Terrible Handling

[benv6]

Hi Guys,

I am a new member and a new Z4 owner, I always wanted one and finally got the 2.0l 2008 WITH 50K on the clock and what a disappointment .

The cars feel new with full BMW service history and everything works as it should, the engine and gearbox are so smooth, I am very disappointed with the handling though so I would like to ask few questions to more experienced owners.

The car has almost bridgetone RFT tyres with 5mm thread (I have seen all the posts about the rft but I just want to make sure before changing them as it is a big chunk of money).

The handling is like 2 out of 10 and the car feels almost dangerous to drive, it is all over the place and you have to keep both your hands firmly on the steering wheel, it kinda feels like it you loosing control but you dont (I think its called tramline if im not mistaken) I had few test drives on others and kinda feels the same but at the time I thought its a different car so I will get used to it. One week driving mine and I am seriously considering getting rid of it.

I am taking the car for a a proper check today both to kwikfit and to my local garage. so my question to you guys is if this is normal for a z4 or do you think that something is wrong ?

I have got bridgestone rft 255/40/17 rear % 225/45/17 front can you please advise me on correct tyre pressures as the label on the door is teared up for some reason

I f possible can you tell me how much money I can get for all 4 tyres so I can budget.

I really hope its only the tyres because I really don't want to get rid of it

Many Thanks for your help !

 

[Wyldie85]

Change them. The run flats are awful. They give a crashy, hard ride and make the car tramline.

I wondered whether I'd made a big mistake when I got mine as the ride was so bad and it was exhausting trying to keep the thing on the road.

I've since changed to Goodyears Non run flats and it's like a different car. So much more relaxed and easy to live with.
What you've described is definitely the tyres. I paid £560.00 for mine I think and although it is a large chunk of money, it transforms the car and you won't regret it. :driving:

 

[Rob s]

Im not sure what you're used to but even with RFT the handling shouldnt be that bad.
Ditching them will improve the handling but its has more of an effect on the ride quality i personally thought. You might get 150-200 for the tyres.
A slightly thinner tyre on the back might also help as i dont think you will have any grip issues with the 2.0L- although others on here have better tyre knowledge than myself.

Might also be worth getting the suspension checked and also a wheel alignment done although I appreciate this all costs money.

 

[benv6]

Wyldie85, You won't believe how you have just made my day !! :wink:

Will have to confirm with quikfit though

 

[benv6]

Hi Rob, Going to quikfit after work today to check the tracking and the tyres, Its my first 2 seater car but had 33Oci E46 before, I was more of a biker though, I know what you mean and tbh I am thinking the same as I don't think BMW would sell such a car. I will keep you updated after my quikfit visit.

 

[Wyldie85]

Let us know how you get on Ben. Glad to have put your mind at rest!

 

[Bing]

Be careful using Kwik Fit for 'tracking' - I have read many times on here that they claim certain elements of the suspension cannot be checked/adjusted as they don't have the correct tools. So you will probably spend money needlessly. I would not take my car to Kwik Fit for anything. Ever.

What you need is a 4 wheel hunter alignment - do a Google to find a place near you that does it. The car has probably never had an alignment done since it was build, so that should help straight off.

Then get some new rubber as suggested... In fact you might want to do it the other way round.

Tyre pressures - can't help with precise numbers I'm afraid as I don't have the same car. However from memory of my last Z, the standard pressures are quite high on RFTs, I'm sure the fronts are something like 36, and the rears 38. People change the pressures from standard anyway to suit their driving style or preferred comfort level. However the rears are always a couple of PSI higher than the fronts.

Hope that all helps

 

[jamiez]

This will largely be due to alignment - but don't bother with kwickfit

Instead stick your postcode in here and take to the suggested garage. These garages do proper hunter alignment which is both better and on occasion cheaper than other types of alignment

http://www.alignmycar.co.uk

After that yes, tires will play apart but before then I would look at tire balancing, bushes and linkages.

Biggest bang for buck - alignment

 

[benv6]

Just an update, my car has been checked and it is only the wishbones that need replacing and the alignment is way out so glad its nothing too serious.

Many thanks for the link jamiez, I will be using Hounslow tyres as they quoted me £50 (£70 with the weights) which is soo cheap ?!!!

 

[Jgy6000]

What are you having done? Wheel balancing includes weights...

 

[K3P0]

The words KWIK FIT are a swear word on any enthusiast car forum. Please stop swearing