Steering very heavy and turning by itself

tl9015 · 01-13-2009, 02:06 AM

So, I checked the tire pressures and they are ok. But still, the steering is "very heavily" takes a lot of effort to move compared to my Acura MDX. Also, when I am slowing down putting pressure on the breaks, the steering wheel will suddenly turn to the left and right if I don't grip the wheel tightly. What's going on here?

E90330iS · 01-13-2009, 02:08 AM

check the steering fluid

tl9015 · 01-13-2009, 02:19 AM

I plan to get the steering fluid and alignment checked with hopefully an appointment this week. Do you know if these two problems are the cause, is it covered under warranty?

E90330iS · 01-13-2009, 02:32 AM

steering fluid would be under warranty, probably not the alignment. for the shuddering under breaking, tell the dealer to check the brake rotors/pads. i know they could cause vibration if they are not installed correctly or worn.

GMWNashville · 01-13-2009, 07:06 AM

sounds like uneven tire wear/alignment issue

Well Marbled · 01-13-2009, 08:43 AM

Not to be a wise ass but.....

....have you considered that it might just be steering feedback?

Seriously, on the first part I can tell you that not only does your car's steering take
a lot more effort than any Acura product, it takes more effort than a '68 Chevelle SS.
This car lets you feel whats happening with the road. It has HEAVY steering. Period.
But I'll assume you noticed that on the test drive.

With regards to darting left and right, what are the road conditions like? If thats on a smooth flat road, you may have an issue. If it's not, well then, my next question would be: Exactly how much darting are we talking about?

You have to bear in mind that you are comparing a German sports car with a Japanese 7 passenger SUV. They're not going to feel anywhere near the same, and if they did none of us would be here.

Aurora Bearialis · 01-13-2009, 08:52 AM

^ Wise ass lol jk

To be honest OP. Marbled is right we can't really tell since it's something that different to other people. Some guy on here a while back was like the 3 series steering is like working out.

Just take it in and see what they say. On my E46 I had my power steering go out on me, so when people say the steering is heavy and they still have power steering, they don't know what heavy steering is. It did sound like you might have had a flat cause when you have a flat and stop the car tends to lean toward the way of the flat, but you said tires were okay. Like others said check the alignment and check to the fluid and rotors. Just check the whole damn thing lol. Good Luck with your problem keep us posted as to what happened when go get it checked out.

blue2fire · 01-13-2009, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tl9015

So, I checked the tire pressures and they are ok. But still, the steering is "very heavily" takes a lot of effort to move compared to my Acura MDX. Also, when I am slowing down putting pressure on the breaks, the steering wheel will suddenly turn to the left and right if I don't grip the wheel tightly. What's going on here?

Dont compare it to ANY Acura, i used to drive the RL before the 330i and it is extremely heavy compared to it. My mother never drives the BMW because she just cannot cope with that steering.

BTW: Has anybody driven a new avalon here, the steering is so light that all it
takes is one finger. Hated every moment in it.

blue2fire · 01-13-2009, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rameal999

^ Wise ass lol jk

To be honest OP. Marbled is right we can't really tell since it's something that different to other people. Some guy on here a while back was like the 3 series steering is like working out.

Just take it in and see what they say. On my E46 I had my power steering go out on me, so when people say the steering is heavy and they still have power steering, they don't know what heavy steering is. It did sound like you might have had a flat cause when you have a flat and stop the car tends to lean toward the way of the flat, but you said tires were okay. Like others said check the alignment and check to the fluid and rotors. Just check the whole damn thing lol. Good Luck with your problem keep us posted as to what happened when go get it checked out.

Couldnt have said it better myself. It is like working out. My problem is that this is the only BMW we own and driving it after a spell in the TL or the RL makes me feel like there is something seriously wrong with me or the car. It is trying to turn the car while stationary that is a revelation.

Then again, nobody gets a Three series for it's Senior Citizen friendlyness or the gruff and unrefined nature of the straight six. You forget all of that once you find a twisty road and turn the wheel

.

Asclepius · 01-13-2009, 05:44 PM

Maybe Im the only one that felt this as well, but only with my stock runflats. I drove the car brand new for the first time with winters already mounted (no steering issue). Put on my runflats in the spring (big time steering issue); thought the same as the OP. Bought performance summer tires in the summer (steering issue disapeared). Long story short....RUNFLATS SUCK BALLS!

tl9015 · 01-14-2009, 02:08 AM

if the RFT's are flat, how far can you before having being forced to replace them?

noro · 01-14-2009, 07:58 AM

You may have a stuck caliper.

s78 · 03-12-2009, 06:57 PM

I'm jumping back and forth between our 2008 Accord and 2008 328i all the time, and the high effort in the 328i is annoying. Tire pressures were set by the dealer recently when the TPMS started getting weird, so I assume they are correct.

methodtim · 03-12-2009, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s78

I'm jumping back and forth between our 2008 Accord and 2008 328i all the time, and the high effort in the 328i is annoying. Tire pressures were set by the dealer recently when the TPMS started getting weird, so I assume they are correct.

