Slight steering play in M2C

buckybadger · 08-02-2019, 10:46 PM

My car only has 3K miles and driven conservatively. I checked all my tire pressures, never hit any pot hole or taken the car to track.

Suddenly out of now where there seems to be a little play in the on-center part of the wheel. This misleads and causes me to over turn the wheel when going on a curvy road since there is no heft for 3 degrees of left or right turn of the wheel. Basically feels loose in the center. When the wheel is turned more than 3 degrees either side, I can feel the heft as if the steering engages.

Is this normal part of the M2C character? Or is something off? Did any of you feel the same? Is it related to the differential or do I need a software update? TSB?

Only thing I noticed was that one of the tires was cooler comparatively. See attached picture.

Poochie · 08-02-2019, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buckybadger

Suddenly out of now where there seems to be a little play in the on-center part of the wheel.

Is this normal part of the M2C character? Or is something off?

It's totally normal; the EPS is "active" so when it's not required, it loosens up the slack and can feel sloppy but that's by design not a defect.

.

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...ring4/EEpdEE0c

chris719 · 08-03-2019, 02:17 AM

I think you would have to drive another one to know the truth 100%. Subjective opinions on the steering vary greatly. It's *probably* normal, but hard to say.

AlpsRider · 08-03-2019, 05:12 PM

There have been reports of steering racks going bad too. Does it knock when you go over little bumps at low speed especially when turning?

buckybadger · 08-03-2019, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlpsRider

There have been reports of steering racks going bad too. Does it knock when you go over little bumps at low speed especially when turning?

Thanks, I will pay more attention when I drive my car next time. Knock meaning like a vibration?

BroDoze · 08-04-2019, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlpsRider

There have been reports of steering racks going bad too. Does it knock when you go over little bumps at low speed especially when turning?

Links to these reports?

natmad · 08-04-2019, 08:28 AM

My M2C has 1,200 miles... there is no play or loose feeling in the steering, on center, or anywhere else.

If my M2C steering started doing what you describe, I’d take it in for service ASAP.

My 2001 Subaru Wagon beater has play in the steering, but this is expected, as it has 212,000 miles.

skier219 · 08-04-2019, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by natmad

My 2001 Subaru Wagon beater has play in the steering, but this is expected, as it has 212,000 miles.

For years Subaru mounted their steering racks to the frame with clamps that had rubber bushings, and these would allow the rack to shift if you ever turned the steering hard to one side and hit the stop. It was bad enough to totally wipe out the precision of a front end alignment. I don't know if they still do this, but it was a real design flaw.

///M Houbi · 08-04-2019, 09:29 AM

7200km so far and absolutely no play in steering, no matter what position

AlpsRider · 08-04-2019, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroDoze

Links to these reports?

I read it in the M3/M4 forum. Some people were having a knocking sound from the front left side of the car over small bumps at low speed. Some found play in the steering rack others found slack in other suspension components. I read it awhile back so I don't have a link.
The bottom line is if you believe there is slack in the steering then the car should go in for a safety inspection to rule out anything obvious or dangerous.

BroDoze · 08-04-2019, 01:30 PM

^^ That sucks. I’ve had 3 vehicles back in the day, (I bought new) that did that. 2 vdubs and 1 Subaru that clunked during low speed turns. It got on my nerves so bad I sold 2 of them. I cannot describe how much I hated it. I cannot deal with this if it’s a problem with the M2. Good that it sounds very rare.

doughboy · 08-05-2019, 02:50 AM

No play in mine at all OP.

What steering mode do you use? Does the feeling change if you change mode?

buckybadger · 08-05-2019, 08:25 PM

I also feel some vibrations on normal smooth road. I think my wheels are out of balance or misaligned. There's also a slight pull to the left.

I did notice that one of the other wheel has a missing weight. Not sure how this might have happened.

buckybadger · 08-05-2019, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doughboy

No play in mine at all OP.

What steering mode do you use? Does the feeling change if you change mode?

Sport mode steering !

