Anyone else find themselves (in a 328i) swerving around in their lanes a bit? - BMW 3-Series Forum (F30 / F32)

mfear · 04-24-2012, 01:06 PM

The steering in eco pro/comfort is so loose, that I find myself swerving a bit because the steering wheel is SO susceptible to movement..

am I the only one? my wife even said to me, "when i was driving to work this morning, it must have looked like i was drunk because i kept having to bring myself back to the middle of the lane.." it's not an issue when the steering is heavier (in sport mode).

stampchez · 04-24-2012, 01:30 PM

I know someone with a 535 that had a lot of wandering with its electric steering until they found a fix.

mfear · 04-24-2012, 01:41 PM

oh maybe that's what it is. firmware fix from bmw, i assume?

Feanor · 04-24-2012, 02:03 PM

In all seriousness I do think it's worth talking to the dealer about this. These cars are designed to be stable on the German Autobahns at over 130mph so if you're struggling to keep it on a straight line at US freeway speeds that doesn't sound right at all.

svache · 04-24-2012, 02:27 PM

I don't have any problems with staying straight in my 328i at all, although I did notice that with increased winds it is very sensitive at the front wheels. The only times I may actually swerve over the road a bit is when my 2.5 year old is giving me issues and makes me turn around while driving :S

mfear · 04-24-2012, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Feanor

In all seriousness I do think it's worth talking to the dealer about this. These cars are designed to be stable on the German Autobahns at over 130mph so if you're struggling to keep it on a straight line at US freeway speeds that doesn't sound right at all.

maybe when trying to fix the vibration, they loosened things up?

mfear · 04-24-2012, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svache

I don't have any problems with staying straight in my 328i at all, although I did notice that with increased winds it is very sensitive at the front wheels. The only times I may actually swerve over the road a bit is when my 2.5 year old is giving me issues and makes me turn around while driving :S

maybe that's what it is.. it's been windy lately.. it's not really a problem in our other cars.. maybe the f30 is just more susceptible :dunno:

PrinceBarin · 04-24-2012, 02:45 PM

But seriously, that doesn't sound right. Good luck.

TEAShea · 04-25-2012, 09:10 AM

I never use the EcoPro setting - never.

KneeDragr · 04-25-2012, 09:15 AM

The low rolling resistance tires are partly to blame. The tread design has the effect of reducing toe-in. If you look on tire rack, its a common complaint with low rolling resistance tires.

DrivenByE30 · 04-25-2012, 02:01 PM

I had no issue at all in either Comfort or Eco mode...

I practically did not use the Sport mode in my +3,000 miles journey

And coming from an aging E36 328i, i didn't even see the difference in steering
despite the electric systems on the F30 335i...

I just love this car now

I hope you can sort your findings asap... check again..

BMWFB02 · 04-25-2012, 06:02 PM

I noticed the same thing if it's windy out otherwise rock stable

Sephanite · 04-26-2012, 05:41 AM

welcome to runflats boys!

gaz26 · 04-26-2012, 10:09 AM

Have the same issue on my 5 series. Welcome to electric steering. Lots on the 5 series forum re steering issues. BMW seems to have a particular problem with its electric steering on some models Maybe they are trying to be too clever with so many different software settings. I am about to swap my 5 series and the biggest concern I have is finding a model with the right steering/ wheel combo so that I feel I am in control.

mfear · 04-26-2012, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gaz26

Have the same issue on my 5 series. Welcome to electric steering. Lots on the 5 series forum re steering issues. BMW seems to have a particular problem with its electric steering on some models Maybe they are trying to be too clever with so many different software settings. I am about to swap my 5 series and the biggest concern I have is finding a model with the right steering/ wheel combo so that I feel I am in control.

e92/93 335

eisenb11 · 04-26-2012, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sephanite

welcome to runflats boys!

My prior E93 328i had runflats and no problems staying within it's lane.

mfear · 04-26-2012, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eisenb11

My prior E93 328i had runflats and no problems staying within it's lane.

ya. My e93 335 was solid.

