Nice Z4, but very light handling ?

G

Gregson

Member
 Yorkshire
Hi Guys,
I have been reading the forum for a few weeks now as I been looking to buy a Z for a while. I took a 3ltr SE roadster 80,000 miler for a test drive at the weekend and loved it..........but the handling was very light and seemed to pull to one side slightly when under acceleration?

I currently drive a 55 plate 2.0TDI Golf which feels solid but this is the only Z4 I have driven so have nothing to compare it to. Is it common for a Z4 to have light steering or would you suspect something else is wrong. It currently has 3 runflats but 1 standard tyre on the O/S/R which the current owner put on as a stop gap.

Any thoughts? :thumbsup:
 
Just ONE normal tyre?!?!? Bloody hell, that's not bad, that's dangerous!!!

The non-M Zed does feel very light in the steering, some like it, some don't. To me though, it sounds like your issue is the tyres. If you buy it, plan to change all the tyres to non-run flats.
 
It does seem likely that the steering issue will be caused by the different tyres. They have very different characteristics so if inflated to similar pressures could end up pulling to one side. That said I'd want the tyre changed before buying to be sure and would not drive it 'as is'

As sp3ctre says they can feel light but if you get one with the sport button one of the features is to reduce the power assistance in the steering.
 
:o As CJ said get the seller to change that tyre, I'm not that old but it's proably similar to mixing radial and cross ply tyres.
 
agreed with all above, it could be the mix match of tyres, and yes i find the z too light untill i hit sport, i wait till im out of the little town road then hit the sport button
 
Thanks for the reply's. I've taken the plunge and put down a deposit on the Z, pick it up on Saturday.... can't wait. I've got it booked in at a local tyre depot in the afternoon to get the non-rft changed for a bridgestone potenza (£227 ouch!). Then its out on the open road to see what she's got! :driving:

Thanks Again.
 
I'm surprised you did not negotiate a new tyre in the price of sale and would encourage you to get agreement that if the replacement does not cure the steering then they fix/warranty to pay it.
 
Im buying it from a private seller and negotiated a £200 discount for the tyre repair. He is also carrying out a full service and replacement of front struts before I hand over the cash, so hopefully this will do the trick.
 
Gregson said:
Im buying it from a private seller and negotiated a £200 discount for the tyre repair. He is also carrying out a full service and replacement of front struts before I hand over the cash, so hopefully this will do the trick.
Click to expand...

Well that takes the pain out of the tyre and hopefully it will all be fine. I'd suggest getting the alignment done once the suspension is changed
 
Welcome :thumbsup: i like the feel of the steering myself find it just right but have driven cars with even lighter steering.
 
you are right the steering is light!

i always drive mine with teh sport button on and the DTC 1st stage disengaged.

makes for much better feel and dynamic in the car (arse end slithers around a bit)

Dario
 
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