Steering Problems
 

Had a 320 Cd MSport coupe for 5 months and since owning it I have found it difficult to drive especially on country lanes as it keeps snatching all over the place, also seems a bit light on corners compared to cars I've had in the past. It has been in for four wheel alignment at the dealer but they blame the problem on the 18" wheels. Has anyone had a similiar problem as I'm not enjoying driving it. Also noticed a slight vibration through the brake pedal, not sure if it is connected.

hello.

i would assume the car was manufactured 00-01. During this period BMW changed the power steering pressure from the pump, making it a little "easy"
This is not as noticable until you gain some mileage on the car, because worn out bushings make the symptoms worse.


so i would check the front control arms and control arm bushings. Then if that doesnt help try replacing the steering coupling(from the rack to the steering shaft there is a bushing).

you may want to check your shock mounts, because that can also make the symptoms worse.

basically check all of the bushings in the front of the car.

if after you do that the car still jerks on bumps you may want to look into an Underdrive pulley system. It will make the power steering put out less pressure, making the steering a little stiffer.

one more thing, make sure you have good tires and that the alignment is to BMW specs, because to much toe in or out will make all the difference.

My e46 has the same issue and i am working on resolving it, Ive changed the control arms and bushings and that helped tremendously.

ah...also on the same note, make sure your rear wheels are balanced and that the weghts have not fallen off.

It's on an 04 plate with 47k on it, I think it is the bushes but have had BMW look at it with no success, it was wearing the outside of the drivers tyre before I had it aligned at BMW, I've also noticed the rear drivers wheel sits lower but have had the heights checked and they say it looks OK. I will look at the items you have listed many thanks.

I seem to have the same problem. I have just noticed it today, mainly on the motorway. I thought it was the wind was blowing the car but realised their wasn't any. It was more intermittent. When I accelerated or eased off the gas??
Is it worth checking the stuff above?

Thanks

all i can say is thay i have 18 inch rims with semi thin tires. my car tends to get caught in the ruts of the road and sometimes seems as if its pulling in that direction. ha i live in PA where all the roads are $**ty. but your problem might be just bad roads and thin tires? what tires do you have?