F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > Technical Forums > Suspension | Chassis | Brakes > 2016 Steering module and software
proTUNING Freaks
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      01-15-2016, 09:57 AM   #1
focal
Captain
Canada
65
Rep
639
Posts

Drives: 328i 6MT w/ MPS & MPE
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Toronto, Canada

iTrader: (0)

2016 Steering module and software

didn't know which section to post this in.

The LCI and 2016 BMW have improved steering. Haven't got to demo a new car yet, but a few buddies and reviews have already noted improvement and that the LCI has a new steering module and obvious revised software.

Forget an engine tune. how much and is this even possible to update a pre LCI car?
Appreciate 0
      01-15-2016, 10:57 AM   #2
Chris93
Private First Class
Chris93's Avatar
30
Rep
122
Posts

Drives: BMW M340d
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: London

iTrader: (0)

Hmm would be interested to hear this, surely we can get the new software put on our existing steering module
__________________
G21 M340d Touring - Skyscraper Grey over Cognac interior
Appreciate 0
      01-15-2016, 02:09 PM   #3
VividRacingII
VividRacingII's Avatar
United_States
75
Rep
885
Posts

Drives: E92 M3, F80 M3
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Arizona

iTrader: (0)

Did your buddies tell you what was the steering feel like?
Appreciate 0
      01-15-2016, 06:17 PM   #4
Remonster
Lieutenant Colonel
United_States
821
Rep
1,583
Posts

Drives: E90 M3
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: San Diego

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by VividRacingII View Post
Did your buddies tell you what was the steering feel like?
Steering feel is seriously improved in my 2016 compared to my family's first F30 (2012). It's hard to make a direct comparison since each F30 we've had has been a different trim level, had a different motor, different options, etc. but I've driven a few dozen different F30s from 2012 to 2016 and there has been a consistent movement towards better steering feel, precision, and weighting.

Overall, these improvements have been minor and are not likely enough to sway you if you hated the EPS feel but they are welcome and noticeable. The steering still feels worlds apart from any of my E90-generation cars, but it's at least moving slowly in the right direction.
Appreciate 2
      03-02-2016, 02:22 PM   #5
BlkBimmerGuy
Enlisted Member
BlkBimmerGuy's Avatar
United_States
11
Rep
46
Posts

Drives: Black E88 2008 135i
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Atlanta

iTrader: (0)

I have a loaner 328i 16' model with 18' wheels, while my 14 is being repaired. I can also agree that the steering is somehow BETTER, and now sure quite how. Sport mode simply feels weightier vs the sport in my vehicle. Comfort seems unchanged. It's definitely better, or at least that's my opinion in direct relation to my feather light steering.
Appreciate 0
      03-30-2016, 08:42 AM   #6
RodimusPrime98
New Member
0
Rep
25
Posts

Drives: 2014 335i
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Minneapolis, MN

iTrader: (0)

I have a 2016 loaner while my 2014 F30 335 xdrive is in for service and I agree the steering does seem better than the 2014. The switch from comfort to sport makes the steering heavier and more precise. I am also interested in if we can transform older F30's to something like the 2016 setup. Anyone?
Appreciate 0
      04-01-2016, 10:46 AM   #7
R12ax7
Major
R12ax7's Avatar
119
Rep
1,052
Posts

Drives: 2021 340xi
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Philly

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
2011 328i  [0.00]
Not sure about any changes in hardware or part numbers, but people have been reporting improved steering feel after service/software updates in connection with routine maintenance for a year or so now. My service adviser denies that there is any software upgrade that changes steering feel but it seems other SAs have confirmed its out there.
__________________
Current: 2021 340xi

Retired:
2018 330xi | 2016 340i 6MT | 2013 335i 6MT |
2011 328i 6MT (N52) | 2008 335xi (N54)
Appreciate 0
      04-08-2016, 10:34 AM   #8
focal
Captain
Canada
65
Rep
639
Posts

Drives: 328i 6MT w/ MPS & MPE
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Toronto, Canada

iTrader: (0)

There is supposed to be another software update in the coming months. Hopefully more improvements are on their way relating to steering in that update.

I had a software upgrade a few months ago and do agree it's somewhat better now. It's so subtle but getting to the point of a non issue.

