CPO Warranty - ECU re-programming and heavy steering issues

[cslcsl49]

Hello,

Glad to join this club! I just pruchased a BMW X5, 2003, 3.0 (68,000 miles) 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,

[flyingmachine]

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 year)

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 I 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,

Ball joint and the bushing might not be the cause of heavy steering. Dealer probably just saw they worn out while trying to find out the steering issue. If you're handy, you can replace the ball joint and bushing yourself. Pretty easy DIY.

Try to test on another X5 and see if the steering is heavy too. Some people thinks X5 steering wheel is heavy when they drive it at the first time. But if there is really a problem. I would say it's from power steering system. Check your PS fluid level first and hope not the pump.

[flatlander]

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?

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,

[cslcsl49]

Thanks for the information - the car has 68,000 miles. I will check the PS fluid.

Does anyone know the approx cost for a ECU re-programming?

[Big "J"]

Originally Posted by cslcsl49

Thanks for the information - the car has 68,000 miles. I will check the PS fluid.

Does anyone know the approx cost for a ECU re-programming?

The dealer pretty much has to do the re-programming, so whatever he charges is going to be the rate.

Be sure to let us know if the re-programming makes a difference!!!!

I'd find an independent mechanic shop that knows BMW's and get a second opinion on your bushings and ball joints if you're not good with DIY's. 68K is early for ball joints and bushings unless it's been driven hard.