Thinking of trading it in

jdm · 02-11-2007, 09:10 AM

I have had a 325i non sport since 10/05 and I am considering trading it in and buying an Audi. The main reason is because it is difficult to keep the car on the road without constantly adjusting the steering. The steering does not feel firm, it has a tendancy to over adjust for every ridge and bump in the road. I feel like I can't take one hand off of the wheel even on a smooth road. I switched to non run flats (Michelin Pilot Exalto AS) thinking it would solve the problem, even though it rides better, the steering problem did not go away. My husband feels the same way about the steering (just in case you are wondering with a woman writing in). I don't usually write in, but I've gotten a lot of good info on the forum and would appreciate your feedback. I don't think it's just a particular road, any road we drive on has the same affect. The dealer says everything is normal. Thanks for your advice.

F2006 · 02-11-2007, 09:41 AM

The steering is supposed to be one of the very best things about the 3 series. Have you asked your dealer to test drive one of their loaners, so you can double check it actually feels the same? When the dealers say everything is OK sometimes the true meaning is that they are not willing to invest time and effort solving what they feel is a minor issue.

jdm · 02-11-2007, 09:46 AM

I have not tried that yet, it sounds like a good next step. thanks!!

ALPINE6SPD · 02-11-2007, 09:47 AM

try driving another and best of luck. If not a loaner go td a new one.

Saintor · 02-11-2007, 10:04 AM

I think that you would be looking for any pretext to buy an Audi.

jdm · 02-11-2007, 10:09 AM

Not sure what you mean by that?? I would rather not trade it in.

dhmilosr · 02-11-2007, 10:19 AM

Go test drive a new 3 Series with the Sport package. Its incredible. As has been said many times before, it drives like its on rails.

Lassaxi · 02-11-2007, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dhmilosr

Go test drive a new 3 Series with the Sport package. Its incredible. As has been said many times before, it drives like its on rails.

Assuming that there is nothing mechanically wron with the OP's car, and she simply does not like the steering calibration, I would expect the sport package would exaggerate, rather than solve the problem. The fact is, what some would consider to be resopnsive, well-weighted steering may feel overly jittery to others. Perhaps active steering would help?

magmd · 02-11-2007, 11:24 AM

Sorry...but I did not see the specs of your car.

Do you have ZSP (sports package)or not.

Did you get Active steering or not???

cbre90 · 02-11-2007, 11:45 AM

325i Sport here!... and i can say i agree with may other members. Drives like its on rails even with 26k! I havent driven an e90 non-sport but have driven a 2004 3 non-sport and it didnt do that at all.....

Check it out! Take a look at your tread wear, your tire pressure, and if they all are fine, drive a loaner to compare. That sounds frustrating!

Good luck

Snecro · 02-11-2007, 11:50 AM

Have you driven the Audi?

I owned a 2006 A4 2.0T for a year and found the stearing to be very 'light' feeling. I felt less connected with the road, especially at lower speeds. I much perfer the steering feel (I didn't get the active steering option, btw) of my 335. But to each their own.

Chesmu · 02-11-2007, 11:52 AM

things to check:

1. tire tread, especially on the front...if it's assymettric, could be an alignment issue
2. with hands off the steering wheel, apply the brakes while going twenty or so miles/hour. Does the car pull to one side? Alignment issue
3. Tire pressuresa ll around
4. Definitely try another car to see if it feels the same.
5. Stop doing your make-up while driving.....JK....please don't tell my wife I said that...

dmboone25 · 02-11-2007, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chesmu

things to check:

1. tire tread, especially on the front...if it's assymettric, could be an alignment issue
2. with hands off the steering wheel, apply the brakes while going twenty or so miles/hour. Does the car pull to one side? Alignment issue
3. Tire pressuresa ll around
4. Definitely try another car to see if it feels the same.
5. Stop doing your make-up while driving.....JK....please don't tell my wife I said that...

+1 Good list!

Like others have said, I generally found the Bimmer's steering to be much tighter than the Audi--I test drove both of them multiple times--I really think the BMW is more of a "driver's" car, which is where the tighter steering comes in handy. Good luck!

STE92VE · 02-11-2007, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbre90

Drives like its on rails even with 26k!

That's one of the reasons I was sold on BMW's after test driving them.

Russellnyc · 02-11-2007, 01:06 PM

Is this just normal tramlining the OP is talking about? My zsp car's steering wheel fights me a lot on broken pavement. Sometimes I come to a stoplight and the wheel yanks itself left or right. Since I put on my snows, this happens a little bit less, but they are 225s, so it's still there. Wondering if the OP could solve her problem by swapping out 215/45s or 205/50s. That presents a handling tradeoff, but will reduce/eliminate tramlining.

valeram · 02-11-2007, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdm

I have had a 325i non sport since 10/05 and I am considering trading it in and buying an Audi. The main reason is because it is difficult to keep the car on the road without constantly adjusting the steering. The steering does not feel firm, it has a tendancy to over adjust for every ridge and bump in the road. I feel like I can't take one hand off of the wheel even on a smooth road. I switched to non run flats (Michelin Pilot Exalto AS) thinking it would solve the problem, even though it rides better, the steering problem did not go away. My husband feels the same way about the steering (just in case you are wondering with a woman writing in). I don't usually write in, but I've gotten a lot of good info on the forum and would appreciate your feedback. I don't think it's just a particular road, any road we drive on has the same affect. The dealer says everything is normal. Thanks for your advice.

