Unstable vehicle

[Jag_NE]

In the physical, not the mental sense!

I have a 2018 530d and it requires very regular steering adjustments to stay in the centre of the lane at high speeds, it just doesn’t feel particularly stable in a straight line. I had a good run out in my other car today and I’m pretty convinced it isn’t my lack of attention or driving style. It’s on 18” SE spec rims, not massive M Sport ones.

Can anyone think of a reason why the car may feel like this or can any other owners confirm it’s a characteristic of the vehicle?

It’s still got Pirelli run flats on it which I will remove in due course, may be worth getting the wheel alignment checked as it may have whacked a kerb or two before I bought it.

Any input very welcome and appreciated. Thanks.

[eybic]

First step for me would be to check the tyres then get the alignment checked, this should highlight any suspension issues too.

[Ninja59]

Have heard this before about G30 and 31's.

Some seem to suffer with it far more than others. O have heard some find solutions by tweaking the tyre pressures (but to what degree etc. unsure).

[Jag_NE]

Thanks guys.

[TooLateForAName]

Do these have the issue with iffy suspension bushes?

[valiant]

Had something similar when I bought my car. Constant adjustments needed, not major but you felt something was a little off.

When replacing the tyres, had a full alignment thingy done and now is bob on.

Must have whacked a kerb or something under the previous owner.

[Jag_NE]

valiant said:

Had something similar when I bought my car. Constant adjustments needed, not major but you felt something was a little off.

When replacing the tyres, had a full alignment thingy done and now is bob on.

Must have whacked a kerb or something under the previous owner.

Thanks, was it a 5er?

Hopefully the alignment will sort it right out...can’t wait to get the run flats off too but there is too much tread to bin them just yet.

[Mr lestat]

I had a z4 coupe with run flats it used to tram line really badly.

[Jag_NE]

Mr lestat said:

I had a z4 coupe with run flats it used to tram line really badly.

If the tyres are the root cause I can’t believe they use them, quite a compromise with the tram lining and ride quality!

[Pupbelly]

Alignment needs sorting properly and any cheapo tyres need binning in favour of a proper brand which are less likely to tramline.

[masterzarlak]

Agree on the tram lining point. My 520 Touring on run flats does this on our local bypass which is pretty badly worn. This stretch is particularly wide with a long bend. Despite this there is still a lot of risky overtaking so most people keep to the left for safety and this has led to a severe wear line.

I checked this out when I had new tyres fitted and alignment done and it was just the same.

It's pretty awful to drive it but once I get through this stretch all is generally fine.