Davil · 08-05-2019, 10:11 PM

I tested mine in every mode today. Zero sneeze factor. I’d get it checked out.

Edo135 · 08-06-2019, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buckybadger

I also feel some vibrations on normal smooth road. I think my wheels are out of balance or misaligned. There's also a slight pull to the left.

I did notice that one of the other wheel has a missing weight. Not sure how this might have happened.

Quote:

Originally Posted by buckybadger

I also feel some vibrations on normal smooth road. I think my wheels are out of balance or misaligned. There's also a slight pull to the left.

I did notice that one of the other wheel has a missing weight. Not sure how this might have happened.

OP I have the same play in the center as you, either in comfort, sport or sport plus setting. Also, you're weights are correct, I have 2 on the left wheel and 1 on the right one. Is yours a my2020 like mine? If so could it be the latest steering software calibration that's causing that? I'm telling you this because I read somewhere on the forum that with this last software update the steering feedback got worse.
Anyway i think I'll take her to my dealer for a check.

buckybadger · 08-06-2019, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdoM2

Quote:

Originally Posted by buckybadger

I also feel some vibrations on normal smooth road. I think my wheels are out of balance or misaligned. There's also a slight pull to the left.

I did notice that one of the other wheel has a missing weight. Not sure how this might have happened.

Quote:

Originally Posted by buckybadger

I also feel some vibrations on normal smooth road. I think my wheels are out of balance or misaligned. There's also a slight pull to the left.

I did notice that one of the other wheel has a missing weight. Not sure how this might have happened.

OP I have the same play in the center as you, either in comfort, sport or sport plus setting. Also, you're weights are correct, I have 2 on the left wheel and 1 on the right one. Is yours a my2020 like mine? If so could it be the latest steering software calibration that's causing that? I'm telling you this because I read somewhere on the forum that with this last software update the steering feedback got worse.
Anyway i think I'll take her to my dealer for a check.

Glad I'm not alone on this! Thanks for your reply .

I have a MY2019 and dealer performed a differential update on my 1,200 mile service. I think they might have updated something in that service which is triggering the loose steering.

Did you go through the same type of service?

Edo135 · 08-06-2019, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buckybadger

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdoM2

Quote:

Originally Posted by buckybadger

I also feel some vibrations on normal smooth road. I think my wheels are out of balance or misaligned. There's also a slight pull to the left.

I did notice that one of the other wheel has a missing weight. Not sure how this might have happened.

Quote:

Originally Posted by buckybadger

I also feel some vibrations on normal smooth road. I think my wheels are out of balance or misaligned. There's also a slight pull to the left.

I did notice that one of the other wheel has a missing weight. Not sure how this might have happened.

OP I have the same play in the center as you, either in comfort, sport or sport plus setting. Also, you're weights are correct, I have 2 on the left wheel and 1 on the right one. Is yours a my2020 like mine? If so could it be the latest steering software calibration that's causing that? I'm telling you this because I read somewhere on the forum that with this last software update the steering feedback got worse.
Anyway i think I'll take her to my dealer for a check.

Glad I'm not alone on this! Thanks for your reply .

I have a MY2019 and dealer performed a differential update on my 1,200 mile service. I think they might have updated something in that service which is triggering the loose steering.

Did you go through the same type of service?

Quote:

Originally Posted by buckybadger

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdoM2

Quote:

Originally Posted by buckybadger

I also feel some vibrations on normal smooth road. I think my wheels are out of balance or misaligned. There's also a slight pull to the left.

I did notice that one of the other wheel has a missing weight. Not sure how this might have happened.

Quote:

Originally Posted by buckybadger

I also feel some vibrations on normal smooth road. I think my wheels are out of balance or misaligned. There's also a slight pull to the left.

I did notice that one of the other wheel has a missing weight. Not sure how this might have happened.

OP I have the same play in the center as you, either in comfort, sport or sport plus setting. Also, you're weights are correct, I have 2 on the left wheel and 1 on the right one. Is yours a my2020 like mine? If so could it be the latest steering software calibration that's causing that? I'm telling you this because I read somewhere on the forum that with this last software update the steering feedback got worse.
Anyway i think I'll take her to my dealer for a check.

