Handling

D

DBZ4

Member
Hi all

I'm after some advice.

I have an E85 2003 roadster which i purchased last summer.

When purchased the car had two all but finished run flats on the back and some cheap tyres on the front.

I have recently replaced the run flats with some falken's and the cheap front tyres still have 4mm depth, but during my MOT last summer i was told there was some uneven wear on the inner and outer walls of the front tyres.

When replacing the run flats a few weeks back i had 4 wheel alignment done, but unfortunately the handling still isn't good. The steering wheel still goes crazy with unever road surfaces and it feels like there is a natural pull to the left.

Do you think it's likely to be the front tyres or do you think i need to get it looked at for something a little more sinister???

Thanks for the advice in advance.
 
I have had similar issues, as Darren has mentioned check the front pressures first.

Failing this, as was the case with me, have the control arm bushes inspected. My local indy (BMW specialist) has told me they are a particular weak point in the Z4 as he has changed many. I had several handling problems similar to yours and this cured it and made the handling feel razor sharp.

Diagram below ... it's part "8" that was causing the issues for me. I changed this followed by an alignment and it was perfect ..

suspension_zps4af69766.jpg
 
Yup, one of my bushes was shot, caused no end of problems... Got it changed, totally sorted :thumbsup:
 
I regularly check the tyre pressure so not that.

However the control arms ring a bell - may have been mentioned at the MOT also.

I'll definitely get it looked at. If that's a problem can you give me some guidance on how much I should anticipate to pay to sort it??

Thanks again.
 
Can't help with the price I'm afraid... It was a £700 bill, and the bush was only a small part of it :cry:
 
A quick check on Euro Car Parts shows the bushes coming in at £81.60 for the pair. Probably around 2 hours labour to fit at approx £50 per hour the chuck in the VAT. I would guess around £215.00.
 
Right.. i've found my MOT notes which read:

"Slight movement in both front lower arm rear bushes"

So in your expert opinions, does that scream out as the likely reason for the problem with the car pulling and steering wheel vibrating? If so is it just a case of replacing the bushes as mentioned above, or is there potentially further work required?

I'm a novice, so relying on your usual good advice!!!
 
Sounds like it - but I'd take it to an Indy to be sure as I couldn't possibly claim to be an expert :D
 
Had exactly the same issue, though along with non RFTs, poly bushing the lollipops (u either hate or love it), 4 wheel alignment with slight extra toe in PLUS finally changing the steering rack tie rod ends has sorted out 95% of the past tram-lining & rear end squirming under hard breaking...

The non-RFTs & lollipops made the biggest difference & FYI my local tyre fitters are doing Michelin 255 35 18 PS3's for £196 fitted & balanced (Fawkham tyres in Longfield Kent) - cheaper than Costco!!!
 
I've had bushes on my mot advisory since I first got a 3 series... After two years with my E46 I changed them for polyflex bushes. The MOT garage were surprised there was no movement as they say nearly every E46 has movement. Now I haven't experienced any issues with my Z as yet but I'd recommend going for a harder compound if you do swap the bushes as they will last longer anyway. Also, remember nearly every road has a camber so you are likely to get a little pull to the left anyway.

Edit: I meant polybush... From powerflex. http://www.powerflex.co.uk/
 
http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=46749
I did the job on mine last week and put a 'how to' (use link above)

I had similar problems that you were explaining about my handling and steering. I suggest that you replace the bushes.
:wink:
 
Oh lord getting those things off is a pain. Takes a lot of hitting, cussing, and grunting to get them to free up. But well worth the trouble. No reason to pay someone to do it.
 
I concur.
Its unbelievable how much of a 'hold' the bushes had on the wishbone.
The hot air gun and a small angle grinder got removal time down from hours to 10 mins. :D
 
Toe-side said:
I concur.
Its unbelievable how much of a 'hold' the bushes had on the wishbone.
The hot air gun and a small angle grinder got removal time down from hours to 10 mins. :D
Click to expand...

I used a 3-jaw puller (which ripped the inner sleeve loose of the overall rubber) and then an angle grinder to cut/split the sleeve. Like you, didn't take "that" long but a lot of hassle for something that I would expect to just pull off.
 
Glad to hear I wasn't the only person to have some frustration with this apparently simple removal of a bush.
 
Okay, can someone explain the term 'Indy' to me?

I keep seeing it stated and I assume its equivilant to what we would call a mechanic?
 
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