Steering wheel

NoSurrender · 01-03-2009, 01:41 PM

I was wondering if theres any way I can make my steering wheel feel a little lighter. I think this applies to all the new 3-series models.

The wheel is extremely heavy in comparison to other cars. I feel like Im getting trucker forearms just from driving my car lol

Anyway, is there an easy way to make it smoother and lighter?
-thanks

bimmerbimmer · 01-03-2009, 01:49 PM

go to the gym.

NoSurrender · 01-03-2009, 01:53 PM

No, Ive got the 15 inch biceps. But, driving your car shouldn't be an exercise.

just4kickz · 01-03-2009, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoSurrender

No, Ive got the 15 inch biceps. But, driving your car shouldn't be an exercise.

lol. oh man... maybe you should have test drove before you bought the car.

777ER · 01-03-2009, 02:30 PM

I used to road race with Camaro's and Trans Am's with LS1's and one of the mods to improve the steering fluid overheating was to put a TurnOne steering pump along with a inline steering cooler (uses engine coolant to warm up steering fluid in cold temps and cool it down under hot temps) and the pulley was seperate from the kit meaning you can change the idle pressure output via the pulley diameter. A smaller pulley would give you more PSI.

CyberGypsy · 01-03-2009, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoSurrender

No, Ive got the 15 inch biceps. But, driving your car shouldn't be an exercise.

you measure them LOL

F104 · 01-03-2009, 03:38 PM

I've stopped going to the gym 5 years ago. But on all of my BMW's I've never seen a better (electrical assist) steering. Light for parking, nicely direct at speed - what's your problem?

just4kickz · 01-03-2009, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CyberGypsy

you measure them LOL

i measure mine :-D

NoSurrender · 01-03-2009, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F104

I've stopped going to the gym 5 years ago. But on all of my BMW's I've never seen a better (electrical assist) steering. Light for parking, nicely direct at speed - what's your problem?

I'm satisfied with my car but whats always bothered me is the steering, it just seams too stiff.
I was hoping theres some sort of botton in the car that will lighten it up a bit. Ive heard the new M's have some sort of programs that do it.

No big deal though

Neutrino45 · 01-03-2009, 09:16 PM

Here, now stop bitching.

http://www.amazon.com/Allison-Classi.../dp/B0006PSD1M

NoSurrender · 01-03-2009, 09:48 PM

You dumbass, I dont need a 7 dollar toy.
Forget it.

balance · 01-03-2009, 09:57 PM

lol i like it better

Mk23 · 01-03-2009, 10:07 PM

I used to think the steering was a bit tight (not so much that I wanted to change it though), I did get used to it over time. I'm guessing the same will happen for you, just give it some time.

Sorry more people couldn't be helpful...

beatloafer · 01-03-2009, 10:40 PM

The steering in my wife's 328 coupe is definitely lighter than the steering effort required in my 335 sedan. So I don't think this is the case for all 3-series. I think it's a 335 thing. I like driving both, so I don't think tight steering necessarily equals better driving experience.

Notorious · 01-04-2009, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoSurrender

I was wondering if theres any way I can make my steering wheel feel a little lighter. I think this applies to all the new 3-series models.

The wheel is extremely heavy in comparison to other cars. I feel like Im getting trucker forearms just from driving my car lol

Anyway, is there an easy way to make it smoother and lighter?
-thanks

Do you have Active Steering?

If you don't, that might explain it. I don't have it and also found the steering to be a bit on the heavy side, especially compared to my previous e46.

The run-flat tires also play a role. I ditched the Bridgestone RE050's on favor on non-runflats to wrap around my 162's and the steering lightened up quite a bit.

01-04-2009, 02:05 AM

I like the heavy steering, feels like it gives me a better feel of the road, and more stability at high speeds.

jhbodle · 01-04-2009, 04:49 AM

In the UK, all 3 Series models except the 335i get electric power steering. Is that the case in the US? If not then the hydraulic setup the 335 gets is a lot stiffer to turn, but you get more steering feel in return.

Year's_End · 01-04-2009, 04:55 AM

Wish mine was heavier.