Glad I'm not alone on this! Thanks for your reply .

I have a MY2019 and dealer performed a differential update on my 1,200 mile service. I think they might have updated something in that service which is triggering the loose steering.

Did you go through the same type of service?

I'm glad too ! No I did my 1200 miles service but they didn't update any software on the car, because I think that being the my2020 it already had the latest softwares from the factory.

buckybadger · 08-06-2019, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdoM2

Quote:

Originally Posted by buckybadger

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdoM2

Quote:

Originally Posted by buckybadger

I also feel some vibrations on normal smooth road. I think my wheels are out of balance or misaligned. There's also a slight pull to the left.

I did notice that one of the other wheel has a missing weight. Not sure how this might have happened.

Quote:

Originally Posted by buckybadger

I also feel some vibrations on normal smooth road. I think my wheels are out of balance or misaligned. There's also a slight pull to the left.

I did notice that one of the other wheel has a missing weight. Not sure how this might have happened.

OP I have the same play in the center as you, either in comfort, sport or sport plus setting. Also, you're weights are correct, I have 2 on the left wheel and 1 on the right one. Is yours a my2020 like mine? If so could it be the latest steering software calibration that's causing that? I'm telling you this because I read somewhere on the forum that with this last software update the steering feedback got worse.
Anyway i think I'll take her to my dealer for a check.

Glad I'm not alone on this! Thanks for your reply .

I have a MY2019 and dealer performed a differential update on my 1,200 mile service. I think they might have updated something in that service which is triggering the loose steering.

Did you go through the same type of service?

Quote:

Originally Posted by buckybadger

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdoM2

Quote:

Originally Posted by buckybadger

I also feel some vibrations on normal smooth road. I think my wheels are out of balance or misaligned. There's also a slight pull to the left.

I did notice that one of the other wheel has a missing weight. Not sure how this might have happened.

Quote:

Originally Posted by buckybadger

I also feel some vibrations on normal smooth road. I think my wheels are out of balance or misaligned. There's also a slight pull to the left.

I did notice that one of the other wheel has a missing weight. Not sure how this might have happened.

OP I have the same play in the center as you, either in comfort, sport or sport plus setting. Also, you're weights are correct, I have 2 on the left wheel and 1 on the right one. Is yours a my2020 like mine? If so could it be the latest steering software calibration that's causing that? I'm telling you this because I read somewhere on the forum that with this last software update the steering feedback got worse.
Anyway i think I'll take her to my dealer for a check.

Glad I'm not alone on this! Thanks for your reply .

I have a MY2019 and dealer performed a differential update on my 1,200 mile service. I think they might have updated something in that service which is triggering the loose steering.

Did you go through the same type of service?

I'm glad too ! No I did my 1200 miles service but they didn't update any software on the car, because I think that being the my2020 it already had the latest softwares from the factory.

Thanks! I will take my car back and have them check again.

AndrewC1989 · 08-06-2019, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdoM2

I'm glad too ! No I did my 1200 miles service but they didn't update any software on the car, because I think that being the my2020 it already had the latest softwares from the factory.

Mind posting a few pictures of your tail lights in this thread?

https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...8#post25111178

Curious how the new blacklines look on the MY20 models and I have yet to see a good quality photo.

Project_F87 · 08-06-2019, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewc89

Mind posting a few pictures of your tail lights in this thread?

https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...8#post25111178

Curious how the new blacklines look on the MY20 models and I have yet to see a good quality photo.

Here you go

https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1628298

AlpsRider · 08-06-2019, 10:55 AM

Those photos have already been posted. I think it would be good to have a photo taken straight on in complete shade and one in complete sun with the cars at the same distance away.

