Please HELP! Nervous steering

S

sammytee

New member
Hi Guys,

I have recently bought myself a 2006 Z4 2.0 roadster. I'm 22 so couldn't really afford the insurance on anything higher then the 2.0 :x

The issue is I have noticed that the car can sometimes tramline and pull on certain roads and when crossing the white lines in the middle of the road. It seems some what nervous at times and does not feel right to me. I took it back to the garage today and they have told me the think it is just a characteristic of these cars. I'm not really satisfied with this answer so have turned to you guys for help, hopefully someone shed some light on this situation. Do your cars do this kind of thing?

Thanks in advance!
 
You're probably driving on the bridgestone potenza runflats.... utter junk. The stiff sidewall in runflats makes it tramline
Use non runflat tyres.
 
We bought a 58 plate Z4 convertible last weekend. On the test drive it tram-lined and felt a bit skittish so I checked the tyres and found that it was fitted with Bridgestone run flats.
We live out in the sticks and the ride home through the country lanes on the run flats was an accident waiting to happen.
Ordered up a set of Goodyear Eagle F1's and had them fitted yesterday, wow ! it drives and handles like it should now.
If your Zed is fitted with run flats, do yourself a favour and buy yourself an early Xmas present and buy yourself a set of non run flat tyres, believe me you will not regret it.
 
I binned the runflats on mine not long after purchasing the car. The improvement was immediate, completely different car, much more satisfying to drive.

Bin the RFT's..... :D
 
A few things about this sammytee,

Firstly, I went from an MX5 to a Zed and was really concerned about the steering , just as you are, when I first began to drive it with some commitment. The garage is correct in stating that it is a characteristic of the Zed - they are not trying to con you.

Secondly I went from run flats to non run flats and just as everyone said, it changed the nature of the steering radically. It still is a car that you need to keep two hands on the steering wheel of at most times but especially when you are using the performance, so be aware.

Thirdly, I have found the Zed is very sensitive to tyre pressures, a few psi difference can make a remarkable difference. I am presently on 32psi front and just reduced my new Goodyear Eagle F1 Assymetric 2 to 32psi at the rear and this has made a big difference to the steering (I had the rears at 34 and it upset the front). Folk have different pressure settings that they find work for them so you will have to experiment a little (these settings are for my 3.0si).

The handling of an older Zed can be improved with the replacement of bushes which are not too expensive to fit yourself or have fitted by an independent - you may find that if you have a warranty it might be worth asking the garage to check the front wishbones to start with.

Finally, do not be put off by your initial surprise at the steering. If you replace your tyres you will find that driving your Zed is a brilliantly involving experience and the steering is all part of this. Also the 2.0 litre is a very under-estimated Zed. I found mine was very effective and terrific fun when I used all the revs and kept it in the lower gears - I know it surprised a few people and I am often out for a run with Chezsherman and he makes his 2.0 litre Sport performs brilliantly so you will get to love your Zed!

:driving: :thumbsup:
 
I've just had my e86 aligned on a hunter Hawkeye elite. I'd experienced the tramlining and generally very twitchy steering at motorway speeds since I bought the car over a year ago. I assumed it was just a characteristic of the car, however, after hitting a rock and being able to visibly see the alignment was out I took it to get it sorted.

All I can say is WOW what a difference. Its like a different car. Much reduced tramlining, little to no steering wobble.

I did have the lower control arm replaced as it was damaged by the rock but I'm now a big believer in having the alignment done regularly.

Whilst the suspension is now all within BMW tolerance, the alignment place weren't 100% happy as the camber adjustment was at its Max and not quite how they wanted but all I can say is I'm very pleased.
 
Thanks for your replies everyone! Its very reassuring to know its not a major issue especially as I checked my tiers and they are run flats.

I am already loving my Zed and hopefully some new tires will just be a bonus! Wish I could have got the 3.0 but the 2.0 definitely does have some poke to it, much more fun than my previous 2.0 Audi A3!

Thanks again guys, i will continue to check out the forum. I will keep you posted.

:thumbsup:
 
You'll get used to it. It's just the handling of the zed. I was nervous about mine when I first got it then I got used to it. But probably replacing the run flats might help as others have suggested.
 
i got my Z on Friday and then had to drive it home for 8 hours.... and i felt exactly the same as you, i had never experienced "tramlining" untill now and its such a strange feeling for the 1st time being thrown around the road, and like others have said... after my 8hours of driving i got pretty used to it (but still being extra careful for a while as i dont want to get cocky)

enjoy your car :)
 
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