BMW E90 325i Touring with heavy steering.

[dbdb]

Hi,

we normally drive a 2007 BMW 325i Touring automatic, which was purchased new. It has done around 23,000 miles. Some time ago, a driver delivering the car back from the dealer after a service said he felt the steering was very heavy in comparison to other 3 series cars he has driven. I think it is heavy too - too heavy even, so took it to the dealer for them to investigate, along with a pronounced ticking noise from the engine.

They could find nothing wrong with the steering, and attempted to fix the ticking noise (just coincidental, and unrelated to the steering I am sure) without success.

It is now in for the tick to be fixed again before the warranty runs out in July, and I have use of a '10' plate 320d automatic loan car. The steering on this is completely different - far far lighter and less stiff.

Did the later cars / 320d get different steering, or does it confirm my suspicion there is something wrong with my 325?

Thanks,


David

Edited by dbdb on Monday 14th June 14:11

[fareaster]

I would suspect that your car has hydraulic steering and the loan car electric, for some reason BMW seem have set the electrics up to be lighter.

[sparkythecat]

Have you checked the tyre pressures?

[dbdb]

Thanks for the replies. Yes, the tyre pressures are right. Do the latest cars have different steering? Or are there model based differences? I had assumed all 3 series cars of the era would have the same steering. If not, this could explain the difference, but my car's steering is very heavy.

David

[gizlaroc]

dbdb said:

Thanks for the replies. Yes, the tyre pressures are right. Do the latest cars have different steering? Or are there model based differences? I had assumed all 3 series cars of the era would have the same steering. If not, this could explain the difference, but my car's steering is very heavy.

David

The ealry E90s had hydraulic steering, however, when they introduced the Efficient Dynamics range from MY08 builds they changed this to electric steering, which is too light and far worse imho.
Stop being a pansy and enjoy a car that gives a little feedback, if you want light steering buy an Audi!!

[fareaster]

Read this "http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=357222&highlight=electric+steering" in particular "stevec" & "doughboy" - they know the systems

[dbdb]

gizlaroc said:

Stop being a pansy and enjoy a car that gives a little feedback, if you want light steering buy an Audi!!

Some very useful replies there, thanks guys - and an interesting link, fareaster.

I agree, the steering on the 320d is far too light! It came as a real suprise at first, being so much lighter (and vaguer) than the 325. It is much lighter than my old XJ40 too. That has lovely steering.

I will stop worrying about a HUGE bill now I know there is nothing wrong with it!

David

Still think it is a bit heavy though...

[stevesuk]

dbdb said:

Hi,
we normally drive a 2007 BMW 325i Touring automatic, which was purchased new .... he felt the steering was very heavy in comparison to other 3 series cars he has driven. I think it is heavy too - too heavy even, so took it to the dealer for them to investigate, along with a pronounced ticking noise from the engine.

Edited by dbdb on Monday 14th June 14:11

Hello, fellow E90 325i Touring owner :-) Only ours is a manual and 2005 (an early one).

Wouldn't say the steering feels any different to any other car I've driven recently (the wife previously had a BMW MINI and I had an E46 coupe). However, one thing that I have noticed is that it tends to tramline quite badly on poor road surfaces. I put that down to the run-flat tyres, don't know if you've noticed that?

We also had the ticking noise from the engine, but when it was really cold nearer Christmas. The dealer told us it was due to the cold. At the time I did find something on the forums about sticking hydraulic valve lifters being a common fault causing a ticking noise. Didn't need to look in to it any further, because as soon as the weather (and the car) warmed up, it went away.

Edited by stevesuk on Tuesday 15th June 21:25

[dbdb]

stevesuk said:

Hello, fellow E90 325i Touring owner :-) Only ours is a manual and 2005 (an early one).

Wouldn't say the steering feels any different to any other car I've driven recently (the wife previously had a BMW MINI and I had an E46 coupe). However, one thing that I have noticed is that it tends to tramline quite badly on poor road surfaces. I put that down to the run-flat tyres, don't know if you've noticed that?

We also had the ticking noise from the engine, but when it was really cold nearer Christmas. The dealer told us it was due to the cold. At the time I did find something on the forums about sticking hydraulic valve lifters being a common fault causing a ticking noise. Didn't need to look in to it any further, because as soon as the weather (and the car) warmed up, it went away.

2005 is a very early one!
It does tramline a bit, but most modern cars with the very low profile tyres seem to do. My old Jag with its massive balloon tyres and 15" wheels doesn't tramline at all, but then it is set up for smooth not sporty and can be frightening for passengers when you reach a corner. (Not for me though, I know that despite the 45 degree angle of lean the old beast will go round ...probably!)

The ticking noise was something to do with the exhaust(?) valve lifters, and is highly intermittent. Sometimes it is quite loud which is especially noticable as these BMW sixes are so smooth and sweet. It is noticable how different the car feels with a diesel 4 pot up front. It's still a good car, but it is just not the same. Frighteningly good economy though...

[mekondelta]

The diesel car you borrowed might have had the servotronic steering option which is lighter than standard?