Elk · 04-27-2012, 07:20 AM

It may be worth checking the alignment. If the toe-in is incorrect the car could give feel uncentered.

(Aggressive alignment specs, such as for the Corvette Z06, actually have toe-out. This provides for a very quick turning response, but makes many drivers a little uncomfortable.)

Does anyone know all of the alignment specs (front and rear) for the F30?

Alpine F31 · 04-27-2012, 09:10 PM

I don't own an F30 but I test drove two today and I felt exactly what you are describing but only in ECO Pro mode. When I get my F31, I will never use ECO Pro! (probably...

)

gianlifts · 04-27-2012, 09:15 PM

YES. driving in eco sucks so much. I don't even like driving in comfort, don't feel like I have that much control of the car

SCBimmerKid · 04-27-2012, 09:37 PM

I use Eco Pro all the time. I actually wish that I could have it kept in that mode when I start the car. I know I know, sacrilege! BUT, it does have it's advantages, like allowing me to save enough money in gas in everyday driving to justify putting it in Sport + and tearing it up without feeling guilty!

04-24-2012, 01:06 PM	#1
mfear South Florida Elite Drives: E93 335i - Crimson Red/Black Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL Posts: 257 iTrader: (0)	Anyone else find themselves (in a 328i) swerving around in their lanes a bit? The steering in eco pro/comfort is so loose, that I find myself swerving a bit because the steering wheel is SO susceptible to movement.. am I the only one? my wife even said to me, "when i was driving to work this morning, it must have looked like i was drunk because i kept having to bring myself back to the middle of the lane.." it's not an issue when the steering is heavier (in sport mode). __________________ [2007 E93 335i 6AT \| Crimson Red/Black Dakota \| Premium \| Sport \| Heated Seats \| iPod/USB \| JB+ \| 15% Tint \| AngeliBright LED Halos]
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04-24-2012, 01:41 PM	#3
mfear South Florida Elite Drives: E93 335i - Crimson Red/Black Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL Posts: 257 iTrader: (0)	oh maybe that's what it is. firmware fix from bmw, i assume? __________________ [2007 E93 335i 6AT \| Crimson Red/Black Dakota \| Premium \| Sport \| Heated Seats \| iPod/USB \| JB+ \| 15% Tint \| AngeliBright LED Halos]

04-24-2012, 02:27 PM	#5
svache Lieutenant Colonel Drives: 2012 F30 328i Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Hawaii Posts: 1,886 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW F30 328i [2.87] 2009 BMW X5 xDrive30i [0.00] 2004 BMW M3 SMG [4.33]	I don't have any problems with staying straight in my 328i at all, although I did notice that with increased winds it is very sensitive at the front wheels. The only times I may actually swerve over the road a bit is when my 2.5 year old is giving me issues and makes me turn around while driving :S __________________ F30 328i Luxury w/ Mojave metallic, beige interior (timeline) Note: Many PM me for links to the software needed to code. Please note that I do not have download links to this software. Your best bet is using the search function in the coding thread

04-24-2012, 02:45 PM	#8
PrinceBarin Lieutenant Drives: F30 320d Mineral Grey Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Birmingham, UK Posts: 560 iTrader: (0)	But seriously, that doesn't sound right. Good luck. __________________ F30 320d luxury auto, mineral grey. Black leather, sports seats + electric memory + lumbar + heated, xenons + headlight wash, premium sound (Harmon Kardon), pdc f+r, folding mirrors, auto dim rear mirror etc, sliding armrest, rear blinds, anthracite headlining.

