very confused

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