Really? I love the tighter steering. I jump back and forth between my Honda and 335i and the Honda feels like a bus or one of these:

rbehniwal · 03-12-2009, 07:10 PM

I had the same thing when I first got my car, but I soon realized that the heavy steering is normal. The steering response is great in the BMW compared to other cars like my parents Lexus on which the steering wheel feels way too light now.

GregL · 03-12-2009, 07:18 PM

OP is your car AWD? I find that all things being equal, a BMW with xDrive has heavier steering than one without. I find that mine sometimes takes 2 hands to turn the wheel quickly enough depending on the speed, it's not something that can be easily palmed.

carve · 03-12-2009, 07:36 PM

This isn't a buick...or even a Honda. My 335 is all over the place on crappy roads compared to my Accord. It's called "steering feedback" and "road feel". Not the best for cruising, but essential for performance driving. Please don't complain about it, or else BMW will try to become Lexus. You might be happier with one of those. The IS350is a pretty nice car. Check it out. I'll stick with the 335.

Slikpak · 03-12-2009, 07:45 PM

just to mention i have an acura mdx as well and its steering wheel drives me crazy cause i think its WAAYYYY to light....i normally dont know if im turning or not gives no feed back from the road.....

valeram · 03-12-2009, 09:50 PM

Try the Honda Civic. It feels like playing the Gran Turismo. The BMW steering response and feedbacks are the things that separate it from the rest. That makes it a BMW.

s78 · 03-13-2009, 11:04 AM

In my Accord / 328i comparision I should clarify I'm talking about *parking lot* speeds, say 5 mph or so. I don't do a lot of performance driving at 5 mph. At normal road speeds it's all good. My guess, and it's just that - a guess, is that our beloved Germans make the steering heavy at low speeds to create the perception of good steering feedback (ducks for flame evasion). Which is not necessary, because the steering feedback is good where it's important... on the road.

