Hi Guys,
I wonder if you can offer any advice.
I bought a new 320D in back in March this year. Several weeks later I went down a pothole which damaged my rear offside wheel, which I replaced.
The steering also felt different, I then got a Tyresafe compound fitted which also affected the steerting.I then dropped the car off to my local BMW dealer who KDS's the vehicle and altered the steering, this did improve the handling but things still felt wrong.
I then had the tyresafe compound removed which also improved the handle, but again there was still something not quite right.Two weeks ago the car was KDS's again, they re-aligned the steering again and I did not really notice any difference.
The steering feels very light and is also very sensitive to the road service in that it follows the road camber considerably. On braking around corners the car steering pulls against you.
The car cannot really be driving unless using both hands as it seems to pull against you.
The local dealer seems to think it's me but I don't think so. I would be grateful for people's advice on how to get the problems fixed. I am considering bringing it to another dealer and asking one of their engineers to take it for a drive to get a feel for it.
Thanks for your help guys.
Rory.
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Although I have not gone pothole bashing, search for my recent thread on this forum after fun and games finding the cause of a steering 'pull' in my Vectra GSi.
After several fast fit places had adjusted the tracking to no effect, the cause was proven by a Vauxhall suspension specialist with better kit than my local dealer, to be incorrect front suspension camber (the amount of vertical 'lean') on one strut.
Now adjusted, everything is spot on again and I'm very happy!
/Steve
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KDS. Can you use plain English to give us a chance @ understanding what you mean!
Regards .....
Robert
:-))
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Hi Robert,
KDS, I believe is the method that a car dealer can use to verify and re-allign and steerting or aligntment problems with your wheels.
I think part of the problem is that I did not buy the car from the dealer but it's an import...
I am going to give the dealer a call on Monday and ask them "what happens next" because I'm still not happy.
I'll let you know what happens.
Cheers.
Rory.
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issue a small claims summons against the council that owns the pothole to get your repair money back
they generally pay up without batting an eyelid
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A few years back SWMBO claimed off a council (didn't need to go as far as small claims procedures) for a wheel and tyre for her (then) Citroen Visa. They asked about how much tread was left on the old tyre (it was virtually new) but they quite quickly paid up through their insurers - probably more than the car was worth!
Terry
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Hi Rory
I was interested to read your comments. I was beginning to think I was the only one unhappy with the steering on the new 3 series. I have a 325Ci purchased in December and find the same steering problems as you have. I have also taken my car back to the dealer but they say it is normal. With regard to the steering feeling light, I find this gets worse as the air and road temperature increases. Mind you, if you think it's bad now, wait till it freezes again!! My previous 325Ci which was made before the changes last year to (I beleive), the suspension geometry, damper settings and steering rack (tweaked to give a sportier feel and more feedback with the rack gaining speed sensitive assistance, I think) was a far easier car to drive. It precisely and smoothly rode over all undulations and was much quieter at doing it.
The only solution I can think of is to change this car for something that is less tiring to drive or at least change the Dunlop Sport tyres for Bridgestone Potenza's.
Incidentially, it may be worth checking if your car has been the subject of any recalls re: suspension. My coupe was (something to do with front bushes, maybe!) but I am not sure if this affected other models.
Hope this helps.
Hi Guys, I wonder if you can offer any advice. I bought a new 320D in back in March this year. Several weeks later I went down a pothole which damaged my rear offside wheel, which I replaced. The steering also felt different, I then got a Tyresafe compound fitted which also affected the steerting.I then dropped the car off to my local BMW dealer who KDS's the vehicle and altered the steering, this did improve the handling but things still felt wrong. I then had the tyresafe compound removed which also improved the handle, but again there was still something not quite right.Two weeks ago the car was KDS's again, they re-aligned the steering again and I did not really notice any difference. The steering feels very light and is also very sensitive to the road service in that it follows the road camber considerably. On braking around corners the car steering pulls against you. The car cannot really be driving unless using both hands as it seems to pull against you. The local dealer seems to think it's me but I don't think so. I would be grateful for people's advice on how to get the problems fixed. I am considering bringing it to another dealer and asking one of their engineers to take it for a drive to get a feel for it. Thanks for your help guys. Rory.
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