Wandering e36 touring

[71matt]

Any thoughts? my e36 328i touring seems to be wandering but neither too biased to one side. I have noticed the outside of tyres starting to ware so had the tracking re-set but still seems the same. Also a slight wheel wobble but depends on how bad the road surface is, so driving in east sussex is a real pain because the road surfaces are appalling. I know the touring won't handle as well as the saloon but it just doesn't feel right on cornering.Any feedback would be much appreciated thanks matt

[sniff petrol]

My E36 touring does seem to suffer from sidewinds at high speed on a motorway. Keep meaning to have the tracking looked at but the tyres are wearing evenly and the car doesn't pull to the side on a straight road so fear it may be something else. What size wheels and tyres have you got? Are they the same brand on each axle? Right pressures?

[E30M3SE]

CA bushes, ball joints,track rod ends, steering rack are all worth investigating.

[Neil.D]

You need to have the suspension bushes looked at. There are numerous ones under there which cause these problems.
If they are shot, have them replaced and a 4 wheel lazer alignment done at your local pro-tyre. If the bushes are fine just get the alignment done. Just because you are not having tyre wear issues doesnt mean its not out just a tiny amount. Having it done on my m3 EVO totally sorted the handling.

Neil

[pstruck]

Got to agree with the suspension bushes suggestion. My lower ones were shot, which was giving the car a 'wandering' feel. Only cost £80 to have them replaced and that was with M3 parts.

[fastfreddy]

Pretty sure I've got the same problem on mine. Anyone got a diagram which points out the likely ones to replace? Can they be done with hand tools or is it a hydraulic press job?

[sniff petrol]

Is it worth polybushing the lot whilst it's apart? do they do polybushes for a 325TDS touring?

[sparkythecat]

When the rear trailing arm bushes went on my E36 touring, I got a it of unpredictable rear wheel steering effect which was weird and a bit scary.

[Neil.D]

You will not be able to check the bushes properly without getting the car up onto a ramp.
Rear trailing arm bushes are a big weak point as mentioned. Also check the front and rear wishbone and steering arm/tie rod ends for play.

[Neil.D]

sniff petrol said:

Is it worth polybushing the lot whilst it's apart? do they do polybushes for a 325TDS touring?

I have heard good reports on them although never tried them myslef. The benefits are apparently longevity in the part and a shaper feel. Just depends on how long you intend to keep the car to whether the investment is worth it. I would certainly give them a go.

[sniff petrol]

Neil.D said:

sniff petrol said:

Is it worth polybushing the lot whilst it's apart? do they do polybushes for a 325TDS touring?

I have heard good reports on them although never tried them myslef. The benefits are apparently longevity in the part and a shaper feel. Just depends on how long you intend to keep the car to whether the investment is worth it. I would certainly give them a go.

I had them on my old 911 and it made a great difference - if they do them for the E36 Touring then I'll get some and do the lot whilst it's all apart. Will have to do some shopping around for some.

[Phoenix]

I have just replaced my rear trailing arm bushes and lower front wishbone rear bushes with powerflex ones and then had a 4 wheel alignment. It feels totally different now. Before it would wander all over the road and dive about when coming off the power although tyre wear looked normal.
These bushes are do-able at home but if you get original rear trailing arm bushes they are harder to fit (you need a press or puller to fit them) compared to the powerflex ones which are split in two. Hope that makes sense.

eta - there is a fitting guide on one of the bmw forums but I can't remember which one. I'll have a look and see if I can find it later.

found one

http://www.bimmerdiy.com/diy/e36rtab/

Edited by Phoenix on Sunday 30th March 10:18

[71matt]

Thanks for everyones input, have got it booked in next week will let you know the outcome.

[fastfreddy]

I'm sure this is my problem as I have heard some knocking from one side at the back and even after getting the geometry done, it still wanders. Thanks for the suggestions.