Directional stability on motorway

simonleecarter · 05-20-2012, 03:56 AM

Am delighted with my new F10 520d except for one issue. Car is very sensitive to sidewinds on motorway. I have to make constant small corrections to stop the car wandering out of my lane. In fact stability not great even when not windy - wanders too much. Much worse than my previous E60. Any suggestions? Should I experiment with tyre pressures?

AP · 05-20-2012, 06:01 AM

Well there's no harm checking the pressures. I ve had car for just over a week and checked my pressures yesterday and assuned the dealer would have set them correctly as part of the pdi but they were all slightly low.
I've not encounted crosswinds on the motorway yet but I don't think the f10 feels as planted as my old e39 which I guess because it far heavier steering felt less like deviating from course

I also found mt f10 was veering to the left which prompted me to check pressures.
Need to find a flat road withoiut a camber to check Its sorted that out.

eskdale · 05-20-2012, 08:22 AM

I find the same but I think it is the electric steering as opposed to the hydraulic steering. The hydraulic steering seems to self centre more.

SomeRandomer123 · 05-20-2012, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eskdale

I find the same but I think it is the electric steering as opposed to the hydraulic steering. The hydraulic steering seems to self centre more.

^^ A large amount of it is possibly down to the new electric steering. Your E60 had hydraulic steering. The F10 has been criticised for its steering and one of the problems is as you describe - keeping it in a straight line on the motorway. But I would check tyre pressures and have a go on a perfect road if you can find one!

AP · 05-20-2012, 10:37 AM

is there such as thing as a perfect road in the UK? Certianly around London its all potholes and badly repaired roads!

I've got just over 300 miles now on my F10 and still find the steering 'weird' , getting used to it but I certianly do feel detached.
Not sure if the run flat tyres are more sensitive to road cambers as well.

I'm sure the F10 with hydralic steering and normal tyres would be near enough a perfect car. Oh hang on that sounds like I'm describing a M5....
oh well dream on!

MBrown1003 · 05-20-2012, 11:29 AM

As others have suggested, check tire pressures.

Do you have stock tires? One set of tires I had on my M5 had circumferential tread (an unbroken rib around the center of the tread), and those tires were horrible for tramlining -- they followed every little ridge in the pavement. The car was a handful with those tires. It was fine on all the other tires I had on the car, so that could be part of it.

AP · 05-20-2012, 12:41 PM

I've got Michellin on mine and i think tramlining is just one of features of having wide tyres. My E39 was subject to that as well.
got 351m wheels on min so its 245 at the fornt adn 275 at the back which is pretty wide I'd have thought.

Krill · 05-21-2012, 02:53 AM

Sounds like you need a wheel alignment, my F10 drives straight as an arrow att all speeds and isn't sensitive to crosswind..

Tuesday · 05-21-2012, 06:50 AM

In comfort and comfort + I experience the steering issue. In sport and sport + no issues.

I have also found that the more I think about the steering on long trips, the harder it is to stay centered in the lane without constant minor corrections. With this car I think you have to really let go and pay attention to something else.

The X Men · 05-21-2012, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AP

I'm sure the F10 with hydralic steering and normal tyres would be near enough a perfect car. Oh hang on that sounds like I'm describing a M5....
oh well dream on!

I have a 2012 535i x-drive with hydrulic steering, it steers straight on the highway, even in cross wind. I have conti tires, 36 psi front and 40 rear.

Henke77 · 05-21-2012, 08:21 AM

Last week I got a brand new software update (only a few days old) after experiencing the exact same issuses as mentioned above, they have done 5 separate 4-wheel alignments without any results, after the update the car is much more firm in the handling (steering) and the turning wheel is at center and most important the car runs perfectly straight!

Questions on that?

Henke77 · 05-21-2012, 08:22 AM

X-drive have hydrulic steering and are not affected at all of these issues....

blueridger · 05-21-2012, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Henke77

X-drive have hydrulic steering and are not affected at all of these issues....

Are you sure the 2012 535i x-drive has hydraulic steering?

Henke77 · 05-22-2012, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueridger

Quote:

Originally Posted by Henke77

X-drive have hydrulic steering and are not affected at all of these issues....

Are you sure the 2012 535i x-drive has hydraulic steering?

Yes, all X-drive models have hydrulic steering.

jedpause · 05-22-2012, 04:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AP

I've got Michellin on mine and i think tramlining is just one of features of having wide tyres. My E39 was subject to that as well.
got 351m wheels on min so its 245 at the fornt adn 275 at the back which is pretty wide I'd have thought.

+1 - Same experience... wide tyres does it (and of course the electric steering)

valcor535 · 05-22-2012, 08:40 AM

I have experienced the same on my 2011 535i X-Drive!

psingam · 05-24-2012, 04:17 PM

Im glad im not the only one with this issue. My 2011 528i seems to feel "loose" or un planted on the freeway. Seems to be a lot better in Sport or Sport+ modes, but just crappy in Comfort or normal. Im going to check tire pressures... but i thinkt his goes beyond that as it should result in the same feeling in sport mode if it were the tires.

