Steering column observation - BMW 3-Series Forum (F30 / F32)

justinnum1 · 10-27-2012, 06:54 PM

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

claykin · 10-27-2012, 07:43 PM

Seriously? If the foam doesn't work, I have a spare jar or play-doh BMW AG can try.

How's the new ride?

Frogman · 10-28-2012, 01:02 AM

My 2012 328i has this foam, but it's black, not gray.

David328M-Sport · 10-28-2012, 01:09 AM

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.

RPM90 · 10-28-2012, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justinnum1

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.

raleedy · 10-28-2012, 01:32 AM

I don't have an F30 yet, but if I get one, I'll take a look.

danbest6 · 10-28-2012, 09:41 AM

I've got a 2013 328i and the foam is there. No sign of vibrations yet. Build month was Sept.

Frogman · 10-28-2012, 09:44 AM

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.

AZ330FZL · 10-28-2012, 12:40 PM

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.

claykin · 10-28-2012, 01:42 PM

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?

justinnum1 · 10-28-2012, 01:55 PM

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

fshubert · 10-28-2012, 02:30 PM

I have the foam. Mine was built in the Fatherland. It's black like the interior. Perhaps there to minimize a draft?

einlanzer · 10-29-2012, 02:16 AM

I have it on my 2012

Vitoco · 10-29-2012, 06:47 AM

Also noticed/felt it the first time I adjusted the steering wheel on my F31

shivaswrath · 10-29-2012, 10:33 AM

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...

Schooley · 11-16-2012, 03:07 PM

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?

BavarianFanatic · 11-16-2012, 06:23 PM

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.

justinnum1 · 11-16-2012, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BavarianFanatic

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?

boltjames · 11-16-2012, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justinnum1

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?

BJ

Noor · 11-16-2012, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justinnum1

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

zeezz · 11-16-2012, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justinnum1

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.

justinnum1 · 11-16-2012, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zeezz

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

10-27-2012, 06:54 PM	#1
justinnum1 Brigadier General Drives: 2013 335i Msport Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: South Florida Posts: 3,797 iTrader: (0)	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 __________________ F30 335i Msport Estoril Blue/Black leather sport auto. black grills, Performance Exhaust, HK,
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10-28-2012, 01:09 AM	#4
David328M-Sport Brigadier General Drives: F30 M-Sport 328i Estoril Blue Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 3,178 iTrader: (0)	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. __________________ 328i M-Sport, Estoril Blue, Carbon XP 35 Tint, front heated seats, black Dakota, Sports Suspension, Anthracite Headliner, HUD, Pro Nav, Sunroof, hk 600w, Bi-Xenon, 19" 403M wheels, Reversing Camera, DAB+, Xenon, BT Ext Connect.

10-28-2012, 02:30 PM	#12
fshubert Second Lieutenant Drives: 2013 F30 335i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Andover, NJ Posts: 290 iTrader: (0)	I have the foam. Mine was built in the Fatherland. It's black like the interior. Perhaps there to minimize a draft? __________________ 2013 F30 335i \| Sportline \| Imperial Blue Metallic \| Black Dakota \| 6-speed \| HK \| Cold \| Premium \| 19" Staggered Sports \| M-Performance Exhaust Previous loves: 2009 E90 335i 2007 E90 328xi

10-29-2012, 06:47 AM	#14
Vitoco Second Lieutenant Drives: F31 328i M Sport Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Sweden Posts: 254 iTrader: (0)	Also noticed/felt it the first time I adjusted the steering wheel on my F31 __________________ Glacier Ag. F31 328iA M Sport oct. 2012 \| Sport Automatic \| Adap. M Susp. \| Pano. Moonroof \| 19" 403 M \| M Sport brakes \| Harman Kardon \| Elec. Seats \| PDC F&R \| Park Assist \| ACC Stop&Go \| Perf. Parts \|

10-29-2012, 10:33 AM	#15
shivaswrath Lieutenant Colonel Drives: 2012 335i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Norwalk CT Posts: 1,995 iTrader: (2)	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... __________________ 2012 335i Mineral Gray M Performance Whore: PPK\|Exhaust\|Brakes\|Performance Suspension Struts & Springs\|Black Kidney Grilles\|CF Spoiler and Mirror Caps\|M Sport 400M\|BMWF30.com 335i brakes FS!

10-27-2012, 07:43 PM	#2
claykin Major Drives: 2013 335i M-Sport Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 1,376 iTrader: (0)	Seriously? If the foam doesn't work, I have a spare jar or play-doh BMW AG can try. How's the new ride?

10-28-2012, 01:02 AM	#3
Frogman Captain Drives: 2012 F30 328i Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Southern California Posts: 952 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW F30 328i [5.00]	My 2012 328i has this foam, but it's black, not gray.

10-28-2012, 01:32 AM	#6
raleedy Major Drives: E92 328i MY 2008 (ED 11/14/07) Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 1,428 iTrader: (0)	I don't have an F30 yet, but if I get one, I'll take a look.

10-28-2012, 09:41 AM	#7
danbest6 Apple Head Drives: 2013 F30 328i Xdrive Luxury Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Boston Posts: 62 iTrader: (0)	I've got a 2013 328i and the foam is there. No sign of vibrations yet. Build month was Sept.

10-28-2012, 09:44 AM	#8
Frogman Captain Drives: 2012 F30 328i Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Southern California Posts: 952 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW F30 328i [5.00]	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.

10-28-2012, 12:40 PM	#9
AZ330FZL Second Lieutenant Drives: 2012 335i Sedan Sport Line Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 254 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW 335i Sport ... [0.00]	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.

10-28-2012, 01:42 PM	#10
claykin Major Drives: 2013 335i M-Sport Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 1,376 iTrader: (0)	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?

10-29-2012, 02:16 AM	#13
einlanzer Private Drives: F30 328i Sport Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: SoCal Posts: 60 iTrader: (0)	I have it on my 2012

11-16-2012, 03:07 PM	#16
Schooley Registered Drives: BMW X1 2012 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Canada Posts: 1 iTrader: (0)	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?

11-16-2012, 06:23 PM	#17
BavarianFanatic Too much is never enough Drives: Too Many Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: SE PA Posts: 720 iTrader: (0)	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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