BMW F30 330D Steering Improvements

[ac13]

HI all. I’ve got a BMW 330D F30 on a 2015 plate with Birds B1 Suspension upgrade and non-runflat tyres. I’ve recently noticed that there seems to be more play in the steering wheel before the car changes direction. The car has only done 55k miles but it is now 11years old. Is this just a case of some bushes needing replacing and if so which ones would people recommend for the best improvements, or are there other improvements I should consider?

Any advice is much appreciated

Thanks

[RSTurboPaul]

Could well be suspension bushes, or could be some play in the steering rack as an alternative diagnosis, I think.

I'd start with bushes, easier to replace!

[Billy_Rosewood]

Known issue with vagueness and steering knock is solved with a new steering bush.

Mine feels a bit better since but still vague tbh. Solved the knock however.

https://ebay.us/m/PjV2fm

[danb79]

There are 2 different steering racks - Thyssenkrup and ZF - the ZF has a 17mm nut on top of the adjuster; the Thyssenkrup has a 3 pronged cap that needs a tool (can buy them on Amazon, eBay etc)

If yours has the latter; get that tool, get the BMW fix kit (c£60 and worth it as it's made from better materials that the cheap eBay/Amazon versions) and adjust it. The 17mm nut you simply turn to tighten etc

But failing thrust arm ball joints and bushes can cause this, same with the drop links, and the lower rear arm. The top mounts don't really fail, but still worth checking

Front arms and PNs here: https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=3K72...
Drop links here: https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=3K72...

Main issue is that you can't really tell the failing ball joint until you remove it, a faff but worth doing

As an example this was a previous 7 series of mine; flew through it's MOT, but there was a clunk/looseness up front; remove the front main thrust arms and both sides were like this: https://photos.app.goo.gl/zUYFq9MqowYbSANa6

They were fitted 4 months before I bought the car (cheap crap parts); replaced with Moog, zero issues

[Cheddarbang]

Non RunFlats certainly won't be helping with the turn-in feel.

It won't be bushes at 55K, but have a look the thrust arm hydro bushes for any brown liquid seeping out for confirmation.

Get the rear axle checked over as well. The rear ball joints like to wear out, and multi link rear axles are very influential on handling and steering.

What age is it? LCI cars got a revised steering shaft with improved bearings. Earlier cars were known for said bearings seizing up, causing a stickiness around centre. i.e. a reluctance to self centre as there is no power assistance 5 degrees either side of centre at speed.

You can get the steering feel much much better, but it takes time, money and modifications, which most BMW owners won't get involved with due to warranty concerns.

If you're not prepared to roll your sleeves up, I'd sell it and move onto something better personally.