01-13-2009, 02:06 AM	#1
tl9015 Private First Class 34 Rep 179 Posts Drives: e90 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Steering very heavy and turning by itself So, I checked the tire pressures and they are ok. But still, the steering is "very heavily" takes a lot of effort to move compared to my Acura MDX. Also, when I am slowing down putting pressure on the breaks, the steering wheel will suddenly turn to the left and right if I don't grip the wheel tightly. What's going on here?
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01-13-2009, 02:08 AM	#2
E90330iS Major General 143 Rep 6,333 Posts Drives: BMW M4 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Arcadia, California iTrader: (56) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	check the steering fluid __________________ 2017 BMW M4 DCT Lease Transfer: https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...8#post23736398
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01-13-2009, 02:19 AM	#3
tl9015 Private First Class 34 Rep 179 Posts Drives: e90 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	I plan to get the steering fluid and alignment checked with hopefully an appointment this week. Do you know if these two problems are the cause, is it covered under warranty?
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01-13-2009, 02:32 AM	#4
E90330iS Major General 143 Rep 6,333 Posts Drives: BMW M4 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Arcadia, California iTrader: (56) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	steering fluid would be under warranty, probably not the alignment. for the shuddering under breaking, tell the dealer to check the brake rotors/pads. i know they could cause vibration if they are not installed correctly or worn. __________________ 2017 BMW M4 DCT Lease Transfer: https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...8#post23736398
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01-13-2009, 07:06 AM	#5
GMWNashville Colonel 172 Rep 2,373 Posts Drives: 19 G05, 16 F80, 10 E70x5D Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Nashville, TN iTrader: (2)	sounds like uneven tire wear/alignment issue
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01-13-2009, 08:43 AM	#6
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)	Not to be a wise ass but..... ....have you considered that it might just be steering feedback? Seriously, on the first part I can tell you that not only does your car's steering take a lot more effort than any Acura product, it takes more effort than a '68 Chevelle SS. This car lets you feel whats happening with the road. It has HEAVY steering. Period. But I'll assume you noticed that on the test drive. With regards to darting left and right, what are the road conditions like? If thats on a smooth flat road, you may have an issue. If it's not, well then, my next question would be: Exactly how much darting are we talking about? You have to bear in mind that you are comparing a German sports car with a Japanese 7 passenger SUV. They're not going to feel anywhere near the same, and if they did none of us would be here.
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01-13-2009, 08:52 AM	#7
Aurora Bearialis ¡Barça! 168 Rep 12,042 Posts Drives: Rainbow Sandals Join Date: May 2008 Location: Ohio iTrader: (5) Garage List 2008 E92 335i [0.00]	^ Wise ass lol jk To be honest OP. Marbled is right we can't really tell since it's something that different to other people. Some guy on here a while back was like the 3 series steering is like working out. Just take it in and see what they say. On my E46 I had my power steering go out on me, so when people say the steering is heavy and they still have power steering, they don't know what heavy steering is. It did sound like you might have had a flat cause when you have a flat and stop the car tends to lean toward the way of the flat, but you said tires were okay. Like others said check the alignment and check to the fluid and rotors. Just check the whole damn thing lol. Good Luck with your problem keep us posted as to what happened when go get it checked out. __________________ Tate's chicken sucks!
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01-13-2009, 05:44 PM	#10
Asclepius Lieutenant Colonel 83 Rep 1,861 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 335i Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Toronto iTrader: (5) Garage List 2008 E92 335i [10.00]	Maybe Im the only one that felt this as well, but only with my stock runflats. I drove the car brand new for the first time with winters already mounted (no steering issue). Put on my runflats in the spring (big time steering issue); thought the same as the OP. Bought performance summer tires in the summer (steering issue disapeared). Long story short....RUNFLATS SUCK BALLS!
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01-14-2009, 02:08 AM	#11
tl9015 Private First Class 34 Rep 179 Posts Drives: e90 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	if the RFT's are flat, how far can you before having being forced to replace them?
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01-14-2009, 07:58 AM	#12
noro Colonel 90 Rep 2,707 Posts Drives: '91 M3, '04 E46 ZHP, '72 2002 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	You may have a stuck caliper. __________________ zhpregistry.net - ZHP stats and free classifieds.
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03-12-2009, 06:57 PM	#13
s78 New Member 1 Rep 17 Posts Drives: 2011 335is Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: LA iTrader: (0)	I'm jumping back and forth between our 2008 Accord and 2008 328i all the time, and the high effort in the 328i is annoying. Tire pressures were set by the dealer recently when the TPMS started getting weird, so I assume they are correct.
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03-12-2009, 07:10 PM	#15
rbehniwal Private 3 Rep 82 Posts Drives: 2018 M4 ZCP, 2015 x5 50i Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Wenatchee, WA iTrader: (1) Garage List [0.00]	I had the same thing when I first got my car, but I soon realized that the heavy steering is normal. The steering response is great in the BMW compared to other cars like my parents Lexus on which the steering wheel feels way too light now.
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03-12-2009, 07:18 PM	#16
GregL Brigadier General 98 Rep 3,618 Posts Drives: 2016 CLA45 AMG Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: GTA iTrader: (4)	OP is your car AWD? I find that all things being equal, a BMW with xDrive has heavier steering than one without. I find that mine sometimes takes 2 hands to turn the wheel quickly enough depending on the speed, it's not something that can be easily palmed. __________________ 2016 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 2013 Mercedes-Benz B250 - Gone 2010 Mercedes-Benz C350 4Matic - Gone 2006 BMW 330xi - Gone 2001 Infiniti QX4 - Gone
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03-12-2009, 07:36 PM	#17
carve Major 177 Rep 1,105 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: usa iTrader: (0)	This isn't a buick...or even a Honda. My 335 is all over the place on crappy roads compared to my Accord. It's called "steering feedback" and "road feel". Not the best for cruising, but essential for performance driving. Please don't complain about it, or else BMW will try to become Lexus. You might be happier with one of those. The IS350is a pretty nice car. Check it out. I'll stick with the 335.
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03-12-2009, 07:45 PM	#18
Slikpak Learning Member 15 Rep 260 Posts Drives: 12' E93 M3 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Irvine, Ca iTrader: (0)	just to mention i have an acura mdx as well and its steering wheel drives me crazy cause i think its WAAYYYY to light....i normally dont know if im turning or not gives no feed back from the road.....
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03-12-2009, 09:50 PM	#19
valeram Major 37 Rep 1,413 Posts Drives: 992 TTS, 991.2 GT3 T, F80 M3 C Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Dublin, OH iTrader: (0)	Try the Honda Civic. It feels like playing the Gran Turismo. The BMW steering response and feedbacks are the things that separate it from the rest. That makes it a BMW.
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03-13-2009, 11:04 AM	#20
s78 New Member 1 Rep 17 Posts Drives: 2011 335is Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: LA iTrader: (0)	In my Accord / 328i comparision I should clarify I'm talking about parking lot speeds, say 5 mph or so. I don't do a lot of performance driving at 5 mph. At normal road speeds it's all good. My guess, and it's just that - a guess, is that our beloved Germans make the steering heavy at low speeds to create the perception of good steering feedback (ducks for flame evasion). Which is not necessary, because the steering feedback is good where it's important... on the road.
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