I am losing my mind...

JamesStam · 08-29-2019, 03:00 PM

Good evening,
My 320d (2015 /70k) has the strangest problem in that the steering kicks/notches/wobbles/reacts fairly sharply on long swooping fast bends.

After hours/days of research about my issue, I took the car to a very reputable and decent indy who said it may be the control / thrust arm bushings as they had slight play....but he couldn't guarantee it.

Low and behold, I had the arms changed (on a whim) and the car 4 wheel tracked.

Whilst I'm trying to kid myself in thinking the problem has gone....it remains (albeit SLIGHTLY better).

Does anybody have any other suggestions?

Thanks.

ukbeemerboy · 08-29-2019, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesStam

Good evening,
My 320d (2015 /70k) has the strangest problem in that the steering kicks/notches/wobbles/reacts fairly sharply on long swooping fast bends.

After hours/days of research about my issue, I took the car to a very reputable and decent indy who said it may be the control / thrust arm bushings as they had slight play....but he couldn't guarantee it.

Low and behold, I had the arms changed (on a whim) and the car 4 wheel tracked.

Whilst I'm trying to kid myself in thinking the problem has gone....it remains (albeit SLIGHTLY better).

Does anybody have any other suggestions?

Thanks.

What tyres are you running?

zswickliffe · 08-29-2019, 03:27 PM

Oh man I had this exact same issue. These are the steps I took:

1) Went to the dealer, explained it felt like steering was binding. They found a fault in the EPS module and reflashed it with new software. Problem was better but not gone.

2) Got an alignment. Followed the recommended loading condition (full tank, weight in driver, passenger, rear center, trunk). Rear toe was pretty far out of spec and evened out the camber. Problem was better still but not fully resolved.

3) Replaced unevenly worn front tires (actually replaced all four but rears were fine)

Now the problem seems to be gone. I just got tires today so I'll confirm over the next week.

JamesStam · 08-29-2019, 03:29 PM

Michelin....
I forget the model but I'm 99% sure it's either Michelin Green or Michelin Energy, something like that.

JamesStam · 08-29-2019, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zswickliffe

Oh man I had this exact same issue. These are the steps I took:

1) Went to the dealer, explained it felt like steering was binding. They found a fault in the EPS module and reflashed it with new software. Problem was better but not gone.

2) Got an alignment. Followed the recommended loading condition (full tank, weight in driver, passenger, rear center, trunk). Rear toe was pretty far out of spec and evened out the camber. Problem was better still but not fully resolved.

3) Replaced unevenly worn front tires (actually replaced all four but rears were fine)

Now the problem seems to be gone. I just got tires today so I'll confirm over the next week.

Very interesting. I'm out of warranty so won't be rushing to the dealer to flash the EPS. It doesn't "feel" electrical.

How badly worn were your front tyres, and why?

zswickliffe · 08-29-2019, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesStam

Very interesting. I'm out of warranty so won't be rushing to the dealer to flash the EPS. It doesn't "feel" electrical.

How badly worn were your front tyres, and why?

Fronts were basically on the wear bars on the outside of the tread. Probably 3/32 or less. Noticeably less worn on the inside. Probably partially because the staggered setup means you can't rotate and partially because the toe was out of spec.

JamesStam · 08-30-2019, 02:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zswickliffe

Fronts were basically on the wear bars on the outside of the tread. Probably 3/32 or less. Noticeably less worn on the inside. Probably partially because the staggered setup means you can't rotate and partially because the toe was out of spec.

Call me thick but what's a staggered setup?

Archer-s · 08-30-2019, 02:12 AM

For the steering, any chance it’s that bolt that needs tightening for the common knock issue?

JamesStam · 08-30-2019, 02:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archer-s

For the steering, any chance it’s that bolt that needs tightening for the common knock issue?

Im not sure but I think it's unlikely as I don't have the knock. As far as I've read into that issue it's an audible problem rather than a physical problem.

1966-TR4 · 08-30-2019, 04:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesStam

Call me thick but what's a staggered setup?

Rear tyres wider than fronts.

JamesStam · 08-30-2019, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1966-TR4

Rear tyres wider than fronts.

Understood.
I have an efficient dynamics car so it has 16 /205/55 all the way round.

Archer-s · 08-30-2019, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesStam

Im not sure but I think it's unlikely as I don't have the knock. As far as I've read into that issue it's an audible problem rather than a physical problem.

Yeah doubt this is the problem, the knock is quite apparent, did you see the tracking output before/after?

This sounds like a head scratcher, maybe a suspension specialist like centergravity could help?

zswickliffe · 08-30-2019, 11:20 AM

If the suspension was checked and the only issue were questionable bushings that were replaced I don't see how it could be a suspension problem.

I'd rotate the tires and check if the issue changed at all. I'd do a diagonal rotation (FL <-> RR, FR <-> RL) it might not solve it but if it changes the feeling in a significant fashion then maybe uneven tire wear is contributing. Low rolling resistance tires can be very weird if worn unevenly (cupping, feathering, etc).

If there's no change after rotating the tires I'd have the alignment rechecked. Most places will do it for free. Make sure they're following BMWs recommended loading while checking.

JamesStam · 08-30-2019, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archer-s

Yeah doubt this is the problem, the knock is quite apparent, did you see the tracking output before/after?

This sounds like a head scratcher, maybe a suspension specialist like centergravity could help?

No I didn't. I left it with the garage who used a local to align it. I'll swap the wheels around and then do a tracking check.

zswickliffe · 09-02-2019, 06:36 PM

Ok after going on a 200 mile trip this weekend I've confirmed that the issue is not resolved (although it's much better).

Going to go back in this week and have them look again. I believe it's the steering rack.

