very confused

1711 Views 12 Replies 9 Participants Last post by bmw325, Mar 20, 2002

RChoudry

Discussion Starter · Mar 16, 2002

Well, I give up. Came sooo close to signing on a 2002 330i to replace 2001 330i SP/PP/CWP because of my ongoing steering issue (soft spot dead center after retrofit and 2 alignments with max toe-in)

I had an excellent deal negotiated, color picked and everything, but at the last minute got cold feet to get rid of a car that was, except for the steering, just about perfect.

My car's steering (I've been tracking the problem since October 2001) tends to "loosen" and form a dead spot in the wheel at temperature ranges from 30-50 degrees as monitored by the car's outside gauge. At temp's above 55 degrees, the steering is outstanding. I can only surmise that the rubber components are to blame for this differential. I've always thought that the stock Conti-Sports were the culprit however hesitated thus far to change them to S-03's on the basis that I was going to get rid of the car. Now, I'm going to keep the car for the rest of the 24/36 month lease and try to terminate early when there's enough equity to move on to another 3 series or M3.

My dilemma arises from the thought that perhaps the tires are not the culprit and maybe the rubber bushings in the front steering/suspension are to blame.

Has anyone else experienced temperature variations in steering like mine?

-RChoudry
2001 330i

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_lk_

· #2 · Mar 16, 2002

RChoudry said:
Has anyone else experienced temperature variations in steering like mine?

not me...i have a 2000 328i, which is still the best E46 they have yet to produce.... flawless steering on the 2000's.

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PropellerHead

· #3 · Mar 19, 2002

Don't forget the 2002's- all fixed up and ready to run! See Roundel Feb, 2002. Seems as the 2001's were the ones with the big problems, but having never owned an 01, I can't really say. I can say the 02 is wonderful.

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TD330ci

· #4 · Mar 19, 2002

PropellerHead said:
Don't forget the 2002's- all fixed up and ready to run! See Roundel Feb, 2002. Seems as the 2001's were the ones with the big problems, but having never owned an 01, I can't really say. I can say the 02 is wonderful.

10 months on retrofit and NOO problems. Has the tight feel and I can't tell the differance when testing an 02!! :thumb:

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ALEX325i

· #5 · Mar 19, 2002

Re: Re: very confused

___lk___ said:
not me...i have a 2000 328i, which is still the best E46 they have yet to produce.... flawless steering on the 2000's.

No, no, no... You're confused too. The E46 M3 is the best E46 ever. Actually, not only the best E46, but best 3er ever IMO.

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TD330ci

· #6 · Mar 19, 2002

Re: Re: Re: very confused

ALEX325i said:
No, no, no... You're confused too. The E46 M3 is the best E46 ever. Actually, not only the best E46, but best 3er ever IMO.

LOL!! :lmao:

OH SURE!! RUB IT IN, RUB IT IN!!

Hehe.. I want ONE!!! :tsk:

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ALEX325i

· #7 · Mar 19, 2002

Re: Re: Re: Re: very confused

TD330ci said:
LOL!! :lmao:

OH SURE!! RUB IT IN, RUB IT IN!!

Hehe.. I want ONE!!! :tsk:

Please, don't get me wrong. All 3er's are awesome cars. Plus, I heard OB adds at least 10HP...

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Mystikal

· #8 · Mar 19, 2002

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: very confused

ALEX325i said:
Plus, I heard OB adds at least 10HP...

I'd bet Al would agree

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bmw325

· #9 · Mar 19, 2002 (Edited)

RChoudry-

That's very interesting about the temp ranges-- might explain why the poster from CA never noticed anything wrong! My retro steering also feels the same way-- dead spot on center -- I recently saw another post on .org with a poster complaining about the same thing.

Does you dealer admit to noticing this problem? Have they inspected the steering rack and other related components? I ask because I'm taking my car in (to a different dealer than the one who did my retrofit) to inspect my steering and correct anything they see wrong.

I also have the contisports- but i don't think they're the problem since the car tracked straight before the retrofit. Maybe its the "universal coupler"? I hope that we figure this out because like you its making me hate my car.

The temp thing you mentioned is also interesting because the day I picked uo my retrofit car happened ot be a warm sunny day-- and it felt great.

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ashecnc

· #10 · Mar 19, 2002

2000 here...wonderful tight heavy steering... :thumb: THey gave me an 01 loaner once..and whoa, what a BIG difference...I could not believe how much different my steering was! :yikes:

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RChoudry

Discussion Starter · #11 · Mar 19, 2002

Robg,

As far as BMW dealers are concerned, they wouldn't admit to noticing anything, especially to a complicated problem like this one. Three different dealers report that everything is A-ok.

Let me know how it goes with your car.

-RChoudry

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Nick325xiT 5spd

· #12 · Mar 20, 2002

I've got a dead spot myself.
I've also noticed that when the car sits for a good long while (like a week in an airport garage), the steering feels absolutely awful. It seems to get better after a while, but at first it's REALLY bad. Oh well.

Nick

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bmw325

· #13 · Mar 20, 2002

RChoudry-

I'm considering offering to pay the dealer I bring it to "notice" and correct the problem. I have a feeling that they won't want to mess w/ it if they think its a warranty claim that they won't get payed for. Although this would severely piss me off, its:

1. cheaper than trading the car in and buy a different car
2. the only real thing wrong w/ the car-- although it has a disproportionate effect on my perception of the car
3. it would still probably be cheaper than Alee's nav upgrade

I may even consider paying for and having them install a new 2002 rack--or having a BMW indpenedent mechanic do it.

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