Tallest · 01-04-2009, 06:44 AM

Try changing the angle of the wheel in relation to your driving position... the higher it is the easier it might be. if its fully parallel to your body if viewed from side, it might bit harder I guess.

I agree to small degree that the wheel feels a bit too hard on parking lots and i definately would like to have the ability to turn it quicker on tight spots without having to apply ANY kind of noticable force but i guess if this is the part of the package... I drove car with active steering after I bought mine and I have to say it made a lot of sense (for someone who does not go to track with the car).

I335 · 01-04-2009, 07:13 AM

Tires and tire pressure can make a noticeable difference. Wide tires make the steering tighter and vice versa. Also, make sure your tires are properly inflated. If they are low the steering will be heavier. Since you are in NY your tires may be a little low due to the cold. You may also want to try adding a few PSI more than the recommended setting - that'll help too but your ride will be a bit stiffer.

-=Hot|Ice=- · 01-04-2009, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bimmer Loyalist

Wish mine was heavier.

Please don't tell me you got Active Steering

Well Marbled · 01-04-2009, 09:45 AM

The steering is very heavy at low speeds. I've had maybe half a dozen people drive my car (including one who drives an 06 330) and the first thing every one of them says is something like "holy crap the steering is heavy". It ldoes lighten up at speed and I think its also lighter when in reverse parallel parking altho I'll take more notice of that today.

I've read that manufacturers like to add in steering effort to add a sporty feel. It works on me I guess cos I like it. Beats the hell out of the totally isolated feel of the IS350 or the CTS. They're so light it feels like you have no connection with the road. In the case of the IS you can combine that with no noise and no pedal feedback and bore yourself to sleep at the wheel.

You'll get used to it.

