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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 8 of 8

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

Aug 09, 2011 (8:52 am)

Replying to: wengel (Aug 18, 2010 9:43 pm)
ditto, just purchased a 528i same issue - mine is in for service as I write - same feed back, ratotion of tires, reflash the computer etc... My drift is slight I hope it doesnt come back with a more prominent drift - I could actually live with a slight drift.

#67 of 75 press request by kirstie_h HOST

Aug 09, 2011 (11:17 am)

If you own a BMW 5 Series or Mercedes E-Class but thinking about an Audi A6 for your next car, email predmunds.com with your daytime contact information no later than Friday, August 12, 2011 to be interviewed by a reporter on the subject.

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

Aug 09, 2011 (12:46 pm)

Replying to: robertsspizman (Aug 09, 2011 8:52 am)
I just picked my 5 series up and like all above the tires were rotated, the strut was adjusted and the computer was reflashed. The drift is no more - the re-flashing of the computer is a fix. I do notice now that the steering wheel is not square when driving straight - the center/bottom spoke is positioned slightly to the left - I have a theory; since the new 5's are steer by wire the cars sensors read the crown in the road, the computer processes the info and the steering wheel is adjusted electronically ever so slightly - you need feedback (resistience) to have a driving experience and the computer supplies it not the road.
 
Any one want to comment?

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

Aug 09, 2011 (1:13 pm)

Replying to: robertsspizman (Aug 09, 2011 12:46 pm)
Typically a misaligned steering wheel is the result of a bad alignment; I'd take it back and have them fix the orientation of the wheel.
 

#70 of 75 Re: toney2 - pulling right [deranger89] by deranger89

Aug 14, 2011 (4:25 pm)

Replying to: deranger89 (Jul 13, 2011 7:02 pm)
After having my car in the shop for 25 days I got it back. After re-flashing the software, the steering wheel was not straight (was what I was told). So, that was a part of the hold up in getting the car back.
I had called BMW as was recommended by the dealership. I was assigned a rep who told me she would call me back at the end of the week. Its now been two weeks since I've heard from her, or lack of hearing from her is a better phrase. I called her several times, left messages with no results. My calls were only to find out the status and what my options were - how hard could that be to answer? My "faith" in BMW has grown very weak. This was my first BMW purchase, and I'm thinking it will be my last since this experience has been the worst I have ever had with a new car (I have purchased 4 new cars in my lifetime).
Anyhow, back to the car. I drove it this weekend on the interstate for about 80 miles. The car automatically drifts to the right if I let go of the wheel. I can pull it back to the left, let go and it directly goes back to the right. I have a Toyota Tundra ('96). I let go of the wheel and it drives straight down the road. Is this just something that BMW's do? And if so, doesn't it cause tire eat-out on the inside of the right tire?
Also, when I got my car back (nearly a month later), there was grease on the drivers seat from the mechanics I suppose. I had the car treated on the inside and out for $699 to prevent stains when I purchased the car in May. I haven't tried to clean it yet, but my frustration goes deeper. The, assumption made, five year old that washed the car must have used an old diaper rag to dry the car. There is soap smear on all of the glass (front and back) mirrors and streak marks on the car. I mean seriously? This is something that is so minor, but makes me wonder how well the service department truly works on the cars. If this was the first time, I could over look it, but this is the third time I've had grease on my doors and seat, and hood left open.
Monday morning can't come quick enough for me to return the car for my money back OR a new car to replace this one. I had 36 miles on the car when I got it, drove 922 miles before taking it back. The car now has a little over 2,000 miles from the dealership testing their work.
Signed,
Not a Happy BMW ?Owner?

#71 of 75 Re: toney2 - pulling right [deranger89] by robertsspizman

Aug 14, 2011 (5:33 pm)

Replying to: deranger89 (Aug 14, 2011 4:25 pm)
Replying to toney2
 
This issue is defintely fixable - I was also concerned having similar symptoms with my brand new 5 series -my car drifted to the right, I was fatigued from the constant pushing the steering wheel to the left.
 
With that said I communicated the issue to my dealer Fileds BMW, Northfield IL, 847.441.5300... They were aware of this issue - I believe this is a common issue of the 5 series - my car was immediately taken in, they followed BMW protocol and my car was returned as promised. It drove straight but the steering wheel was slightly off center to the left, about 1/32 to 1/64th. When I mentioned it to the technician we took a test drive and he agreed - he suggested that he needed to make an additional toe adjustmment - he moved one side in and one side out and it miraculously straightened the wheel. My car tracks straight and the drifting is totally gone. There should be enough history out there to remedy this issue - it is definitely fixable - be patient its worth the wait!!!!

#72 of 75 Re: toney2 - pulling right [robertsspizman] by deranger89

Sep 02, 2011 (4:28 pm)

Replying to: robertsspizman (Aug 14, 2011 5:33 pm)
toney2, I'm glad that you were able to have your car repaired. I'm being told that my car is being replaced. I should have the replacement (fingers crossed) next week.

#75 of 75 2nd Go Around by deranger89

Oct 09, 2011 (9:23 am)

I was called by the dealer to come pick up my new car - shipped directly from Germany. I went to pick up the car, was handed a check for the two months my car was in the shop and an offer to purchase my car back. All seemed great until I got into the new car only to find out it was doing the same exact thing. The manager took a test drive in the car and was also very disappointed too, so we got into another car on the lot only to find out it did the same (pulling to the right) only not as noticeable.
I had to return the check and trash the paperwork that I had signed for them to purchase the car back since the replacement is no better off.
The manager is working with BMW to see about a 2012 model and will phone me back. It is now going on week three with no communication between the dealer and myself. I'm going to give them a call next week to find out what the answer is. I'll be so glad when this is all over.

Messages Page 8 of 8

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