[gatordent2007]

Wife was in an accident a few months back in our 21 x7 m50i. Repair shop said tie rod was broken (I’m not well educated on these things). My previous x7 was my daily driver but also had DHP, but the steering just always seemed awesome at controlling the car. I have felt like ever since the repair to the car, the steering feels “loose” if that makes sense. Driving it in the rain seems super unstable as well. I feel at risk of hydroplaning constantly. Is it possible that something is messed up in the stabilization system in the car at this point or is it a physical issue? It has about 17000 miles on it.

[streborx]

You haven't described the vehicle areas or severity of damage, but a broken tie rod would seem related to a substantial front end collision of sorts. If a tie rod was physically broken (not merely bent or deformed), likely other invisible damage occurred. Many vehicles do have steering stabilizers that dampen vibration and arbitrary travel. I'd have a mechanic inspect for possible damage to it.

[gatordent2007]

Originally Posted by streborx

You haven't described the vehicle areas or severity of damage, but a broken tie rod would seem related to a substantial front end collision of sorts. If a tie rod was physically broken (not merely bent or deformed), likely other invisible damage occurred. Many vehicles do have steering stabilizers that dampen vibration and arbitrary travel. I'd have a mechanic inspect for possible damage to it.

It wasn’t substantial front damage but it did take a direct hit to the front passenger wheel. Basically she changed lanes into the path of someone

[xlover]

Should probably take into a dealer. If they can make a determination or case that this was caused by the accident should be able to have it tacked on to insurance or could play dumb and see what they do.


Probably should have had a dealer check it out in the first place when mechanical damage is present. These are complex cars especially newer models I am rarely confident a body shop team can put all of those elements back right.

[Audio Fan]

In addition to a mechanical inspection, check the tires. They are likely more worn than you think.

[M_Chronos]

Confirm tire pressures are where the should be. Get alignment checked. Confirm dampers (shocks) are working correctly at all four corners. Have steering rack checked for damage. Also, now that I am thinking about this, confirm the anti roll bar links are attached. Missing linkage would definitely fit the description of unstable.

[U235]

Unsure of your exact issue, but if an alignment wasn't done, I'd start there. Recently, my buddy with a Mercedes GLC300 had a random service station suggest he needed alignment during a state safety inspection. He had them do the alignment and immediately reported that the car felt weird when he'd hit any bump, like the steering wheel would jump. He took it back, they checked again and assured him it was ok. A few weeks later, it was still doing it, then he noticed his tires were shredding unevenly. He took it to the Mercedes dealer and they said his alignment was way out of whack. They adjusted it and put new tires on, he said it drove perfect again.

He went back to the other shop, showed them the Mercedes report. The manager investigated and they concluded the shop used the wrong alignment settings, they used the GLC 43AMG settings thinking his car was AMG since it had the AMG wheels. They refunded him for their work and paid for the Mercedes work (alignment and diagnostics, but not the tires).

Long story short, unless a BMW dealer did the repairs and tested alignment, I would make sure that's done, that should've been part of the insurance claim as well.

[streborx]

Originally Posted by U235

Unsure of your exact issue, but if an alignment wasn't done, I'd start there. Recently, my buddy with a Mercedes GLC300 had a random service station suggest he needed alignment during a state safety inspection. He had them do the alignment and immediately reported that the car felt weird when he'd hit any bump, like the steering wheel would jump. He took it back, they checked again and assured him it was ok. A few weeks later, it was still doing it, then he noticed his tires were shredding unevenly. He took it to the Mercedes dealer and they said his alignment was way out of whack. They adjusted it and put new tires on, he said it drove perfect again.

He went back to the other shop, showed them the Mercedes report. The manager investigated and they concluded the shop used the wrong alignment settings, they used the GLC 43AMG settings thinking his car was AMG since it had the AMG wheels. They refunded him for their work and paid for the Mercedes work (alignment and diagnostics, but not the tires).

Long story short, unless a BMW dealer did the repairs and tested alignment, I would make sure that's done, that should've been part of the insurance claim as well.

Many folks have panic attacks in anticipation of a dentist appointment. For me, it's any time I have to take my car to a mechanic (which I do only as a last resort).

[gatordent2007]

Originally Posted by streborx

Many folks have panic attacks in anticipation of a dentist appointment. For me, it's any time I have to take my car to a mechanic (which I do only as a last resort).

Funny bc I’m a dentist lol. But I have also wondered If it’s the tires worn too. We are at about 17k miles. Taking it in today. Thanks for the suggestions

[streborx]

Originally Posted by gatordent2007

Funny bc I’m a dentist lol. But I have also wondered If it’s the tires worn too. We are at about 17k miles. Taking it in today. Thanks for the suggestions

I plan to suggest to my dealership's service manager that they offer nitrous in the customer lounge. The espresso tends to aggravate my anxiety (lol).

[gatordent2007]

So it was the tires being worn after all. My previous x7 I got 19k miles before tires, this one about 16500

[streborx]

Originally Posted by gatordent2007

So it was the tires bring worn after all. My previous x7 I got 19k miles before tires, this one about 16500

Interesting how car manufactures get pushed by the EPA over emissions and fuel economy, but tossing a set of tires into a landfill once a year is OK.