01-03-2009, 01:41 PM	#1
NoSurrender Private First Class 14 Rep 138 Posts Drives: E60 M5 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	Steering wheel I was wondering if theres any way I can make my steering wheel feel a little lighter. I think this applies to all the new 3-series models. The wheel is extremely heavy in comparison to other cars. I feel like Im getting trucker forearms just from driving my car lol Anyway, is there an easy way to make it smoother and lighter? -thanks
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01-03-2009, 01:49 PM	#2
bimmerbimmer M. I. A. 10 Rep 238 Posts Drives: all the girls crazy Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Location, Location iTrader: (0)	go to the gym. __________________ See you at the next red light.
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01-03-2009, 01:53 PM	#3
NoSurrender Private First Class 14 Rep 138 Posts Drives: E60 M5 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	No, Ive got the 15 inch biceps. But, driving your car shouldn't be an exercise.
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01-03-2009, 02:30 PM	#5
777ER Lieutenant 36 Rep 561 Posts Drives: 2007 328xi Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: NY iTrader: (2)	I used to road race with Camaro's and Trans Am's with LS1's and one of the mods to improve the steering fluid overheating was to put a TurnOne steering pump along with a inline steering cooler (uses engine coolant to warm up steering fluid in cold temps and cool it down under hot temps) and the pulley was seperate from the kit meaning you can change the idle pressure output via the pulley diameter. A smaller pulley would give you more PSI. __________________ -Chris 2007 Montego Blue 328xi Sedan \| Poplar trim \| Steptronic \| Cold Package \| Power front seats w/memory \| Xenon Adaptive Headlights \| PDC \| 2008 Plate LED's \| PBX \| LUX v5.2
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01-03-2009, 03:38 PM	#7
F104 Captain 19 Rep 732 Posts Drives: E92 320D M-sport Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: belgium iTrader: (0)	I've stopped going to the gym 5 years ago. But on all of my BMW's I've never seen a better (electrical assist) steering. Light for parking, nicely direct at speed - what's your problem?
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01-03-2009, 09:16 PM	#10
Neutrino45 Major 62 Rep 1,452 Posts Drives: XXX Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: milky way iTrader: (2)	Here, now stop bitching. http://www.amazon.com/Allison-Classi.../dp/B0006PSD1M
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01-03-2009, 09:48 PM	#11
NoSurrender Private First Class 14 Rep 138 Posts Drives: E60 M5 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	You dumbass, I dont need a 7 dollar toy. Forget it.
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01-03-2009, 09:57 PM	#12
balance Colonel 122 Rep 2,090 Posts Drives: F32 435i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: OC iTrader: (6) Garage List 2014 BMW [0.00]	lol i like it better __________________
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01-03-2009, 10:07 PM	#13
Mk23 Major 114 Rep 1,148 Posts Drives: 09 E92 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Central Florida iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 335i Coupe [0.00]	I used to think the steering was a bit tight (not so much that I wanted to change it though), I did get used to it over time. I'm guessing the same will happen for you, just give it some time. Sorry more people couldn't be helpful... __________________ 09 - 335i E92 / Monaco Blue
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01-03-2009, 10:40 PM	#14
beatloafer Enlisted Member 1 Rep 49 Posts Drives: '07 Alpine 335i Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0)	The steering in my wife's 328 coupe is definitely lighter than the steering effort required in my 335 sedan. So I don't think this is the case for all 3-series. I think it's a 335 thing. I like driving both, so I don't think tight steering necessarily equals better driving experience.
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01-04-2009, 02:05 AM	#16
RemovedUser Guest 0 Rep n/a Posts Drives:	I like the heavy steering, feels like it gives me a better feel of the road, and more stability at high speeds.
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01-04-2009, 04:49 AM	#17
jhbodle Captain 146 Rep 898 Posts Drives: F90 M5 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E92 335i M-Spo ... [10.00] 2005 E90 325i SE (E ... [0.00]	In the UK, all 3 Series models except the 335i get electric power steering. Is that the case in the US? If not then the hydraulic setup the 335 gets is a lot stiffer to turn, but you get more steering feel in return. __________________ F90 M5 (Marina Bay Blue, M Performance Parts) Previous: F82 M4 / F20 125d M / E92 335i M Ind / E90 325i SE / E46 318i SE / E36 316i
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01-04-2009, 04:55 AM	#18
Year's_End Lieutenant General 1138 Rep 12,444 Posts Drives: 2020 Shelby GT350 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	Wish mine was heavier. __________________ Past: '08 E92 335i\|ZPP\|ZSP\|6AT Past: '15 Mustang GT\|401A\|PP\|6MT Current: '20 Shelby GT350\|6MT
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01-04-2009, 06:44 AM	#19
Tallest Major General 1310 Rep 6,311 Posts Drives: 911 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Sweden iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 911 [10.00]	Try changing the angle of the wheel in relation to your driving position... the higher it is the easier it might be. if its fully parallel to your body if viewed from side, it might bit harder I guess. I agree to small degree that the wheel feels a bit too hard on parking lots and i definately would like to have the ability to turn it quicker on tight spots without having to apply ANY kind of noticable force but i guess if this is the part of the package... I drove car with active steering after I bought mine and I have to say it made a lot of sense (for someone who does not go to track with the car). __________________ 997.2 F30.F11.E86.E90.E90.E36
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01-04-2009, 07:13 AM	#20
I335 Brigadier General 123 Rep 4,249 Posts Drives: '08 335i Coupe Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: New England iTrader: (11)	Tires and tire pressure can make a noticeable difference. Wide tires make the steering tighter and vice versa. Also, make sure your tires are properly inflated. If they are low the steering will be heavier. Since you are in NY your tires may be a little low due to the cold. You may also want to try adding a few PSI more than the recommended setting - that'll help too but your ride will be a bit stiffer.
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01-04-2009, 09:45 AM	#22
Well Marbled And slathered in sauce. 27 Rep 438 Posts Drives: Like an escaped convict. Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Just off the information SuperHighway.I'm in the parking lot of the Strip Club w/ one of the dancers iTrader: (1)	The steering is very heavy at low speeds. I've had maybe half a dozen people drive my car (including one who drives an 06 330) and the first thing every one of them says is something like "holy crap the steering is heavy". It ldoes lighten up at speed and I think its also lighter when in reverse parallel parking altho I'll take more notice of that today. I've read that manufacturers like to add in steering effort to add a sporty feel. It works on me I guess cos I like it. Beats the hell out of the totally isolated feel of the IS350 or the CTS. They're so light it feels like you have no connection with the road. In the case of the IS you can combine that with no noise and no pedal feedback and bore yourself to sleep at the wheel. You'll get used to it.
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