[ottorocket]

Thank you I will keep on trying this week, I'll post the results.

[T111]

Originally Posted by ottorocket

I just bought a 328i last saturday, and I notice the steering vibration and the car pulls to the right too. Before reading this forum I went back to the dealer twice and bottom line they say that they can't do anything else to fix it. The car has been in service for the wheels rotated and balanced, also my ac makes a suction noise every time you turn it on when the car is warming up. This is my first BMW I love it but hate the fact that I have to live with this in my head, should I keep on asking the dealer to fix this? Is not the end of the world but I expected more from BMW. They have been really nice to me. Gave me some souvenirs and had a loner for a couple of days, while they were trying to fix this, they put the car in a special machine that measures the pressure on the wheels something like that. It's better but not perfect, my Toyota corolla didn't have this problem lol, I love BMW they way they drive, feel etc. what should I do?

How Aggressive is your steering vibration, explain it more please in your case please.

[ottorocket]

The vibration starts around 45 mph all the way to around 70, the faster you go I notice the less I feel the steering wheel vibration. It feels like the wheels are out of balance. Once i put my hand on steering wheel i can still feel the vibration. Obviously my hand absorbs the vibration but it should be like that. The BMW mechanic engineer when with me on a test drive and he notice the vibration, he kept on saying that it's most likely due to this new electronic steering wheel. That the car is more receptive to the road but I have ridden on a many roads even new ones and it still vibrates around the same speed, more noticeable at 50 to 60

[AutobahnDriver]

Originally Posted by justinnum1

They can't fix it. Either ask for a new car or see if they can reduce the vibration.

Accepting a (reduced) vibration bares some risks: A steady vibration will eventually have an impact on the gear mechanics - but this will take time respectively a few miles driven.

It is unlikely that the vibration will go away just like that. More likely it will become more intense.

And one day you'll try to sell your car to somebody else. Now image what impact that will have on your asking price (supposed your potential byer doesn't buzz off after the first test drive).

[T111]

Originally Posted by ottorocket

The vibration starts around 45 mph all the way to around 70, the faster you go I notice the less I feel the steering wheel vibration. It feels like the wheels are out of balance. Once i put my hand on steering wheel i can still feel the vibration. Obviously my hand absorbs the vibration but it should be like that. The BMW mechanic engineer when with me on a test drive and he notice the vibration, he kept on saying that it's most likely due to this new electronic steering wheel. That the car is more receptive to the road but I have ridden on a many roads even new ones and it still vibrates around the same speed, more noticeable at 50 to 60

I see. On mine you can't feel anything through the wheel, is only visible when you take your hands off the wheel. Even testing your wrist over the wheel eliminates the subtle back and forth shake of the wheel. Seems like cars like mine people don't really notice but the bad ones you can clearly feel it even when the wheel is gripped. How many miles do you have, did you notice from day 1?

[ottorocket]

Wow this is bigger than I thought tomorrow I will drop the car at the dealer after work, I will speak to the manager and I'll comment on it

[ottorocket]

Yes I did notice it on day one after I bought it cause when I test drive it I took it on the highway. It sucks to drive the car like this, it has 600 miles

[T111]

Originally Posted by ottorocket

Yes I did notice it on day one after I bought it cause when I test drive it I took it on the highway. It sucks to drive the car like this, it has 600 miles

It vibrates all the time between 40 and 70 right? Regardless of the road surface.

[ottorocket]

Originally Posted by T111

It vibrates all the time between 40 and 70 right? Regardless of the road surface.

Yep

[T111]

Originally Posted by ottorocket

Yep

See mine doesn't do the minute shake all the time, it's only on certain surfaces. Talk to your GM if you want to pursue options.

[JoeyO]

Dear BMW senior management,

I'm putting off my purchase of a BMW because of these vibration steering wheel problems. I know you don't read these forums, but in the rare chance that you do, please take note. I ain't buying the damn thing until you fix it. Sure some cars are vibration free, but I don't want to take a gamble with my hard earned money. If I want to risk my money I'd go to Vegas.

I encourage the word about these vibrations to get out among everyone. I know I will inform my friends and family. They usually come to me for auto purchases because I'm considered the car guy that reads up on auto forums/websites.

