[Soza16]

Hello Everyone,

I'm the owner of 2006 130i E87 and since I got the car with 114k kilometers I found out that the steering almost doesn't self center at all after cornering at any speed. Recently upgraded to ST XA Coilovers and m3 LCAs but still the problem wasn't fixed. Any ideas?

Thanks.

 

[marco_polo]

Are the universal joints on your steering column In good condition? As a quick test, I would lubricate both with a small drop of engine oil (or similar) to see if that makes any difference?

 

[Dave1]

It could be your tyres are not helping but I suspect it's more down to the steering being what some would describe as heavy. I take it that it's the original and good hydraulic steering. If you need to assist it "lightly" to it's final position it's pretty typical and been mentioned on here before somewhere. I have never found it a problem, don't even think about it and once central, the car sits with a solid "planted" feel. I think wider front tyres on mine may have exaggerated it a little but I really don't notice it unless looking for it. I find the steering has great feedback, part of the attraction of pre face lift really.

New / different tyres may improve it and of course, you could be experiencing something different rather than what I describe if it's too bad. You could change the fluid anyway, it wouldn't do any harm as it will look pretty murky by now. Be sure you take note of what is in the resevoir, it might say atf or CHF11s.

 

[Autosri]

I presume you have had a wheel alignment done already ?

 

[Soza16]

Are the universal joints on your steering column In good condition? As a quick test, I would lubricate both with a small drop of engine oil (or similar) to see if that makes any difference?

How do I access those?

 

[Soza16]

It could be your tyres are not helping but I suspect it's more down to the steering being what some would describe as heavy. I take it that it's the original and good hydraulic steering. If you need to assist it "lightly" to it's final position it's pretty typical and been mentioned on here before somewhere. I have never found it a problem, don't even think about it and once central, the car sits with a solid "planted" feel. I think wider front tyres on mine may have exaggerated it a little but I really don't notice it unless looking for it. I find the steering has great feedback, part of the attraction of pre face lift really.

New / different tyres may improve it and of course, you could be experiencing something different rather than what I describe if it's too bad. You could change the fluid anyway, it wouldn't do any harm as it will look pretty murky by now. Be sure you take note of what is in the resevoir, it might say atf or CHF11s.

I'm running PS4 tires on stock 208 wheels. Yes it's a pre LCI car with hydraulic steering. Changed the fluid already. Lightened the steering a little. Still, compared to a 116i e87 and a first X1 I've driven my cars self centering is very slow.

 

[Soza16]

I presume you have had a wheel alignment done already ?

Yes I did the alignment to 1M spec.

 

[marco_polo]

How do I access those?

Open the bonnet, find the steering column, locate both universal joints.

Sometimes they can corrode or dry up, which makes the steering stiffer over time. Worth a quick go, before you start changing expensive parts randomly.

 

[Soza16]

Open the bonnet, find the steering column, locate both universal joints.

Sometimes they can corrode or dry up, which makes the steering stiffer over time. Worth a quick go, before you start changing expensive parts randomly.

Thank you! Will try.

 

[ggv96]

Hi ! I have the same issue on my e87, did you manage to locate what the reason for this was ?

 

[Soza16]

Hi ! I have the same issue on my e87, did you manage to locate what the reason for this was ?

Sold the car before I got the chance sorry. My mechanic said it was normal.