[Mani28282828]

Hi guys,

Have just purchased my first f30 320d for a daily. 2012 auto with the N47 engine.
So far very happy with it apart from one question. The steering.

Not sure how it's meant to feel but almost feels very vague and sloppy. Noticed that it's almost wobbling and not right when you move the wheel when stationary.

No odd noises when in use and no suspension knocking or creaking.

Is this normal?

Thanks in advance.

(video below)

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Mani28282828

So far very happy with it apart from one question. The steering.

Not sure how it's meant to feel but almost feels very vague and sloppy. Noticed that it's almost wobbling and not right when you move the wheel when stationary.

No odd noises when in use and no suspension knocking or creaking.

Is this normal?

That does look very light and sloppy. I assume that is in Comfort mode, any different in Sport mode?

[Billfitz]

Earlier F30s had a few problems with the steering rack, so you should have it checked out.

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

Earlier F30s had a few problems with the steering rack, so you should have it checked out.

2021 is the first year of F3x production. Billfitz suggestion is very prudent as steering racks during the early production years failed and had to be replaced.

What tires does your car have? Model, number of miles, tire pressure?

[Mani28282828]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

That does look very light and sloppy. I assume that is in Comfort mode, any different in Sport mode?

That is in comfort mode. I didn't realise that the sport mode made a difference to the steering.
Will try this later today.

Could it also be the tyres Michelin Primary 4 on 205/60/r16 tyres all round.
2.2 bar front. 2.4 bar rear pressures.

I am used to low profile 19's and firm steering so maybe could just be the change to a softer daily? Just the sloppy return is what concerned me.

[Mani28282828]

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

2021 is the first year of F3x production. Billfitz suggestion is very prudent as steering racks during the early production years failed and had to be replaced.

What tires does your car have? Model, number of miles, tire pressure?

How would you assess a bad steering rack?

The sloppy return to centre point where it almost turns in the other direction so easily is what concerns me.

Tyres are Michelin Primary 4 on 205/60/r16 tyres all round.
2012 320d with q30k miles.
2.2 bar front. 2.4 bar rear pressures. No passengers.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Mani28282828

That is in comfort mode. I didn't realise that the sport mode made a difference to the steering.
Will try this later today.

Could it also be the tyres Michelin Primary 4 on 205/60/r16 tyres all round.
2.2 bar front. 2.4 bar rear pressures.

I am used to low profile 19's and firm steering so maybe could just be the change to a softer daily? Just the sloppy return is what concerned me.

The tyres will make a bit of difference.

Definitely test in Sport mode. Ensure you have 'chassis' checked, if you have the option.

Just a quick test, what's the movement and reaction like when the engine is off? Is everything much tighter? Or still feeling loose?

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by Mani28282828

How would you assess a bad steering rack?

The sloppy return to centre point where it almost turns in the other direction so easily is what concerns me.

Tyres are Michelin Primary 4 on 205/60/r16 tyres all round.
2012 320d with q30k miles.
2.2 bar front. 2.4 bar rear pressures. No passengers.

The steering rack needs to be inspected by BMW dealer or a qualified shop. There many threads about F3x steering racks being replaced. Please search.

[visionaut]

I didn’t know F30s could even fit 16” wheels. 205s seem quite narrow too..

And I agree, have that rack checked. BMW even had a repair kit available for the early racks, iirc.. related to its quite-common ‘dead center’ problem.

[lattwood]

If you have VSS you probably need this.

https://www.bimmerworld.com/Suspensi...8-F25-F26.html

[vcx]

Originally Posted by lattwood

If you have VSS you probably need this.

https://www.bimmerworld.com/Suspensi...8-F25-F26.html

How does the steering feel after that upgrade?

Is it recommend to every owner with VSS who wishes to upgrade the steering feel, or is it only needed to repair a broken VSS ?