[kirklander]

NEW BMW F-30 POTENTIAL BUYERS READ :

1-) There is also a suction noise problem when you turn on the AC. As one mentioned, it is also an ugly noise, and it stays with the car with no fix since except for one guy, no one mentions it and brings it to BMW's attention. You will hear this extra ugly suction noise every time when you start your engine and turn on the AC. This is BMW design.

2-) 335i with Variable Sport Steering also has the vibration problem. I know it from first hand. Please don't think ordering a 335i with VSS is your magic silver bullet.

3-) For those of you settling down for little vibration. Please consider what this vibration is going to cost you when you make 30K, 60L mileage. It is going to make other parts wear down earlier also.

4-) As one mentioned, it may be good that this vibration issue catches national presses's attention.

At this point, buying a F-30 is a gamble. If these issues are fixed though, it is an extremely nice car.

[ottorocket]

Does anyone knows if the 2013 f30s have the same issues? The ac suction noise and the vibration on the steering wheel.

[SGScuba]

For what it's worth, my 328i doesn't have the vibration, at least not in the first 2,000+ km I've put on it (not much I know, but I've been out of town on business trips quite a bit lately). It has 18" wheels (changed the RFT to Micheline PSS), no Variable Steering. Mine was made in South Africa - dunno if that makes any difference.

[justinnum1]

Originally Posted by SGScuba

For what it's worth, my 328i doesn't have the vibration, at least not in the first 2,000+ km I've put on it (not much I know, but I've been out of town on business trips quite a bit lately). It has 18" wheels (changed the RFT to Micheline PSS), no Variable Steering. Mine was made in South Africa - dunno if that makes any difference.

probably not. the problem is on the zf steering box

[T111]

Originally Posted by SGScuba

For what it's worth, my 328i doesn't have the vibration, at least not in the first 2,000+ km I've put on it (not much I know, but I've been out of town on business trips quite a bit lately). It has 18" wheels (changed the RFT to Micheline PSS), no Variable Steering. Mine was made in South Africa - dunno if that makes any difference.

When you take your hands off the wheel at 40-60 there is no visual vibration/shaking at all?

[JoeyO]

Originally Posted by justinnum1

probably not. the problem is on the zf steering box

I thought all recent 3 series had ZF steering boxes?

[justinnum1]

Originally Posted by JoeyO

I thought all recent 3 series had ZF steering boxes?

they do....

[enriquepetru]

Unfortunately , since F30 2012, was the first generation of this new plataform, there are several little and annoying defects which BMW must improved for 2013 + models.

For the steering wheel vibration, thankfully mine doesnt have that problem, probably because of the wheels: CONTINENTAL, contisport SR, 225/45/18, however i am waiting for some 20" wheels matte black + HR suport sport springs, i will upload some pics once available.

i think all people that owns an F30 2012, has complains and some dissapointed points we didnt expect when we go to delearship and bought it, anyways we will always be lovers and big fans of bimmers dont you think!??

[SmoothSteeringHopeful]

Originally Posted by enriquepetru

i think all people that owns an F30 2012, has complains and some dissapointed points we didnt expect when we go to delearship and bought it, anyways we will always be lovers and big fans of bimmers dont you think!??

Yes I think overall most of us still love BMWs. Though it was quite difficult for me as this was my first new car purchase, and while signing paperwork I was told it would be fixed. Now when I walk into my dealership all the managers avoid me, and no one wants to deal with me! Granted I lit a couple of them up within a week of the purchase.

Another update:

Picked out the car I want. I was told it is easier to pick one on the lot rather than order one, and I'm quite alright with my choice. I'll know within the next couple days of the final results of my dilema.

[senmurv76]

First time poster .. Purchased a 320i in September and low and behold the steering wheel vibrates most noticeably at around 80-90 km/h. Also wind noise at 100 km/h. As I type this it is at the dealer is looking at my car.

[NISFAN]

Reading the ZF steering blurb.....it mentions that due to the design, the new steering racks can be solidly mounted to the chassis, eliminating any play, and giving a more solid steering feel.

I can't help but wonder whether this internal isolation of road NVH is just not quite as good as a soft mounted rack.

Would be a shame if BMW had to go back to rubber mounts on the rack....would kill steering feel.