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      10-27-2012, 06:54 PM   #1
justinnum1
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Steering column observation

So, as many of you are aware i exchanged my 2012 328i for a 2013 335i due to the steering wheel vibration in the 328i.

As i was getting the new can today something stuck out to me immediately. When i went to adjust the steering wheel height i felt a piece of foam padding between the steering column and the car. Something that wasn't there on the 2012 model. My first guess was they did to this eliminate any vibrations???

So, a few questions.

2012 owners, do you have this foam piece?

2013 owners, do you have this foam piece and what was your build month?

Here is a picture of what im talking about. First pic is the foam piece, second pic gives an idea of the location

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      10-27-2012, 07:43 PM   #2
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Seriously? If the foam doesn't work, I have a spare jar or play-doh BMW AG can try.

How's the new ride?
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      10-28-2012, 01:02 AM   #3
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My 2012 328i has this foam, but it's black, not gray.
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      10-28-2012, 01:09 AM   #4
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Yes, my car the foam and no, I have not as yet experienced any vibrations. It may be a point to note that my car was built in South Africa. I do not know if any SA cars have the vibration.

Congratulation on your upgrade. Hope it's vibration free. It will be interesting to read about your 328/335 comparison, I trust you will post in due course.
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      10-28-2012, 01:29 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by justinnum1 View Post
So, as many of you are aware i exchanged my 2012 328i for a 2013 335i due to the steering wheel vibration in the 328i.

As i was getting the new can today something stuck out to me immediately. When i went to adjust the steering wheel height i felt a piece of foam padding between the steering column and the car. Something that wasn't there on the 2012 model. My first guess was they did to this eliminate any vibrations???

So, a few questions.

2012 owners, do you have this foam piece?

2013 owners, do you have this foam piece and what was your build month?
Hey, congrats on getting the new 335i!
I'm sure you're you'll love it, especially with the M sport exhaust, sweet.

I haven't even looked under the steering to see that piece, but I will look at it tomorrow.
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      10-28-2012, 01:32 AM   #6
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I don't have an F30 yet, but if I get one, I'll take a look.
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      10-28-2012, 09:41 AM   #7
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I've got a 2013 328i and the foam is there. No sign of vibrations yet. Build month was Sept.
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      10-28-2012, 09:44 AM   #8
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The foam is on the column itself. The column doesn't vibrate; the wheel does, so I don't think it has anything to do with the vibration issue.

I assume the foam is there for sound deadening.
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      10-28-2012, 12:40 PM   #9
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I have the foam piece in my 2012 335i, I noticed it right away when I first adjusted the wheel. Wasn't sure if it was supposed to be there but left it alone. I don't have a severe case of the vibration issue, but I do notice it between 30-60 mph. Don't think the foam has anything to do with the vibration issue, probably sound deadening as mentioned before.
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      10-28-2012, 01:42 PM   #10
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Justin

Based on those pics, that foam exudes a level of cheesyness I wouldn't think could ever be displayed by BMW. Does it look that bad in person?
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      10-28-2012, 01:55 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by claykin
Justin

Based on those pics, that foam exudes a level of cheesyness I wouldn't think could ever be displayed by BMW. Does it look that bad in person?
Not really. You don't see it unless you get real low. I thought it was some shipping material lol
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      10-28-2012, 02:30 PM   #12
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I have the foam. Mine was built in the Fatherland. It's black like the interior. Perhaps there to minimize a draft?
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      10-29-2012, 02:16 AM   #13
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I have it on my 2012
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      10-29-2012, 06:47 AM   #14
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Also noticed/felt it the first time I adjusted the steering wheel on my F31
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      10-29-2012, 10:33 AM   #15
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my 335i with heated steering does have it, but it's MUCH darker than yours. Unsure where to find build date. Off that I didn't notice it...
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      11-16-2012, 02:07 PM   #16
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Does the X1 2012 have the same foam situation

I haven't been able to find any pictures for the X1 showing this and can't get BMW to confirm.

I recently picked up my X1 2012 from the dealership and found the same foam under the steering column. Frankly, it looks like it's unfinished and missing some trim. Is this all that's supposed to be there and won't it deteriorate over time?
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      11-16-2012, 05:23 PM   #17
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It's simply there so you don't have a giant gaping hole under the column when you raise the wheel. It has ZERO to do with vibrations of the wheel.
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      11-16-2012, 05:41 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BavarianFanatic View Post
It's simply there so you don't have a giant gaping hole under the column when you raise the wheel. It has ZERO to do with vibrations of the wheel.
why wasnt it there on 2012 cars?
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      11-16-2012, 05:42 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by justinnum1 View Post

2012 owners, do you have this foam piece?

2013 owners, do you have this foam piece and what was your build month?
Wait. So this isn't a sleep mask?

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      11-16-2012, 05:55 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by justinnum1 View Post
So, as many of you are aware i exchanged my 2012 328i for a 2013 335i due to the steering wheel vibration in the 328i.

As i was getting the new can today something stuck out to me immediately. When i went to adjust the steering wheel height i felt a piece of foam padding between the steering column and the car. Something that wasn't there on the 2012 model. My first guess was they did to this eliminate any vibrations???

So, a few questions.

2012 owners, do you have this foam piece?

2013 owners, do you have this foam piece and what was your build month?

Here is a picture of what im talking about. First pic is the foam piece, second pic gives an idea of the location

i have got the foam on my 2012 328i and I have posted a thread earlier on squeaking noise, come to think about it i think its the foam that squeaks
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      11-16-2012, 05:56 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by justinnum1 View Post
why wasnt it there on 2012 cars?
I have a 2012 June build and have the foam, although I did have to bend down and specifically look for it.
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      11-16-2012, 06:12 PM   #22
justinnum1
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Quote:
Originally Posted by zeezz View Post
I have a 2012 June build and have the foam, although I did have to bend down and specifically look for it.
hmm..wasn't on my 2012 328
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