Steering accuracy/sharpness

[tremere613]

Hey guys

Ever since I got rid of my run-flats my steering accuracy has not been the same!

If anyone has any suggestions please let me know!

It might just need an alignment?
I was thinking a thick front sway bar would help, but the brand and type would be greatly appreciated!

[Gray_Panther]

Softer rubber means it is more pliable so the car swoons more than with runflats. I noticed the same when i autocrossed with runflats and then switched to nonrf

[tremere613]

Gotcha, anyway to counteract that?
Front sway bar?

[dtla1]

Which non-runflats did you go with?

[The Wind Breezes]

Switch back to runflats if it's that important.

[Lucky1]

Was thinking of getting BMW perf suspension, M3 control arms and rear bushings personally

[tremere613]

Michelin all weather

[Chunner]

Originally Posted by tremere613

Michelin all weather

I know exactly what you mean....

I switched to the Michelin Pilot AS3 but added Dinan's delrin monoball joints in the front, M3 subframe bushings in the rear and Dinan Toelinks. It rides like a go cart....

[850tgul]

If you ditch the run flats be prepared to drop at least 2k in suspension mods to bring back the sporty handling characteristics.
I was shocked at how the car behaved when I got rid of the run flats. High speed transitions were downright scary.
So far I have done e93 front sway bar and white line subframe inserts. Honestly I'm a little underwhelmed with both tbh. Have bilstein dampers and swift springs coming soon. Hoping that will satisfy me but wouldn't be suprised if I end up going full m3 subframe replacements in the future.

[lowbudgethero]

Alignment and tire pressure makes a difference, but you went from runflat summers to all season tires what did you expect.

[IEDEI]

Ditch the all seasons and get some proper tires! if you are driving in the winter then you will need snow tires; so get a set of summer tires and a set of snow tires. All seasons make no sense on RWD cars that are going to be used all year round, IMO.

[FactorX81]

I went to pss and noticed the same thing. I had slight rubbing in the front and bought the fixed Dinan plates and noticed a clear increase in response and sharpness. It felt like I put the runflats back on. I had no other suspension mods at the time.

[Kgolf31]

Sidewall stiffness is a factor. A less stiff sidewall (aka non-runflat most of the time) is going to slow down the response because the tire is going to have to load up before any grip is taken into effect.

Camber, Caster, Less Toe In will all help turn-in

[MightyMouseTech]

The M3 front arms will make a huge difference in steering feel.

You will want to add the rear M3 RSFB's as well.

[Black Prinz]

Steering accuracy? Get an alignment!

Steering sharpness? then I agree with 850tgul

Originally Posted by 850tgul

If you ditch the run flats be prepared to drop at least 2k in suspension mods to bring back the sporty handling characteristics.
I was shocked at how the car behaved when I got rid of the run flats. High speed transitions were downright scary.
So far I have done e93 front sway bar and white line subframe inserts. Honestly I'm a little underwhelmed with both tbh. Have bilstein dampers and swift springs coming soon. Hoping that will satisfy me but wouldn't be suprised if I end up going full m3 subframe replacements in the future.

OE is designed with the stiff sidewalls of a RFT in mind. Non RFT's exposed the overall softness mine had. Now my suspension is really dialed down (as M's don't use RFT's) and steering feel is improved but I still miss the steering sharpness of my old Mazda.

[tremere613]

Originally Posted by Black Prinz

Steering accuracy? Get an alignment!

Steering sharpness? then I agree with 850tgul

OE is designed with the stiff sidewalls of a RFT in mind. Non RFT's exposed the overall softness mine had. Now my suspension is really dialed down (as M's don't use RFT's) and steering feel is improved but I still miss the steering sharpness of my old Mazda.

It's unreal how accurate your statement is! I know this sounds funny but I miss my 91' Mazda!!
I never thought I would buying this car but I do!
The formula and packaging of the 135i is so great...
RWD, powerful.. Perfect size...
But it doesn't always translate into good driving feel

The run flats felt like a car accident every time I hit a pot hole or harsh when going over a sewer cover!

Without the run flats the car is waaay more live-able day to day(remember I'm in bad weather country so I had to get all weather)

But the steering has lost its... Umph!

Whatever you want to call it!

Now that you're telling me the m3 tie rods? Control arms? Sway bars? Are built without the run flats in mind I may have to make the investment

Anyone have part numbers for whatever they recommend
The more specific the better

For instance
2009 M3 tie rods from blah blah store
Part #
Bushing part#
Etc.. Etc

[MightyMouseTech]

Not the tie rods.

The M3 torque arms and lower control arms.

Save a bunch by getting the TRW branded stuff. Same as OE, just the //M symbol is ground off of them.

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E82-135...ade/ES2586480/

The most cost effective handling upgrade you'll ever find!
Will add about .75 degrees of negative camber to the front for improved handling and tire wear

Wanting more out of your BMW without having horrid ride quality? This is not only an extremely common handling upgrade, but one of the best upgrades you can do. These control arms are much sturdier than your factory units and feature much stiffer bushings and ball joints. Not only does this kit give you an extremely effective upgrade, it's the perfect excuse to get rid of your factory arms that are at the edge of being road worthy.

You will notice much more precise handling, a sportier ride, and these arms will add around .75 degrees of negative camber to the front of your BMW! Also included is an M3 headlight leveling rod which is needed to get the job done.

[inFamousKicks]

Have you checked tire pressure/gotten an alignment recently? I kinda felt the same way after switching over to non run flats. Car felt so much better after an alignment. Couldn't be happier. Makes you feel really connected to the road and they're not as harsh.

[dtla1]

For M3 Front Control Arms check FCPEuro for the lowest price I can find right now as well as this thread for info: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=736789

[mr.fabulous]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

Not the tie rods.

The M3 torque arms and lower control arms.

Save a bunch by getting the TRW branded stuff. Same as OE, just the //M symbol is ground off of them.

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E82-135...ade/ES2586480/

Bushings are already pressed in? Just a simple bolt-on?

And what the heck is an "M3 headlight leveling rod"?

[tremere613]

Would it be stupid to just buy aftermarket replacement controls arms off of rockauto for the 1m or m3?
Are they aluminum?

Seems like a simple bolt on affair, am I mistaken?

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by mr.fabulous

Bushings are already pressed in? Just a simple bolt-on?

And what the heck is an "M3 headlight leveling rod"?

Yup. Took me 30 mins to install them.

There is a small rod that attaches the ride height sensor to the lower arm, you need the M3 version to go with the M3 lower arm.

Just need to get an alignment after install. Really, easy.