The "heavy steering" is probably just the change in feel from what you're used to. The X5 does have a heavy steer feel.
If the front bushings are wearing out you would feel some minor instability when driving and hitting bumps. You may also notice the steering follows ruts in the road more.
If the ball joints are worn, you would feel some play in the wheel when it's jacked up. You can check these yourself. The ball joints also give a noticeable metal click or clunk from the front end when going over bumps and/or steering sharply over bumps.
I've done the front control arms and thrust arms (including the pressed in bushings and ball joints. You need a few front end tools to do the job, but it saves a lot of cash. It will defnitely give your X5 a newer, tighter feel. I started to feel front end wear at about 80,000 miles. What's your mileage?
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by cslcsl49
Hello,
Glad to join this club! I just pruchased a BMW X5, 2003, 3.0 with CPO Warranty good til 2009. So far, love the car !(my first BMW!  - drove the MB 320, VW Passat, and Rabbit for the last 5 years)
It seems like the car delays its initial acceleration from a complete stop for about 1-1.5 seconds... not sure if this is normal for the X5 or if there is something wrong with the ECU program. The dealer says they need to re-program the ECU and its not under the CPO warranty - Cost: $190-260
Also, the steering feels a bit heavy - I had the car checked and the dealer says the front ball joints and the thurst bush bearing needs to be replaced. Again, not covered under the CPO warranty and the cost is $900-1000.
Anyone else have similar symptoms?
If these are not covered under the CPO warranty, should I shop around for an independent shop for better price/service or go with the dealer?
Thanks, |