I have noticed it seems to get worse with time. It's more noticeable 1hr in than it is 10min in. It feels "notchy" as I turn the wheel, best way I can describe it.

JamesStam · 09-04-2019, 04:35 AM

Ok. Keep us posted please

zswickliffe · 09-04-2019, 09:47 AM

Just got a call, looks like they're going to replace the steering rack since they're not sure what's causing it either.

JamesStam · 09-04-2019, 11:59 AM

Under warranty?
I'm not. O oh...

zswickliffe · 09-04-2019, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesStam

Under warranty?
I'm not. O oh...

Thankfully, yes. But I'm starting to fear that it's just the way the steering is on these cars and I'm sensitive to it.

JamesStam · 09-04-2019, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zswickliffe

Thankfully, yes. But I'm starting to fear that it's just the way the steering is on these cars and I'm sensitive to it.

Funnily enough I started thinking the same thing.
Let me know how you get on.
I appreciate your correspondence.

James

zswickliffe · 09-05-2019, 08:47 PM

Got the car back today, new steering rack installed and re-alignment of the front end.

I think the issue is resolved. Going on another trip this weekend so I'll know for sure but today's driving felt perfect.

JamesStam · 09-06-2019, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zswickliffe

Got the car back today, new steering rack installed and re-alignment of the front end.

I think the issue is resolved. Going on another trip this weekend so I'll know for sure but today's driving felt perfect.

Good news.

08-29-2019, 03:00 PM	#1
JamesStam Private 28 Rep 80 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW 320ed Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: North Wales, UK iTrader: (0)	I am losing my mind... Good evening, My 320d (2015 /70k) has the strangest problem in that the steering kicks/notches/wobbles/reacts fairly sharply on long swooping fast bends. After hours/days of research about my issue, I took the car to a very reputable and decent indy who said it may be the control / thrust arm bushings as they had slight play....but he couldn't guarantee it. Low and behold, I had the arms changed (on a whim) and the car 4 wheel tracked. Whilst I'm trying to kid myself in thinking the problem has gone....it remains (albeit SLIGHTLY better). Does anybody have any other suggestions? Thanks.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

08-29-2019, 03:27 PM	#3
zswickliffe Private 38 Rep 55 Posts Drives: BMW 330i xDrive Wagon (F31) Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Somewhere iTrader: (0)	Oh man I had this exact same issue. These are the steps I took: 1) Went to the dealer, explained it felt like steering was binding. They found a fault in the EPS module and reflashed it with new software. Problem was better but not gone. 2) Got an alignment. Followed the recommended loading condition (full tank, weight in driver, passenger, rear center, trunk). Rear toe was pretty far out of spec and evened out the camber. Problem was better still but not fully resolved. 3) Replaced unevenly worn front tires (actually replaced all four but rears were fine) Now the problem seems to be gone. I just got tires today so I'll confirm over the next week.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-29-2019, 03:29 PM	#4
JamesStam Private 28 Rep 80 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW 320ed Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: North Wales, UK iTrader: (0)	Michelin.... I forget the model but I'm 99% sure it's either Michelin Green or Michelin Energy, something like that.
	Appreciate 1 HeresMyCar258.00 Quote

08-30-2019, 02:12 AM	#8
Archer-s Captain 247 Rep 805 Posts Drives: on order Join Date: May 2010 Location: Brizzle iTrader: (0)	For the steering, any chance it’s that bolt that needs tightening for the common knock issue?
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08-30-2019, 11:20 AM	#13
zswickliffe Private 38 Rep 55 Posts Drives: BMW 330i xDrive Wagon (F31) Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Somewhere iTrader: (0)	If the suspension was checked and the only issue were questionable bushings that were replaced I don't see how it could be a suspension problem. I'd rotate the tires and check if the issue changed at all. I'd do a diagonal rotation (FL <-> RR, FR <-> RL) it might not solve it but if it changes the feeling in a significant fashion then maybe uneven tire wear is contributing. Low rolling resistance tires can be very weird if worn unevenly (cupping, feathering, etc). If there's no change after rotating the tires I'd have the alignment rechecked. Most places will do it for free. Make sure they're following BMWs recommended loading while checking.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-02-2019, 06:36 PM	#15
zswickliffe Private 38 Rep 55 Posts Drives: BMW 330i xDrive Wagon (F31) Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Somewhere iTrader: (0)	Ok after going on a 200 mile trip this weekend I've confirmed that the issue is not resolved (although it's much better). Going to go back in this week and have them look again. I believe it's the steering rack. I have noticed it seems to get worse with time. It's more noticeable 1hr in than it is 10min in. It feels "notchy" as I turn the wheel, best way I can describe it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-04-2019, 04:35 AM	#16
JamesStam Private 28 Rep 80 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW 320ed Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: North Wales, UK iTrader: (0)	Ok. Keep us posted please
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09-04-2019, 09:47 AM	#17
zswickliffe Private 38 Rep 55 Posts Drives: BMW 330i xDrive Wagon (F31) Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Somewhere iTrader: (0)	Just got a call, looks like they're going to replace the steering rack since they're not sure what's causing it either.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-04-2019, 11:59 AM	#18
JamesStam Private 28 Rep 80 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW 320ed Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: North Wales, UK iTrader: (0)	Under warranty? I'm not. O oh...
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09-05-2019, 08:47 PM	#21
zswickliffe Private 38 Rep 55 Posts Drives: BMW 330i xDrive Wagon (F31) Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Somewhere iTrader: (0)	Got the car back today, new steering rack installed and re-alignment of the front end. I think the issue is resolved. Going on another trip this weekend so I'll know for sure but today's driving felt perfect.
	Appreciate 0 Quote