[TomekGnomek]

Is it normal for the steering wheel in G20 (M Sport variant) to have such tolerance in the center position when driving ~150km/h?

You can move the steering wheel couple of degrees off center without the car reacting to it. This tolerance is much bigger during hot weather.

[SLGrassoPA]

I don't think there is any known fix for the steering issue. Micro corrections are constantly needed. It's not the tires or an alignment issue (that's my personal opinion, but some say that an alignment can somewhat help. The problem has been widely widely reported across the entire 3 series. FYI -- Here are some links on this.

1) At 22:35 the guy talks about the steering issue on the M340 x drive. Watch from 22:35 onward... here is the link

https://g20.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1774603

2). general discussion

https://g20.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1865372

3). another discussion thread

https://g20.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1855230

4). The EDMUNDS editor and senior testing manager says:

"The steering in this X3 leaves me with mixed feelings. I really enjoy driving around town thanks to its small dimensions, tight turning radius and overall maneuverability. On the highway it's a different story. The steering wheel is numb off-center. So after a short time on a straight road, with the steering wheel pointed dead-ahead, the car drifts slightly. It requires constant, small adjustments to keep the car in the middle of the lane. It happened often enough that I switched from Comfort to Sport mode, thinking the heavier steering setting might help. No such luck." — Mike Schmidt, senior manager, vehicle testing operations...

From the same review:

"Similar to the base X3, the M40i's steering sometimes succumbs to a heavy-yet-lifeless feel, giving the SUV a wandering sensation that's especially evident while cruising on a highway."

Here is the link:

https://www.edmunds.com/bmw/x3/2022/...erm-road-test/

[CGSNJ59]

No matter what anyone tells you in the service department, definitely not normal, not for any car, From what I've red here, not all 3 series will have the problem. Anyway, service dept. will probably tell you the play in the wheel is normal because of electronic steering or some other BS. Trade the car or just get used to it. Maybe see if BMW NA will consider swapping it for a new one with no loss to you. Find out who your regional rep is and contact the person.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by TomekGnomek

You can move the steering wheel couple of degrees off center without the car reacting to it. This tolerance is much bigger during hot weather.

That doesn't appear normal, but if you do have the VSS, then there is a slower ratio on-center, than the standard steering rack, to make the steering less sensitive.

There is one check I'd be making. When stationary and switched off, is the steering loose in that state, as if something is adrift, or just a good tight and 'rubbery' resistance feel?

Years back, when we had loose steering, we could physically move the wheel to and fro, with no resistance when stationary, highlighting worn and/or loose parts.

BTW, my EPS is very tight in the stationary and off state. Just the feeling I'd expect, that you are initially working against and loading up the rubber suspension bushing.

[arentz07]

Originally Posted by TomekGnomek

Is it normal for the steering wheel in G20 (M Sport variant) to have such tolerance in the center position when driving ~150km/h?

You can move the steering wheel couple of degrees off center without the car reacting to it. This tolerance is much bigger during hot weather.

This looks exactly like the way our 330i M Sport behaved, and also, the X3 we currently own is quite similar. It's just... vague. My Lexus has zero dead-zone in the steering, and these cars are quite the opposite. It can be a little annoying trying to keep it in the middle of the lane. Despite my having driven the X3 for months now, I still find it gets away from me on the highway unless I am uber-vigilant. I am not saying this is a good thing or acceptable, but both our BMWs have behaved like this with no other issues in the steering.

[SLGrassoPA]

I believe the steering issue has been reported across the entire 3 series, including the X3. Still, not all owners have experienced the problem, it seems to be kind of hit or miss.

[BLK.G20]

Not normal. Seems excessive.

[CGSNJ59]

agree, not normal!!!

[SLGrassoPA]

It is normal for many BMW 3 series automobiles.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by SLGrassoPA

It is normal for many BMW 3 series automobiles.

Steering problems exist, but does your 'normal' mean there are no issues with the examples which display such traits?

I will never accept loose steering, clunking, or need for constant micro-corrections being within BMW's design intent. It has to associated with manufacture and/or tolerances in the wider steering and suspension system. Essentially a quality control issue.

As I posted for the OP, I'd first check if there is loose steering wheel movement, when switched off and stationary. It's a simple problem elimination path.

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

There is one check I'd be making. When stationary and switched off, is the steering loose in that state, as if something is adrift, or just a good tight and 'rubbery' resistance feel?

[SLGrassoPA]

^. correct! what I meant, was it may be "normal" to find this steering issue problem across the 3 series line of cars, but, of course, it is indeed abnormal to have this kind of steering issue in the first place.

[TomekGnomek]

Thanks, my local service/dealer says it's normal and to be expected ;(

[CGSNJ59]

Originally Posted by TomekGnomek

Thanks, my local service/dealer says it's normal and to be expected ;(

No surprise there. Of course, it is NOT normal. Get your regional rep involved and ask them to swap out the car, but you could get one that has the same issue again. BMW knows full well about the issue of the wandering steering.

[LarryMarcia]

Adjusting tire pressure may help. Cost nothing to give it a try.