I think its more of a suspension issue (shocks, sway bar, control bar)??

simonleecarter · 05-26-2012, 04:09 AM

Thanks everyone for your comments. Taking your advice I drove long motorway journey with Dynamic Drive Control in Sport Mode and it definitely seemed a little better. Of course that increases revs. So you need to select manual 8th gear to reduce revs and maintain economy. But I still think the steering is too vague - how can BMW think it is acceptable? How come the "experts" who write magazine road tests haven't lambasted BMW? Shouldn't "The Ultimate Driving Machine" be rock-solid stable at speed instead of wandering unless constantly corrected?

Jon D · 05-26-2012, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eskdale

I find the same but I think it is the electric steering as opposed to the hydraulic steering. The hydraulic steering seems to self centre more.

This is exactly what the problem is and there's been a great deal of discussion on the subject.
OP, very small variations in tyre pressures have a surprisingly large effect and you'll be rewarded by experimenting within the recommended ranges as placarded on the driver's door frame.
I have 18" wheels and the best set-up I've found is 31psi front and 33 rear with a consistently lightly laden car.

paulwebb50 · 05-27-2012, 05:25 AM

I've a 525d with the same issue. Delivered on Michelin Run-Flats, I swapped to non-run flat Vredesteins after 2 months and it's definitely an improvement.

It's still not a drivers car by any standards with floppy steering still, but it doesn't tram-line anything like so much, and I can also hear the radio as well.

They went on the same rims (245) no problems, and are 1/2 the price to replace.

Ironically, the run-flats gave me my first flat in 15 years, so they lived up to their name.

0461 · 02-07-2016, 10:42 PM

Hi guys !
Any fix yet ??
I have recently purchased a 2010 525D F11 with 63t km on it. And I am experiencing the cross wind issues and directional stability problems as well.. My car rides on original 18" wheels with new ( not run flat ) tires and has just been 4 wheel aligned.. The car has the sport gearbox, but the problem is there in all settings, and almost dangerous in all but "sport" and "sport+".
So I was wondering if any fix has been offered byBMW yet ??

martynhr · 08-29-2016, 02:42 PM

Same for me, 520d 2014 MSport 18" runflats wanders like hell at speeds of 60mph and over. I haven't chekced tyres pressures yet but it has been 4 wheel aligned by BMW twice but no difference.
Used it for towing a caravan also and it is the worse car I ever used for towing.
Still under warranty so it will be going back.

