Car stability above 70MPH

[EnlightenedOne]

I'm noticing that above 70MPH the car seems to want to "wander" a bit. It isn't pulling one way or another and isn't vibrating or anything, but it just seems that I have to constantly adjust left or right to keep it going straight. Below 70MPH I don't notice anything like this at all.

The dealer drove it and said they didn't notice anything, but I suspect it's because they just drove it at like 65 or something. They claimed it was just "BMW Road Feel" that I might not be used to lol. To me it is probably a wheel balance issue or something but just wanted to make sure there wasn't something magic that happened at 70MPH on all cars....

[MZWIE]

I routinely drive 90-100 with no issues at all. I do however have the PS and non RFT's. This may have some effect on the feel

[EnlightenedOne]

Originally Posted by e34m5

I routinely drive 90-100 with no issues at all. I do however have the PS and non RFT's. This may have some effect on the feel

Right, I forgot to mention that I am on the RFTs... wondering if they are causing the issue.

[Walt White Coupe]

It should track straight as an arrow. This is a BMW. Have the alignment checked.

[doublevanosrc]

Originally Posted by Walt White Coupe

It should track straight as an arrow. This is a BMW. Have the alignment checked.

This^^


I do 90-100mph daily and no problem. I'm on OEM runflats as well, sounds like an alignment issue to me.

[1911A145]

You need an alignment from BMW. I had the same issue. All good now.

[Dackelone]

Check your rear suspension links - I bet one is bad. Also the rear axle bushings are fairly weak - that is one reason why I went with M3 subframe bushings. Sounds like something is loose on your suspension and your car is wandering.

Btw... my car is fairly stable to 180mph.

BMW Rear Guide Rod Kit - Better traction and handling
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=223464

[tuco44]

Running on the OEM RFTs and have no issues at higher speeds.

[other_evolved]

No issues at high speed with stock RFT's, either.

[the1andonly]

Ive done double speed that with run flats and non sports suspension...perfectly stable

[Kgolf31]

Probably a toe issue (where you're running close to 0 toe up front) or your tire just like to tramline.

I run 0 toe in my Z4M up front (better response and turn in), and it darts back and forth on the highway. It is kinda a PITA to handle, but I like the way the car feels so much I live with it

[sochermit]

Originally Posted by EnlightenedOne

Right, I forgot to mention that I am on the RFTs... wondering if they are causing the issue.

I have RFT, drive a lot at 70+ and do not have any problem.

[tuco44]

Originally Posted by EnlightenedOne

Right, I forgot to mention that I am on the RFTs... wondering if they are causing the issue.

No.

[Adam135]

I've had RFTs and now Michelin PSS, never felt that way...

[bbbbmw]

Could also be the thrust arm bushings up front, or ball joints? I'm assuming the 1series has both, similar to other BMWs. I'd also check to see if there is a tread separation on the tires.

[lastMleft]

Im stable at 90+must be my PSS's

[Vigilante375]

Well with this being the first car I ever owned that had RFTs I can say I had the exact same issue. I noticed it from day 1 and I bought the car brand new. As many of times I've driven on the Interstate here with my 06 GTO, wife's 2010 Camry and multiple vehicles for friends I never felt the car move like it did with these RFTs.

I drove for ~2.5k miles and swapped over to non-RFT all season tires. I noticed the car did not move around like it did before. Now it goes straight and true with no issues in the ~10k miles I've put on the tires so far. All of my driving is between 60-70 mph with the cruise set most of the 25 miles I drive one way.

But when I do go WOT from a 60 roll or so the back end does "sway" back and forth but that's an easy fix with some M3 subframe pieces.

[FOACAD]

Stable and feels great all the way to 155mph and do it on a regular basis.

Someone really needs to crack the N55 speed limiter though, nothing is more annoying than getting with a high speed car and losing them as they move easily past 155mph.

[makrop]

Originally Posted by FOACAD

Stable and feels great all the way to 155mph and do it on a regular basis.

Someone really needs to crack the N55 speed limiter though, nothing is more annoying than getting with a high speed car and losing them as they move easily past 155mph.

If you have an M-Sport like your sig says, shouldn't you have had the limiter removed already? That's how mine is, but its an N54...

[FOACAD]

Nope, non-M sport is 130mph. M sport is 155mph.

Have you gone past 155? I was under the impression that it was the same and required something like the BMS speed delimiter to take it off.

I do know for a fact that the N55 M-sport is 155mph, like I said, I hit it regularly on the Autobahn. There is also no solutions for US spec cars currently that im aware of. Euro spec do not have limiter at all.

[makrop]

Originally Posted by FOACAD

Nope, non-M sport is 130mph. M sport is 155mph.

Have you gone past 155? I was under the impression that it was the same and required something like the BMS speed delimiter to take it off.

I do know for a fact that the N55 M-sport is 155mph, like I said, I hit it regularly on the Autobahn. There is also no solutions for US spec cars currently that im aware of. Euro spec do not have limiter at all.

I see... Learn something new everyday haha. I just went back and looked at the spec sheet from the dealer I bought it from and looks like you are right. It says increased top speed limiter. I always just had it in my mind the limiter had been removed.

Either way is fine with me, I'll never be anywhere near those speeds driving on public Oklahoma roads. I've never even gotten it past 105mph to be honest.

[MightyMouseTech]

There is actually quite a range of front toe and still be in spec. Sounds like your car is at the further toe out end of the spec. If you want the steering to feel more numb, have the toe adjusted to the toe in end of the spec.