences please.

#6 of 75 Re: 2011 BMW 5 Series - Alignment Problems (pulling to right) [james27] by gspeakma

Aug 27, 2010 (9:24 pm)

Replying to: james27 (Aug 19, 2010 12:49 pm)
NO I have had the same thing going on with my Car for two months as well. Glad to see it is not just me and that this is a BMW issue. Now I will make sure they get it fixed or they can take mine back as well.

#7 of 75 2011 535i sytemic allignment problem by flame2

Aug 28, 2010 (5:40 am)

As mentioned previously, the changes BMW made with the new 535i has resulted in several quality problems, notably front end alignment. They have dropped the ball in dealing with this initial factory defect...to the dismay of many who love the car,including me. The car has been returned to BMW!! To the blogger who advised me to "stick with it", he has no idea re the aggravation and turmoil suffered by me over the past 2 months, trying to get a "fix" on the car, with NO ACTION BY BMW.Return your car now if you can. Good Luck.

#8 of 75 Re: 2011 535i sytemic allignment problem [flame2] by wengel

Aug 28, 2010 (7:27 pm)

Replying to: flame2 (Aug 28, 2010 5:40 am)
To Flame 1:
 
What process did you go through to return your car? I have contacted BMW USA with my concerns and requested to return my car - have heard NOTHING back. I am now researching the California Lemon Law as a back up plan.
 
I am very disappointed as I love my car...but the pulling to the right has gotten worse with only less than 1,000 miles on the car and $65K less in my bank account!
 
Please advise how you achieved returning car. Thank you in advance for any help you can provide.

#9 of 75 Re: 2011 BMW 5 Series - Alignment Problems (pulling to right) [wengel] by jerrysa1

Aug 29, 2010 (4:35 pm)

Replying to: wengel (Aug 18, 2010 9:43 pm)
Have you heard anything about the pulling to the right problem? I am about to pick up a 2011 528i in about 2 weeks and am concerned about this matter. With much thanks. JerryS

#10 of 75 Re: 2011 535i sytemic allignment problem [wengel] by flame2

Aug 29, 2010 (7:58 pm)

Replying to: wengel (Aug 28, 2010 7:27 pm)
I followed my state's lemon law procedure, sent the appropriate form to BMW North America, certified/return receipt, and requested a refund. They finally called about 10 days later, asking if I would take another vehicle, but ultimately, after I threatened to have my attorney pursue the matter, they opted to refund my money. They sent the paperwork needed, I returned it and am waiting for their check. Obviously they have a problem with this beautiful car...too bad for me and others who were "strung along" for months with no credibility or action by BMW.

Messages Page 1 of 8

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