[wlm50]

The lack of steering feel with modern BMWs has been discussed often. I'm having an issue beyond the lack of feel. With 18" staggered Michelin PSS tires (Track Handling Package and Adaptive Suspension), there is a sticky on center feel, and sometimes there also seems to be a "catch" in the steering when turning. It's very disconcerting. Until recently, I just figured that's the way the steering is on the modern BMWs (this is my first since the cars had hydraulic steering, although I've had a a 1977 320i, 1987 535is, 2000 540i, and a 2009 135i).

This month I put on a square set of 18" snow tires - Michelin xIce. Suddenly, the stickiness of the steering went away. It still has very little feel - kind of "joy stick" like. But there's not on-center problem and no issue when turning.

Anyone else experience this? I'm assuming, but don't know for sure, that it's something about the sensitivity of the adaptive suspension. If you have had this issue, have you found a way to solve it? I've been thinking of moving to 19" wheels for summer and getting Michelin PS4 tires. But I don't want to invest if I'm going to have the same issue as with the 18" PSS tires. I'd rather have tires that handle less well but have better steering.

Thanks for any input.

[FaRKle!]

Your first symptoms with the PSS tires sounded like it could be too much toe to me. Not sure why that would change with different tires though.

[wlm50]

I'm wondering if the steering algorithm is set up for higher profile tires. Anyone with adaptive suspension who has low profile tires want to weigh in with your experience?

[wlm50]

Any other thoughts on this topic? Thanks.

[cfm56d7b]

Snow tires are made of softer compound by design. So handling and on center feel can change as a result. Some drivers notice it but most don't.

[wlm50]

Yes, I agree. I have to say that I am enjoying the steering feel with the winter tires. But I want the handling in the summer of the other performance tires. I talked to the local dealer about it, and they didn't have much insight. I suspect that the car is designed for tires other than the staggered Michelin high performance PS4s. When I switch back to them in the spring, if I once again run into the poor steering performance, then I'll take it to the dealer to have them drive it. I paid extra for the track handling package, and it should not be performing this way. In the meantime, I'm going to hold off buying 19" rims and tires until I get this figured out.