Z3 steering problem - help! - United Bimmer Community

**dale** · 08-19-2006, 06:10 PM

Hi!

I have a 1999 Z3 2.8, it's developed vague steering around the centre position, and wanders when driving at speed. Can anyone suggest what the problem may be?

Thanks!

Dale

witeshark · 08-19-2006, 06:40 PM

Do you see uneven tire ware? Maybe alignment?

**dale** · 08-20-2006, 03:56 AM

Hi, thanks for the reply..!

No, the tyre wear looks ok - I bought the car 2 months ago, and the previous owner had just replaced the front right tyre, not the left. They look ok.

I'm not a mechanic, so don't really know what to look for - I jacked the Z up & there's no obviosu signs of any damage etc. It just feels loose when travelling in a straight line & needs regular minor steering inputs to keep it in a straight line. Be grateful if anyone has any thoughts before I go to my local dealer & they remove £££££'s from my wallet!

Thansk

Dale

**c1apton** · 08-20-2006, 05:13 AM

You might try a local tire dealer for a "balance & rotate" (or the dealer for that matter) A balance & rotate would be a good place to start - you'ld get correct tire pressures & all tires balanced. They'ld also be able to spot a possibly bent wheel or catch a tire that might be out of balance. Note: Take it to a quality shop, because the "eco-cheap" places do eco-cheap work and will try to vacuum those LLLLLs from your wallet.

**dale** · 08-20-2006, 03:14 PM

Thanks!

I've found a local BMW specialist (rare in North East England) who comes recommended - will give it a try tomorrow & let you know if it cures the issue.

Have any of you guys replaced the bushes? Does this make a difference? My car is 7 years old & has 53k miles on it.

Cheers

Dale

**xsperf** · 08-20-2006, 03:37 PM

i think its your alignment, or something to do with your tires(considering u only replaced 1 tire) just like c1apton said, and as far as my knowledge goes, bushings should last more than 53K

**dale** · 08-21-2006, 01:46 PM

Hi

Well, it seems that the alignment is off anyway, my local BMW dealer wants £175 to do a full 4-wheel KDS alignment. Is it worth paying the money?! I can get a laser alignment at a local shop for half this.

Any advice is appreciated!

Thanks

Dale

**xsperf** · 08-21-2006, 03:05 PM

yea, get the laser alignment, alignment is alignment.. haha, just make sure the people at the other shop know how to work on BMW's, just basically make sure you trust them

**dale** · 08-23-2006, 08:25 AM

Thanks!

Well, took the Z to my local BMW dealer & they diagnosed a worn ball joint. Getting fixed under warranty, so hopefully that'll sort it!

**dale** · 08-31-2006, 04:03 PM

Update - worn ball joint & tie rod replaced under warranty, plus new tyre - problem solved!

Thanks for the advice!

Dale

**Shell** · 01-18-2012, 11:26 AM

I have the same problem with my Z3 which I'm anxious to get fixed before the roads start to become icy. It's off to the garage soon so will let you know what they find. It will be interesting to see if it's the same problem.