Some of that improvement is the weight when you're at speed. i recently got a Cayman and can tell you EPS can be so much better in my BMW.
Appreciate 0
      04-08-2016, 02:39 PM   #9
rollinstone157
Brotographer
rollinstone157's Avatar
United_States
88
Rep
1,741
Posts

Drives: F30 335xi
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: US

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by focal View Post
There is supposed to be another software update in the coming months. Hopefully more improvements are on their way relating to steering in that update...
Do you have a source on that?
Appreciate 0
      04-10-2016, 02:14 PM   #10
//M
Lieutenant
United_States
243
Rep
497
Posts

Drives: M2 Comp
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Northeast

iTrader: (0)

Part of the 2016 upgrade was changes in suspension geometry in the front end, so it's not all in the steering rack & software. I don't doubt that they're improving it over time as well though.
Appreciate 0
      04-13-2016, 11:59 PM   #11
s2k750
Second Lieutenant
124
Rep
264
Posts

Drives: 2015 M3
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: SWFL

iTrader: (0)

Are you guys sure its not mainly tires? Ditching runflats for my tire of choice for the last 10 years makes a huge difference. Dunlop star specs will make a mini van feel great!
Appreciate 0
      11-06-2016, 07:43 AM   #12
Musashi
Colonel
136
Rep
357
Posts

Drives: BMW 335i XDrive Laguna Seca
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Canada

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by s2k750 View Post
Are you guys sure its not mainly tires? Ditching runflats for my tire of choice for the last 10 years makes a huge difference. Dunlop star specs will make a mini van feel great!
Just test drove a 340i M Perf Steering, VSS. it is TONS better, and the base suspension setup so much better. I.E. no noticeable understeer powering at 100km/hr through a 65km/hr flat ramp... Caveat: BMW agent, 170lbs+, was with me so this planted the car more. And light alloys vs my winters. Cannot yet comment about Adaptive M, and my 335i also is on Winters right now.

but clearly, after test driving the 340i, it confirmed how wobbly and putrid the prev gen steering was. A wobble. Even in Sports +, my steering BARELY tightens. On the 340i it is very close to e90... Stiff, predictable and more hands-to-eye. More artificial? Yes.

if there was a 2,000$ option to replace the 335i's, I would!!

Too much debate around the issue. Degrees per turn Responsiveness is not the issue: it is the wobble like soft torque settings. At high speeds, when just about every driver tightens his grip on a wheel, the EPS tension is still so low that one over-inputs. On the 340, the tension increases to a point that the torque effort matches the hand tension, turning speed and correction requirements 180 degrees better. The wheel essentially tells you "hey I need X amount of input to take this turn radius at Y speed." On the 335i, the soft wobble that rack is, one wobbles that noodle wheel tension with too much input and is forced to reduce it as understeer kicks in. Over and back.

Test dive the 340i, it is the exculpatory Munich solution to what should be a general solution for anyone with a 335 or at least, M Performance setup.
Appreciate 0
      11-07-2016, 02:42 AM   #13
Lancelot
Major
France
566
Rep
1,290
Posts

Drives: 2017 m550i
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: France

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Musashi View Post
Just test drove a 340i M Perf Steering, VSS. it is TONS better, and the base suspension setup so much better. I.E. no noticeable understeer powering at 100km/hr through a 65km/hr flat ramp... Caveat: BMW agent, 170lbs+, was with me so this planted the car more. And light alloys vs my winters. Cannot yet comment about Adaptive M, and my 335i also is on Winters right now.

but clearly, after test driving the 340i, it confirmed how wobbly and putrid the prev gen steering was. A wobble. Even in Sports +, my steering BARELY tightens. On the 340i it is very close to e90... Stiff, predictable and more hands-to-eye. More artificial? Yes.
I think it's a mostly a myth that suspension geometry on LCI or before has changed;
When you look at part numbers, in particular tension struts, wishbones etc, part numbers are identical throughout the F2x / F3x range with the exception of the M135i / M235i / M140i / M240i.

What did change however is the EPS steering rack module.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Musashi View Post
if there was a 2,000$ option to replace the 335i's, I would!!
There actually is and it doesn't even cost $2k: change the lower control arms for increased negative camber will give back this steering linearity that you're missing, and significantly correct understeer:

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-3...-arms/?pdk=AQE

Another option is to install the M135i / M235i / M140i / M240i lower control arms, which are designed for the F2x/F3x chassis, I haven't tried myself.
Item #10 in below diagram: http://www.etkbmw.com/bmw/EN/search/...CE/31/31_0942/


Next, a struts tower brace is good to make steering more precise and is inexpensive (~$200) and easy to mount yourself.
https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-2...brace-f30-f31/