08-02-2019, 10:46 PM	#1
buckybadger BMW forever! 1389 Rep 2,418 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (0)	My car only has 3K miles and driven conservatively. I checked all my tire pressures, never hit any pot hole or taken the car to track. Suddenly out of now where there seems to be a little play in the on-center part of the wheel. This misleads and causes me to over turn the wheel when going on a curvy road since there is no heft for 3 degrees of left or right turn of the wheel. Basically feels loose in the center. When the wheel is turned more than 3 degrees either side, I can feel the heft as if the steering engages. Is this normal part of the M2C character? Or is something off? Did any of you feel the same? Is it related to the differential or do I need a software update? TSB? Only thing I noticed was that one of the tires was cooler comparatively. See attached picture. Attached Images __________________ 2020 BMW X5 2019 BMW M2C 2014 BMW 335i 2009 BMW 328i
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08-03-2019, 02:17 AM	#3
chris719 Major General 7334 Rep 7,297 Posts Drives: '08 M Roadster Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	I think you would have to drive another one to know the truth 100%. Subjective opinions on the steering vary greatly. It's probably normal, but hard to say.
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08-03-2019, 05:12 PM	#4
AlpsRider Brigadier General 2865 Rep 3,842 Posts Drives: M2 Competition, LBB, 6MT Join Date: May 2015 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	There have been reports of steering racks going bad too. Does it knock when you go over little bumps at low speed especially when turning?
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08-04-2019, 08:28 AM	#7
natmad First Lieutenant 667 Rep 335 Posts Drives: M2C 6MT, M3C Build Week 43 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Raleigh, NC iTrader: (0)	My M2C has 1,200 miles... there is no play or loose feeling in the steering, on center, or anywhere else. If my M2C steering started doing what you describe, I’d take it in for service ASAP. My 2001 Subaru Wagon beater has play in the steering, but this is expected, as it has 212,000 miles. Last edited by natmad; 08-04-2019 at 10:46 AM.. Reason: Sppelliinngg
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08-04-2019, 09:29 AM	#9
///M Houbi Major 1655 Rep 1,237 Posts Drives: M2 Competition Join Date: May 2018 Location: Switzerland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 M2 Competition [0.00] 2003 E46 330Ci [0.00]	7200km so far and absolutely no play in steering, no matter what position __________________ Instagram \| M2 Competition Build Thread \| A tribute to my E46 330Ci
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08-04-2019, 01:30 PM	#11
BroDoze Captain 185 Rep 828 Posts Drives: Stuff Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	^^ That sucks. I’ve had 3 vehicles back in the day, (I bought new) that did that. 2 vdubs and 1 Subaru that clunked during low speed turns. It got on my nerves so bad I sold 2 of them. I cannot describe how much I hated it. I cannot deal with this if it’s a problem with the M2. Good that it sounds very rare. __________________ ///M
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08-05-2019, 02:50 AM	#12
doughboy Major General 1545 Rep 8,970 Posts Drives: 2018 M2 Comp 6MT Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: UK iTrader: (2)	No play in mine at all OP. What steering mode do you use? Does the feeling change if you change mode?
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08-05-2019, 08:25 PM	#13
buckybadger BMW forever! 1389 Rep 2,418 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (0)	I also feel some vibrations on normal smooth road. I think my wheels are out of balance or misaligned. There's also a slight pull to the left. I did notice that one of the other wheel has a missing weight. Not sure how this might have happened. Attached Images __________________ 2020 BMW X5 2019 BMW M2C 2014 BMW 335i 2009 BMW 328i
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08-05-2019, 10:11 PM	#15
Davil Brigadier General 6523 Rep 3,071 Posts Drives: M2 CS, 18 Vantage AMR, 00 WRX Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 Aston Martin V ... [8.33] 2021 BMW M2 CS F87 [9.87] 2000 Subaru WRX GC8 [7.75]	I tested mine in every mode today. Zero sneeze factor. I’d get it checked out.
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08-06-2019, 10:55 AM	#22
AlpsRider Brigadier General 2865 Rep 3,842 Posts Drives: M2 Competition, LBB, 6MT Join Date: May 2015 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	Those photos have already been posted. I think it would be good to have a photo taken straight on in complete shade and one in complete sun with the cars at the same distance away.
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