N55 135i heavy steering

[wannabeemer]

When I first drove this at purchase time I felt that the heavy steering was normal but now after 6 months of ownership it’s starting to frustrate me. This is more noticeable after I have had a drive in my son’s hatchback or a friend’s car. My tyres are at the right pressures and the power steering isn’t making any noises except when at full lock.
What could be the problem?

[captain slowly]

there is no problem. Its how hydraulic steering BMW's are. If its something you don't like, either buy the newer electric steering bmw, or a different make.

[wannabeemer]

Brutal.

[zx10guy]

[MightyMouseTech]

Don't dry steer the tires.

[Mageshkk]

I know what the problem. You've been driving cars with electric steering for a while. Get used to 135i steering and the next time you drive an electric steering car, it'll feel like a toy.

[smrtypants44]

Its what I like most out of my car...the heavy steering.

[Captain Blood]

I love the steering on my 135. I've had cars you can steer with your pinkie. They were not nearly as fun.

[swagon]

Check steering fluid.

Become a manly man.

[tracer bullet]

It's possibly the alignment. Otherwise though, yes, it's a heavy steering feel. That's part of it and most of us consider it a good thing.

[Esteban]

N55 135i heavy steering = manly steering.

[vinylengraver]

Until recently my parents (who live in EU) owned a third generation VW Polo with no power steering. The car was red, mint, underpowered by Norh American standards and such a fun car to drive!
They just recently replaced it with a new Citroen something rather with electric steering and the whole shebang. My dad loves it since it practially drives itself. Needless to say when I come for a visit these days, one of the big reasons why it was fun before is now gone...

[asiflicious]

Hit the gym. But in all seriousness, the 135i does have pretty heavy steering, which I love. It's heavier than my e92 335i was

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by vinylengraver

Until recently my parents (who live in EU) owned a third generation VW Polo with no power steering. The car was red, mint, underpowered by Norh American standards and such a fun car to drive!
They just recently replaced it with a new Citroen something rather with electric steering and the whole shebang. My dad loves it since it practially drives itself. Needless to say when I come for a visit these days, one of the big reasons why it was fun before is now gone...

Yeah, speaking of cars that practically drive themselves, there are people I know that like the idea but imo that takes all the fun out of it. I've loved the experience of driving since I was a kid and it never gets old for me. At the same time I understand not wanting to deal with the stress of driving in rush hour traffic everyday, or for whatever reason you don't want to do your own driving. Just as long as we always have that choice to make for ourselves.

[doublevanosrc]

Originally Posted by smrtypants44

Its what I like most out of my car...the heavy steering.

+1


Can't stand the EPS racks on newer BMWs.

[wannabeemer]

Okay thanks all. Off to the gym it is.

[Gangplank]

Have the alignment checked. I think excessive toe-in can cause a heavy feel.

[chris_flies]

Pop-out your camber pins, and push the tops of the struts all the way in. That'll significantly lighten the steering, and make it less understeer-y. No real detriment in tire wear, unless you drive on a very straight highway a lot of miles. Other than that, it's just how it is in the 1'er. I think the E90's had EPAS, save for the M3.

[asiflicious]

Originally Posted by chris_flies

Pop-out your camber pins, and push the tops of the struts all the way in. That'll significantly lighten the steering, and make it less understeer-y. No real detriment in tire wear, unless you drive on a very straight highway a lot of miles. Other than that, it's just how it is in the 1'er. I think the E90's had EPAS, save for the M3.

Originally Posted by chris_flies

Pop-out your camber pins, and push the tops of the struts all the way in. That'll significantly lighten the steering, and make it less understeer-y. No real detriment in tire wear, unless you drive on a very straight highway a lot of miles. Other than that, it's just how it is in the 1'er. I think the E90's had EPAS, save for the M3.

I believe e9x 35i's also had hydraulic steering.

[mr.fabulous]

Originally Posted by chris_flies

Pop-out your camber pins, and push the tops of the struts all the way in. That'll significantly lighten the steering, and make it less understeer-y.

Point me to a picture of this (not that I would do it, just curious).

I came to my E82 from an E36, and I don't recall experiencing much difference in steering feel. I drove a 2017 330i a few weeks ago and HATED the feel of that car, it was awful.

[swagon]

E90 LCI EPS feels good to me. It's heavier than the EPS in newer BMWs. I blame the various driving modes. Had it been non-adjustable, it'd be much better, I think.

[elitesales305]

that's one thing I love about my 135.. my 850i was the same if not worse..
I think that the steering makes u more "in tune" with the car.. personal preference ofcourse but man do I love it..
it also makes it feel more solid. imo..