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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 BMW 5-Series (F10) Forums General 5-Series Sedan and Wagon (F10 / F11) Forum F10 Steering Q
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      08-03-2010, 06:56 AM   #1
LuvMyE92
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F10 Steering Q

I finally got a chance to test drive the 535i yesterday, and by luck they had one with a manual transmission! The car was nice, rode great (my only complaint on my E92 is the ride) and had nice features. I didn't notice any numbness on center or some of the other complaints that some reviewers have had on the steering, but I did feel a bit of a vibration through the steering wheel. It was a very light high frequency vibration, which didn't change with speed so I don't think it was the tires. More like what you would feel if you rested your hand on a running electric motor.

Anyone else ever notice this? Is this normal or common on these cars? Not real sure if it would drive me nutty after a few months.

I plan on going back and driving the car again before buying it or ordering one. I also felt like the standard seat pushed my head forward more than I like. I can fiddle with the adjustments a bit, but now I wonder if I should order one with the multi-contour seats? Thoughts, opinions?

Thanks!
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      08-03-2010, 07:03 AM   #2
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The feeling that many have described with the steering is sloppiness in the center when driving straight. With prior iterations of the 5 er there was no sloppiness. you point the steering straight and it goes straight. Now the steering has play in the center. As far as the vibration that you are describing a wheel is probably out of balance or the the alignment is off.
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      08-03-2010, 09:26 AM   #3
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I think I know the very slightly felt high freq. vibration you are talking about - it's way too high a frequency for wheel balance or alignment - it's like a "noise" in the feeling on the steering. To me, it almost feels like a bearing surface is rubbing without good lubrication and just needs to be "worn in" a bit. It comes and goes. However, I also think it could be described as a very subtle electric motor "noise" from something like eddy currents or similar. I have heard such vibration is quite common in Prius's (electronic steering).

I've test driven 4 or 5 F10's and did notice it previously in some, but thought simply the car was too new and needed some "wearing in". But I wonder more now since I've noticed it on F10 I took delivery last week.

I too would be curious to hear if others notice that feeling.
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Last edited by Mr. Magic; 08-03-2010 at 09:45 AM..
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      08-03-2010, 09:40 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Magic View Post
I also think it could be described as a very subtle electric motor vibration
Yes, exactly!

Congrats on your new car.
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      08-03-2010, 09:51 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Magic View Post
I too would be curious to hear if others notice that feeling.
I've had a new F10 550i for a little over a week and have not noticed it.

That said I have read a number of people stating that on some the F10's seem to pull a bit to the right. Whether it's alignment or electrical steering..... who knows, but test drove mine before purchase just to make sure I didn't get it.
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      08-06-2010, 10:20 AM   #6
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Thanks LuvmyE92.
I did some more observations - the steering "noise" goes away when the car is not moving (stopped), so I almost have to rule out the electronic steering itself. It almost reminds me of break pads not worn in and rubbing on the rotor, or something similar, and at most any speed. I do think I have felt it on the break pedal at times too, but not 100% certain (I don't use breaks much ).

I'm going to keep observing it for awhile and see if it gets better or worse - not worth a separate trip to get it looked at for now. Also, I'll look if a service bulletin pops up and if others notice similar steering "noise".
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      08-09-2010, 01:20 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tadtaggert View Post
I've had a new F10 550i for a little over a week and have not noticed it.

That said I have read a number of people stating that on some the F10's seem to pull a bit to the right. Whether it's alignment or electrical steering..... who knows, but test drove mine before purchase just to make sure I didn't get it.
Roads intentiionally crown to the right to drain all the water on rainy days so... maybe some people don't realize that yet?
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      08-09-2010, 02:01 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Magic View Post
I do think I have felt it on the break pedal at times too, but not 100% certain (I don't use breaks much ).
That is the ABS kicking in during moderate to hard braking.
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      08-09-2010, 10:09 AM   #9
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You know, I think simply the car needs to be broken in more. I made several rather sharp but slow turns a few days ago at an intersection, something definitely rubbed and made a brief noise coming from the suspension. While I was concerned, the steering vibration seems to have almost stopped. Am currently at around 700 miles.
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      08-09-2010, 12:24 PM   #10
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I drove the car again Saturday and didn't notice it at all. I noticed that the steering is awfully light at slow speeds, but while driving at speed I didn't notice that it was numb or otherwise noteworthy.

So I ordered my new 535i 6-spd manual, hopefully with a September build.
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      08-09-2010, 01:14 PM   #11
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I'd definitely get the multicontour seats.

I noticed some vibration in an F10 I drove, but in my case it felt like a wheel slightly out of balance. Better than numb, IMO.
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