Then next steps would be to stiffen the anti roll bars - not very expensive parts, but difficult to mount on these chassis.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Musashi View Post
Test dive the 340i, it is the exculpatory Munich solution to what should be a general solution for anyone with a 335 or at least, M Performance setup.
Yes I'm on a quest to fill the gaps of the M performance parts... many derive from the F80 chassis actually, directly like these camber arms, the struts tower braces, or indirectly like stiffer anti-roll bars. Shame M performance parts don't cover these instead of offering overpriced mirror caps :-/

Or that there isn't an M335i-M340i (yet?) - they're probably afraid this would eat into their M3 customer base...
__________________
2017 M550i | Sophistograu
Previous cars: 2014 F30 ActiveHybrid 3 | 2012 f20 M135i

Last edited by Lancelot; 11-07-2016 at 03:17 AM..
Appreciate 2
Musashi135.50
      11-07-2016, 05:27 AM   #14
Lancelot
Major
France
566
Rep
1,290
Posts

Drives: 2017 m550i
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: France

iTrader: (0)

I also have no idea if a more recent EPS rack could be fitted, or reprogrammed, could be interesting to try this.
__________________
2017 M550i | Sophistograu
Previous cars: 2014 F30 ActiveHybrid 3 | 2012 f20 M135i
Appreciate 1
///CSL13.00
      12-27-2016, 05:14 AM   #15
gebbson
New Member
0
Rep
7
Posts

Drives: 330i lci 2016
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: egypt

iTrader: (0)

dear all i had f30 2016 330i
i had change the steering rack then after changing i still have a little resistant when i
turn the wheel from straight to left side
anyone faced this problem before ?????
Appreciate 0
      04-07-2017, 08:02 AM   #16
DanM2C
Private First Class
United_States
81
Rep
126
Posts

Drives: 2019 M2C, 2013 BMW 328i xdrive
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: UT

iTrader: (0)

Hey all. Sorry to revive an old thread but I am very interested in this. I had a similar experience recently where I was given a LCI loaner and the steering was noticeably tighter and more responsive. I drive an x-drive and the loaner was an x-drive as well.

I cant help but think there is some updated steering module that can fix the loose steering of the f30. I always drive in sport mode and there was a noticeable difference in sport mode between the two cars. Has anyone been able to figure this out yet?
Appreciate 0
      04-07-2017, 01:56 PM   #17
Lancelot
Major
France
566
Rep
1,290
Posts

Drives: 2017 m550i
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: France

iTrader: (0)

Could be different suspensions? Suspension has a noticeable effect on steering. Even more so with EDC.
__________________
2017 M550i | Sophistograu
Previous cars: 2014 F30 ActiveHybrid 3 | 2012 f20 M135i
Appreciate 0
      12-16-2018, 10:20 PM   #18
Musashi
Colonel
136
Rep
357
Posts

Drives: BMW 335i XDrive Laguna Seca
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Canada

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lancelot View Post
I think it's a mostly a myth that suspension geometry on LCI or before has changed;
When you look at part numbers, in particular tension struts, wishbones etc, part numbers are identical throughout the F2x / F3x range with the exception of the M135i / M235i / M140i / M240i.

What did change however is the EPS steering rack module.



There actually is and it doesn't even cost $2k: change the lower control arms for increased negative camber will give back this steering linearity that you're missing, and significantly correct understeer:

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-3...-arms/?pdk=AQE

Another option is to install the M135i / M235i / M140i / M240i lower control arms, which are designed for the F2x/F3x chassis, I haven't tried myself.
Item #10 in below diagram: http://www.etkbmw.com/bmw/EN/search/...CE/31/31_0942/


Next, a struts tower brace is good to make steering more precise and is inexpensive (~$200) and easy to mount yourself.
https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-2...brace-f30-f31/

Then next steps would be to stiffen the anti roll bars - not very expensive parts, but difficult to mount on these chassis.



Yes I'm on a quest to fill the gaps of the M performance parts... many derive from the F80 chassis actually, directly like these camber arms, the struts tower braces, or indirectly like stiffer anti-roll bars. Shame M performance parts don't cover these instead of offering overpriced mirror caps :-/

Or that there isn't an M335i-M340i (yet?) - they're probably afraid this would eat into their M3 customer base...
just saw your repky, I was gone a while. June 2018 I changed to Dinan springs and Sway bars, significant stability gains and 15-20 km/h speed cornering gain on some ramps. No need for a 340i..But the soft steering EPS feel never went away.

Have you heard if a module change can improve the rack responsiveness and wheel feel?
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:17 AM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST