Z4 tramlining?

[jackboy]

I have test driven a couple of 2.5 manual Z4's without problems. I know that one def had normal tires on and not sure about the other. However, yesterday i test drove a 3.0 auto with run flats and both me and my partner noticed the car pulling to one side or the other on our test drive. Is this down to the run flats? What else could be causing it?

Thanks

 

[ksher]

Run flat tyres, especially Bridgestone. Michelin PS2 ZP is the only RF that can solve this problem.

 

[PawnSacrifice]

What size were the wheels / tyres? Typically the 2.5s have 16" / 17" rims on which the OEM run flats behave far better but can still tramline on bad surfaces. The 3.0 was more likely to have 18", possibly staggered (wider rears) which exacerbates the problem.

Of course it may not be the tyres but something else with the car, if it's to your liking just get it checked properly. But moving away from OEM run flats solves a lot of handling and ride issues, but IMO at the cost of some feel. On balance though it's a no brainer, ditch the OEMs!

Good luck in the search!

 

[gannet]

Run flat tyres, especially Bridgestone. Michelin PS2 ZP is the only RF that can solve this problem.

+1

 

[BSVA]

Run flat tyres, especially Bridgestone. Michelin PS2 ZP is the only RF that can solve this problem.

+1

+2

 

[mcbeee]

I used to get the same problem on my Z3 and it had PS2's on it and then Conti Sports. No rft's ever. A lot has to do with the road and the profile of the tire so check well before you spend lots of cash....

 

[peds8045]

I too had the tramlining on my 2.5 Z4 with Bridgestone RFT's, however it has now completely disappeared now i have changed to Non RFT's (Falkens)

 

[Mik]

Yep ! Fitting conventionals worked for me too

 

[chris_rayner]

Careful attention to correct tyre pressures will mitigate this problem. I have a 3.0l Si coupe, and was contemplating changing the tyres when I first got it. Since checking the pressures the problem is now manageable. Considering the cost of replacement tyres this is worth a crack before you shell out £500+ on a set of Michelins.

 

[EdButler]

Even some non-RFT's do this... I have Bridgestone Turanzas on the 17"s at the moment (while my 108's new Laquer hardens!) and they also tramline terribly compared to FK-452's on the 18"s.

Chris_rayner - Im sure many would be interested on your tyre pressure findings. Im guessing you lowered them, but by how much?

 

[GAZA62]

Wide low profile tyres will always cause some tramlining it goes with the territory just adjust your driving to suit then you find it much less a problem

 

[chris_rayner]

The car as I got it from the dealer had slightly low pressures. I set them to the specified pressures while they were cold on a level surface, and while the problem has not disappeared it is much better. I now check and correct the pressures as appropriate once a fortnight.

3.0l coupe Si, 17" rims, OE Bridgestones.

 

[Z4um]

Chris, I had the same experience on my roadster with 18" rims and Bridgestones. Specified pressures much better.

 

[mrmason]

Lazer wheel alignment will go a long way to helping as well

 

[Hotride]

I find the Z4 tramlines alot less then the 323i. both running staggered 225/18" and 255/18" bridgestone PS RFT's. only difference is Z4 has nitrogen instead of Oxygen. it seems tyre pressure may have big effects.

 

[NiteRide]

Run flat tyres, especially Bridgestone. Michelin PS2 ZP is the only RF that can solve this problem.

It's good to know this. Mine has Bridgestone RFTs and I noticed some tramlining on uneven roads.

Michelin PS2 ZP could well be my next set of tyres..

 

[AnttiO]

What i have saw different writings about Z4 tramlining i believe that it has same problems with E46 series. Actually Z4 and E46 are quite similar.
We have worn and poor condition road network in Finland. E46 has to be 100% condition and wheel/tyre set must be just correct to avoid tramlining. My father bought E46 new 2005 with 16" summer tyres. (Non runflat, standard tyres) and it was tramlining even when brand new car. For example some Renault sport clio which i had before was so easy to drive and it went like a train straight.

I can give some tips if you want to Z4 or E46 series go straight, or at least so straight as possible.

- NO runflat tyres
- 16/17 inch wheels, 225 max (front/rear axle same size tyres for example 225/45/17 all around)
- New tyres tramline less than worn ones.
- No sport tyres like michelin pilot sport, for example goodyear eagle f1 asymmetric 2 or hankooks do job fine. Some said that Uniroyal rainsport 3 is good too.
- Check pressures, you can put 5-10% more than owners manual says.
- Front traction control arm bushes has to be in good condition.
- There should not be any worn parts in car suspension.
- Tracking set carefully. E46 need some special tweaking for front to get front camber in correct position.

With those things corrected even E46 with 17" tyres is quite good to drive, but you cannot compare it to FWD cars..

I have Z4 which i bought october, and it was tramlining. Front TCA rear bushes were completely dead. (I am quite sure this is the reason for tramlining)...
I replaced those recently i have not drive it yet. But if it tramlines, i will first go to tracking, if that would not help then next step is to buy 17" wheels. Currently i have 255/225 18 Style 32. Tyres are worn dunlop sport maxx non rft.

 

[DMike]

Like AnttiO said, due to studded winter tires we have nasty tracks on our roads. My 17 inch Potenza RFs tramlined a lot and could suddenly pull to either side on a straight road - scary and almost had to drive with both hands on steering wheel. Different pressures didn't solve the problem. With non-RF Contisports tram lining disappeared completely. Plenty of info on the forum.

 

[DMike]

...and I've a non-M suspension so with 17s it's a quite soft setup.

 

[SteveG]

I agree with the previous posts in that almost anything that has wide, low profile tyres will have a tendency to tramline and it's usually exaggerated further by poor road surfaces, particularly where grooves have been worn by HGV's. The inside lane of M25 is truly awful. My Z is running Bridgestone RFT's on 18's, 225/40 front and 255/35 rears and does suffer. Having said that I tend to run with slightly higher pressures than suggested which alleviates it a bit. I think it goes with the territory and feels more alarming than it really is, I will change to non RFT's when they are next due.