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Sport Package Handling Question

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Old 11-29-2013, 03:35 PM
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Default Sport Package Handling Question

I purchased an 07 550i sport package with 73,000 miles on it about 4 months ago. (No active steering). I am new to BMW and just want to know if the handling is normal from what i am experiencing. At lower speeds on rougher roads or roads with grooves and imperfections the steering wheel seems pretty squirrly and twitchy and unstable in the hand. Tramlining, bump steer, i've heard other names too. The car almost seems as if it wants to steer itself. Tires are General UHP tires and have pretty decent tread left. When i bough the car the lower control arms were replaced and strut mounts. An independent German shop said that everything underneath the suspension looks good and their are no visible tears in any bushings. Am i over thinking this and this is how the car is supposed to drive or is this abnormal? Is this just the cause of the low profile tires?

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Old 11-30-2013, 10:45 AM
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Tires can have a dramatic effect with regard to tramlining. I've experienced something similar on my E30 years ago when I switched from my usual tire of choice to something different.

Assuming all of your suspension components are up to snuff, I'd be suspect of those tires you have on the car. It could be time for new shocks too if the car has never had a set. At 73K, they're due.
Old 11-30-2013, 12:05 PM
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My low 19" low profile tires did affect handling a little on my 05 545i, but not that much. Did you check the alignment? Still sounds like ball joints or control arm bushings.

Last edited by johnbennett103; 11-30-2013 at 12:09 PM.
Old 11-30-2013, 09:20 PM
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have you checked your tire pressures and make sure they are all even and up to recommended psi? that could cause your issues.
Old 11-30-2013, 11:09 PM
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Have your tires inflated to the proper specs and get an alignment.
Old 12-01-2013, 06:37 PM
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Checked my tire pressures and they were at 30 psi front 35 rear. Due to the recent cold weather here recently. I put air in 38 psi front and 40 rear and the car drives and steers much better now! Appreciate the comments.
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