05-20-2012, 03:56 AM	#1
simonleecarter Registered 3 Rep 2 Posts Drives: F10 520d SE automatic Join Date: May 2012 Location: Newbury, Berks iTrader: (0)	Directional stability on motorway Am delighted with my new F10 520d except for one issue. Car is very sensitive to sidewinds on motorway. I have to make constant small corrections to stop the car wandering out of my lane. In fact stability not great even when not windy - wanders too much. Much worse than my previous E60. Any suggestions? Should I experiment with tyre pressures?
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05-20-2012, 06:01 AM	#2
AP Major General 2777 Rep 5,091 Posts Drives: G30 M550 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Well there's no harm checking the pressures. I ve had car for just over a week and checked my pressures yesterday and assuned the dealer would have set them correctly as part of the pdi but they were all slightly low. I've not encounted crosswinds on the motorway yet but I don't think the f10 feels as planted as my old e39 which I guess because it far heavier steering felt less like deviating from course I also found mt f10 was veering to the left which prompted me to check pressures. Need to find a flat road withoiut a camber to check Its sorted that out.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-20-2012, 08:22 AM	#3
eskdale Second Lieutenant 5 Rep 205 Posts Drives: 520d M Sport Touring F11 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Gloucestershire UK iTrader: (0)	I find the same but I think it is the electric steering as opposed to the hydraulic steering. The hydraulic steering seems to self centre more.
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05-20-2012, 10:37 AM	#5
AP Major General 2777 Rep 5,091 Posts Drives: G30 M550 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	is there such as thing as a perfect road in the UK? Certianly around London its all potholes and badly repaired roads! I've got just over 300 miles now on my F10 and still find the steering 'weird' , getting used to it but I certianly do feel detached. Not sure if the run flat tyres are more sensitive to road cambers as well. I'm sure the F10 with hydralic steering and normal tyres would be near enough a perfect car. Oh hang on that sounds like I'm describing a M5.... oh well dream on!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-20-2012, 11:29 AM	#6
MBrown1003 Eight Bimmers and counting 35 Rep 761 Posts Drives: 2014 F10 M5 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Massachusetts, USA iTrader: (0)	As others have suggested, check tire pressures. Do you have stock tires? One set of tires I had on my M5 had circumferential tread (an unbroken rib around the center of the tread), and those tires were horrible for tramlining -- they followed every little ridge in the pavement. The car was a handful with those tires. It was fine on all the other tires I had on the car, so that could be part of it. __________________ 2014 F10 M5 Previously... Threes: '08 E90 M3, '07 E92 335i, Fives: '11 F10 550i, '02 E39 M5, '00 E39 540i/6, '97 E39 528i, '92 E34 525i Others: VW, MBz, Peugeot, Toyota, Olds
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05-20-2012, 12:41 PM	#7
AP Major General 2777 Rep 5,091 Posts Drives: G30 M550 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	I've got Michellin on mine and i think tramlining is just one of features of having wide tyres. My E39 was subject to that as well. got 351m wheels on min so its 245 at the fornt adn 275 at the back which is pretty wide I'd have thought.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-21-2012, 02:53 AM	#8
Krill Second Lieutenant 40 Rep 219 Posts Drives: G30 520d Xdrive - M Sport Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Gothenburg iTrader: (0)	Sounds like you need a wheel alignment, my F10 drives straight as an arrow att all speeds and isn't sensitive to crosswind..
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05-21-2012, 06:50 AM	#9
Tuesday Frequent Flyer 51 Rep 415 Posts Drives: 535LCI Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: 38°20′35.2″N 109°39′58.5″W iTrader: (7)	In comfort and comfort + I experience the steering issue. In sport and sport + no issues. I have also found that the more I think about the steering on long trips, the harder it is to stay centered in the lane without constant minor corrections. With this car I think you have to really let go and pay attention to something else.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-21-2012, 08:21 AM	#11
Henke77 Enlisted Member 0 Rep 48 Posts Drives: 535dA Touring F11, 2013 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Gothenburg iTrader: (0)	Last week I got a brand new software update (only a few days old) after experiencing the exact same issuses as mentioned above, they have done 5 separate 4-wheel alignments without any results, after the update the car is much more firm in the handling (steering) and the turning wheel is at center and most important the car runs perfectly straight! Questions on that?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-21-2012, 08:22 AM	#12
Henke77 Enlisted Member 0 Rep 48 Posts Drives: 535dA Touring F11, 2013 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Gothenburg iTrader: (0)	X-drive have hydrulic steering and are not affected at all of these issues....
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05-22-2012, 08:40 AM	#16
valcor535 Private 7 Rep 99 Posts Drives: 2011 535I X-Drive Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0)	I have experienced the same on my 2011 535i X-Drive!
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05-24-2012, 04:17 PM	#17
psingam New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 2011 528i Join Date: May 2012 Location: Brea, CA iTrader: (0)	Im glad im not the only one with this issue. My 2011 528i seems to feel "loose" or un planted on the freeway. Seems to be a lot better in Sport or Sport+ modes, but just crappy in Comfort or normal. Im going to check tire pressures... but i thinkt his goes beyond that as it should result in the same feeling in sport mode if it were the tires. I think its more of a suspension issue (shocks, sway bar, control bar)??
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-26-2012, 04:09 AM	#18
simonleecarter Registered 3 Rep 2 Posts Drives: F10 520d SE automatic Join Date: May 2012 Location: Newbury, Berks iTrader: (0)	Directional stability Thanks everyone for your comments. Taking your advice I drove long motorway journey with Dynamic Drive Control in Sport Mode and it definitely seemed a little better. Of course that increases revs. So you need to select manual 8th gear to reduce revs and maintain economy. But I still think the steering is too vague - how can BMW think it is acceptable? How come the "experts" who write magazine road tests haven't lambasted BMW? Shouldn't "The Ultimate Driving Machine" be rock-solid stable at speed instead of wandering unless constantly corrected?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-27-2012, 05:25 AM	#20
paulwebb50 Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: 525d Join Date: May 2012 Location: Surrey iTrader: (0)	Directional Stability on Motoway I've a 525d with the same issue. Delivered on Michelin Run-Flats, I swapped to non-run flat Vredesteins after 2 months and it's definitely an improvement. It's still not a drivers car by any standards with floppy steering still, but it doesn't tram-line anything like so much, and I can also hear the radio as well. They went on the same rims (245) no problems, and are 1/2 the price to replace. Ironically, the run-flats gave me my first flat in 15 years, so they lived up to their name.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-07-2016, 10:42 PM	#21
0461 Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 2010 F11 525D Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Danmark iTrader: (0)	Hi guys ! Any fix yet ?? I have recently purchased a 2010 525D F11 with 63t km on it. And I am experiencing the cross wind issues and directional stability problems as well.. My car rides on original 18" wheels with new ( not run flat ) tires and has just been 4 wheel aligned.. The car has the sport gearbox, but the problem is there in all settings, and almost dangerous in all but "sport" and "sport+". So I was wondering if any fix has been offered byBMW yet ??
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-29-2016, 02:42 PM	#22
martynhr New Member 3 Rep 9 Posts Drives: F11 520d MSport Touring 2014 Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Wales UK iTrader: (0)	Same for me, 520d 2014 MSport 18" runflats wanders like hell at speeds of 60mph and over. I haven't chekced tyres pressures yet but it has been 4 wheel aligned by BMW twice but no difference. Used it for towing a caravan also and it is the worse car I ever used for towing. Still under warranty so it will be going back.
	Appreciate 0 Quote