04-25-2012, 02:01 PM	#11
DrivenByE30 Colonel Drives: '12 F30 Lux 335i 6MT Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: OC - SoCal Posts: 2,174 iTrader: (0)	I had no issue at all in either Comfort or Eco mode... I practically did not use the Sport mode in my +3,000 miles journey And coming from an aging E36 328i, i didn't even see the difference in steering despite the electric systems on the F30 335i... I just love this car now I hope you can sort your findings asap... check again.. __________________ all 3 are MT > F30 Luxury 335i 6MT- The dream driven... _..._4/12/12 ED trip MASSIVE photo thread here <<<

04-24-2012, 01:30 PM	#2
stampchez Captain Drives: 2012 335i Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 617 iTrader: (0)	I know someone with a 535 that had a lot of wandering with its electric steering until they found a fix.

04-24-2012, 02:03 PM	#4
Feanor Second Lieutenant Drives: BMW Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 294 iTrader: (0)	In all seriousness I do think it's worth talking to the dealer about this. These cars are designed to be stable on the German Autobahns at over 130mph so if you're struggling to keep it on a straight line at US freeway speeds that doesn't sound right at all.

04-25-2012, 09:10 AM	#9
TEAShea Private First Class Drives: 2012 328i Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Nebraska Posts: 179 iTrader: (0)	I never use the EcoPro setting - never.

04-25-2012, 09:15 AM	#10
KneeDragr Second Lieutenant Drives: No BMW's Yet - Hopefully Soon Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Arlington VA Posts: 212 iTrader: (0)	The low rolling resistance tires are partly to blame. The tread design has the effect of reducing toe-in. If you look on tire rack, its a common complaint with low rolling resistance tires.

04-25-2012, 06:02 PM	#12
BMWFB02 Major Drives: 2013 ///M3 E92 DCT ZCP Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: The greatest country in the world Posts: 621 iTrader: (0)	I noticed the same thing if it's windy out otherwise rock stable __________________

04-26-2012, 05:41 AM	#13
Sephanite First Lieutenant Drives: BMW Z4 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Melbourne Posts: 319 iTrader: (0)	welcome to runflats boys!

04-26-2012, 10:09 AM	#14
gaz26 Second Lieutenant Drives: Z4 sdrive35, X3, 1M Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: .UK Posts: 200 iTrader: (0)	Have the same issue on my 5 series. Welcome to electric steering. Lots on the 5 series forum re steering issues. BMW seems to have a particular problem with its electric steering on some models Maybe they are trying to be too clever with so many different software settings. I am about to swap my 5 series and the biggest concern I have is finding a model with the right steering/ wheel combo so that I feel I am in control.

04-27-2012, 07:20 AM	#18
Elk Captain Drives: 2012 335i Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: * Posts: 894 iTrader: (0)	It may be worth checking the alignment. If the toe-in is incorrect the car could give feel uncentered. (Aggressive alignment specs, such as for the Corvette Z06, actually have toe-out. This provides for a very quick turning response, but makes many drivers a little uncomfortable.) Does anyone know all of the alignment specs (front and rear) for the F30?

04-27-2012, 09:10 PM	#19
Alpine F31 Major Drives: 2013 328i M Sport Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Sherman Oaks, CA Posts: 1,061 iTrader: (1)	I don't own an F30 but I test drove two today and I felt exactly what you are describing but only in ECO Pro mode. When I get my F31, I will never use ECO Pro! (probably... )

04-27-2012, 09:15 PM	#20
gianlifts Private First Class Drives: AW F30 328i Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: South Florida Posts: 100 iTrader: (0)	YES. driving in eco sucks so much. I don't even like driving in comfort, don't feel like I have that much control of the car

04-27-2012, 09:37 PM	#21
SCBimmerKid Lieutenant Drives: Mineral Grey F30 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Hilton Head, SC Posts: 581 iTrader: (0)	I use Eco Pro all the time. I actually wish that I could have it kept in that mode when I start the car. I know I know, sacrilege! BUT, it does have it's advantages, like allowing me to save enough money in gas in everyday driving to justify putting it in Sport + and tearing it up without feeling guilty! __________________ NO LONGER ON ORDER *'12 328i* Mineral Grey Metallic w/black leather/aluminum&black gloss trim/ZSL/ZPP/Xenons

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