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530xi unstable in the wind?

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Old 04-18-2007, 08:09 AM
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Last weekend I was driving in rain and wind down from Canada on I-5. I found that my new 530xi was somewhat floating on the road at 75mph. I didn't observe traction control engaging, but frequent course correction was required and generally car felt uncomfortable at above 65-70mph. Tires are stock Dunlop RFT on 18" rims. Highway pavement was not a smooth asphalt but rather rough concrete.

I guess changing rubber to Potenza 960AS will probably help. Should I also consider installing lowered spring?
Old 04-18-2007, 08:26 AM
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I found a 540i I was driving for a week last year (with non sport tires) a somewhat uncertain when I went over 180 km/h or so. At slower speeds it was stable.

Not sure if this helps but...
Old 04-18-2007, 08:41 AM
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Originally Posted by uglybear' post='415223' date='Apr 18 2007, 11:09 AM
Last weekend I was driving in rain and wind down from Canada on I-5. I found that my new 530xi was somewhat floating on the road at 75mph. I didn't observe traction control engaging, but frequent course correction was required and generally car felt uncomfortable at above 65-70mph. Tires are stock Dunlop RFT on 18" rims. Highway pavement was not a smooth asphalt but rather rough concrete.

I guess changing rubber to Potenza 960AS will probably help. Should I also consider installing lowered spring?
Is it because of light metal constructiion body/ engines / light metal parts/ construction or What?
If so i will be worried in even any minor accident or collisions and repairs later .............
Old 04-18-2007, 09:03 AM
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Originally Posted by uglybear' post='415223' date='Apr 18 2007, 09:09 AM
Last weekend I was driving in rain and wind down from Canada on I-5. I found that my new 530xi was somewhat floating on the road at 75mph. I didn't observe traction control engaging, but frequent course correction was required and generally car felt uncomfortable at above 65-70mph. Tires are stock Dunlop RFT on 18" rims. Highway pavement was not a smooth asphalt but rather rough concrete.

I guess changing rubber to Potenza 960AS will probably help. Should I also consider installing lowered spring?
As a side note, Infiniti FX45 on 20" Toyo Proxes feels more stable at high speed in inclement weather. It is indeed a heavier car, but it also sits higher so it should be at least a wash.
Old 04-18-2007, 09:07 AM
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Originally Posted by JSpira' post='415228' date='Apr 18 2007, 09:26 AM
I found a 540i I was driving for a week last year (with non sport tires) a somewhat uncertain when I went over 180 km/h or so. At slower speeds it was stable.

Not sure if this helps but...
Yeah, but 70mph is barely 120km/h!
Old 04-18-2007, 10:44 AM
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Check your tire pressure. It may be too high. I found that lower PSI resolved the floating feeling.
Old 04-18-2007, 10:59 AM
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Originally Posted by uglybear' post='415250' date='Apr 18 2007, 01:07 PM
Yeah, but 70mph is barely 120km/h!
I know but it was the only comparison I had.

Check tire pressure.
Old 04-18-2007, 12:38 PM
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I note your car is fairly new to you. I found the "tramlining" effect with RFT's on 18inch rims was pretty awful on some surfaces.
Gave me a real scare early on one cold day when went to overtake and thought it was a high speed ice skid, but just wheel tug on a very sharp road surface.
In this case lowering suspension could make worse not better. Getting used to it or going non RFT may help

Oterwise you have a fault as should be pretty stable even in attrocious winds.
Old 04-18-2007, 01:50 PM
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Originally Posted by uglybear' post='415223' date='Apr 18 2007, 06:09 PM
Last weekend I was driving in rain and wind down from Canada on I-5. I found that my new 530xi was somewhat floating on the road at 75mph. I didn't observe traction control engaging, but frequent course correction was required and generally car felt uncomfortable at above 65-70mph. Tires are stock Dunlop RFT on 18" rims. Highway pavement was not a smooth asphalt but rather rough concrete.

I guess changing rubber to Potenza 960AS will probably help. Should I also consider installing lowered spring?
Many owners claimed abt the Dunlop RFT regarding floating/uncomfortable . . . . . . .
ya I think Bridgestone will help.
Old 04-18-2007, 03:26 PM
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Originally Posted by uglybear' post='415223' date='Apr 18 2007, 12:09 PM
Last weekend I was driving in rain and wind down from Canada on I-5. I found that my new 530xi was somewhat floating on the road at 75mph. I didn't observe traction control engaging, but frequent course correction was required and generally car felt uncomfortable at above 65-70mph. Tires are stock Dunlop RFT on 18" rims. Highway pavement was not a smooth asphalt but rather rough concrete.

I guess changing rubber to Potenza 960AS will probably help. Should I also consider installing lowered spring?
I drove my 530xi with plain stock 17" wheels, and standard Continental OEM tires in heavy rain and strong winds Providence, RI to Boston Sunday afternoon. Steady as a rock, & no hyrdoplaning even with 2-inch deep water on the roads...65-75 mph. Never saw the DST light.


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