Handling/Steering Issues

[FeelGoodUnInc]

2003 3.0L X5
20" Staggered Wheels/Toyo Proxes

ok this is the problem i'm having, when im driving through some uneven roads...even the slightest my steering wheel just jolts left and right severely, a bit too out of control, i understand it may be due to the 20" setup w. the low profile tires but it's hard to believe that the 4.6 or 4.8 model has this same severe issue, i've never driven a 4.6 or 4.8 model but i doubt bmw would release a car stock that has severe handling/steering wheel issues that i'm facing, so my question is how can i improve this even ever so slightly? the 4.6/4.8 has better suspension im guessing as well as brakes, do i need to upgrade that on my 3.0 as well? or will a sway bar add-on make any difference in this field?

looking forward to your replies, thanks for your time to read this!

[BMW X5]

generally that happens on all cars, every car i've ever owned this is more of the road issue than handling, i've driven japanese cars, severals bmws as well as american cars thats mainly due to the wheels wanting to go in the direction of the road. i dont think i explain it right but hope this helps. sway bar wont really help since thats more for sharp lane changes so ur ass doesnt drag in the lanes.

[rickyj]

Hi,
I got a 3.0 sport and i have the same problem. The steering just dont feel as nice and taught as i expected. It handles great but pulls like mad in the deep camber ruts. I know that is down to the 19s and the widths but even on a straight road the steering just feels light then heavy and it seems like you have to concentrate to keep it nice and straight all the time. Its not a serious pulling and when i took it to bmw they said its fine. I dont believe it is as many others on other sites have not encountered the same problem. Any ideas?lol

[FeelGoodUnInc]

Originally Posted by rickyj

Hi,
I got a 3.0 sport and i have the same problem. The steering just dont feel as nice and taught as i expected. It handles great but pulls like mad in the deep camber ruts. I know that is down to the 19s and the widths but even on a straight road the steering just feels light then heavy and it seems like you have to concentrate to keep it nice and straight all the time. Its not a serious pulling and when i took it to bmw they said its fine. I dont believe it is as many others on other sites have not encountered the same problem. Any ideas?lol

whoa old thread is revived...do you have 19's or 20's? in my case at the time i posted this thread i didn't know my front axel boots were cracked, after i had those replaced along with a 4 wheel alignment the steering was a lot improved. however, on those uneven roads or very slightly bumpy roads my steering wheel still jumps back and forth uncomfortably..i kind of got used to it i guess but i'm still with you..it doesn't seem "normal" as the dealership keeps telling me..as i said above i've never driven a 4.6 or 4.8 model but it's hard to believe a car with stock 20's would perform the same way..maybe it's due to our suspension as i know it's a bit different.

[tommys103]

i had 20s on mine - same awful ride - the 4.6/4.8 must have a diff suspension which corrects this...now with 18's its better - but with the 17s that came with the truck - never had this problem

[Kewl X5]

Tramlining is the term for the front wheels/tires to follow the ruts in the road....

1) Check tire air pressure
2) Check alignment
3) Also, note the wider the tires and wheels, the more likely it will tramline.
4) If all checks out, then check the steering components...I did have a half-shaft replaced under warranty for the "looseness of the steering".

[rickyj]

mines got the 19s. Tracking, pressures etc are all ok. Think will get it booked in at a independent garage to check out the steering. It also feels sometimes like the x5 sways a bit. Like the back and the front are not connected. And no its not a cut and shut as had a damn good look.lol. or if it is then its a bloody good one. lol