I used to own an S4 and driven it for 5.5 years. It is an awesome car but I can't compare the steering with my 335. I don't know about the steering of your 05 MY 325 but my 335 is really great. Just for comparison, I traded my S4 for an 05 Boxster S and the steering of my Boxster S is really great. At first I an not impress because it will take more effort to drive around. But sooner I realized the reasoning behind it. You are connected to the road unlike the S4 that you are insulated to what is happening. Maybe you like it or you prefer it that way, as some people do. When I bought the 335 coupe, the steering is not as great as my 987S but there is that connection between you and the road. So if I rank the three from best to good, I will rate them this way: 987S - 335i (SP) - S4 respectively.

BMW F22 · 02-11-2007, 01:56 PM

DONT DO IT!!- case closed.

visor · 02-11-2007, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chesmu

things to check:

1. tire tread, especially on the front...if it's assymettric, could be an alignment issue
2. with hands off the steering wheel, apply the brakes while going twenty or so miles/hour. Does the car pull to one side? Alignment issue
3. Tire pressuresa ll around
4. Definitely try another car to see if it feels the same.
5. Stop doing your make-up while driving.....JK....please don't tell my wife I said that...

Chesmu has an excellent list.

If all those check out fine, then the problem is the roads that you drive on. Either you take alternate routes, or get your city to repave them. Alternatively, can't you move to where the roads are smoother and better paved?

Ryan 330i · 02-11-2007, 04:09 PM

audi steering is SOOO much softer than a BMW's... let me know what Audi your looking for. ill help you out.

PocketRocket · 02-11-2007, 09:45 PM

trade it in for a e92, dont go Audi

r3amir · 02-11-2007, 09:53 PM

I have a 325i non-sport, handling is excellent:rocks:

montreal_bimmer · 02-11-2007, 10:42 PM

stay in the bmw family

02-11-2007, 09:10 AM	#1
jdm New Member 1 Rep 5 Posts Drives: Join Date: Apr 2005 iTrader: (0)	Thinking of trading it in I have had a 325i non sport since 10/05 and I am considering trading it in and buying an Audi. The main reason is because it is difficult to keep the car on the road without constantly adjusting the steering. The steering does not feel firm, it has a tendancy to over adjust for every ridge and bump in the road. I feel like I can't take one hand off of the wheel even on a smooth road. I switched to non run flats (Michelin Pilot Exalto AS) thinking it would solve the problem, even though it rides better, the steering problem did not go away. My husband feels the same way about the steering (just in case you are wondering with a woman writing in). I don't usually write in, but I've gotten a lot of good info on the forum and would appreciate your feedback. I don't think it's just a particular road, any road we drive on has the same affect. The dealer says everything is normal. Thanks for your advice. __________________ 2006 E90 325i Non Sport - Titanium Silver - Terra
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02-11-2007, 09:41 AM	#2
F2006 Private First Class 3 Rep 103 Posts Drives: 428i GC M Sport Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	The steering is supposed to be one of the very best things about the 3 series. Have you asked your dealer to test drive one of their loaners, so you can double check it actually feels the same? When the dealers say everything is OK sometimes the true meaning is that they are not willing to invest time and effort solving what they feel is a minor issue.
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02-11-2007, 09:46 AM	#3
jdm New Member 1 Rep 5 Posts Drives: Join Date: Apr 2005 iTrader: (0)	I have not tried that yet, it sounds like a good next step. thanks!! __________________ 2006 E90 325i Non Sport - Titanium Silver - Terra
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02-11-2007, 09:47 AM	#4
ALPINE6SPD Lieutenant General 156 Rep 10,411 Posts Drives: 2010 BMW 328i Sport Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Highland Lakes NJ iTrader: (2)	try driving another and best of luck. If not a loaner go td a new one. __________________ 2010 AW e90 328i: 6 speed, Black Leather, Dark Wood trim, ZPP, ZCW, ZVP,ZSP, Nav, Xenon BMW Performance CF Rear spolier and Gloss black grills 2008 Candy White MKV GTI 2.0T 6 Speed Manul Gone 2008 AW X3 3.0si: 6 speed Returned 2006 AW e90 330i: 6 speed Dinan Stage 1 Returned Last edited by ALPINE6SPD; 02-12-2007 at 09:17 AM..
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02-11-2007, 10:04 AM	#5
Saintor Banned 79 Rep 2,446 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: MTL, Canada iTrader: (1)	I think that you would be looking for any pretext to buy an Audi.
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02-11-2007, 10:09 AM	#6
jdm New Member 1 Rep 5 Posts Drives: Join Date: Apr 2005 iTrader: (0)	Not sure what you mean by that?? I would rather not trade it in. __________________ 2006 E90 325i Non Sport - Titanium Silver - Terra
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02-11-2007, 10:19 AM	#7
dhmilosr Private First Class 1 Rep 106 Posts Drives: 335i Sedan Montego Blue Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	Go test drive a new 3 Series with the Sport package. Its incredible. As has been said many times before, it drives like its on rails.
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02-11-2007, 11:24 AM	#9
magmd Major General 160 Rep 5,271 Posts Drives: '06 330i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Torrance, CA iTrader: (13) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	Sorry...but I did not see the specs of your car. Do you have ZSP (sports package)or not. Did you get Active steering or not??? __________________ 2006 330i \| Black Sapphire Metallic \| Step Auto \| Navi with iDr \| Sports Pkg \|OEM Rear Spoiler \| 3M CS35 Tint \| H&R Sport Springs \| Koni Yellows \| Advan RS Racing Hypersilver: 19x9 et22 19x10 et20
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02-11-2007, 11:45 AM	#10
cbre90 Enlisted Member 11 Rep 44 Posts Drives: 325i Sparkling Graphite, Terra Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Chapel Hill, NC iTrader: (0)	325i Sport here!... and i can say i agree with may other members. Drives like its on rails even with 26k! I havent driven an e90 non-sport but have driven a 2004 3 non-sport and it didnt do that at all..... Check it out! Take a look at your tread wear, your tire pressure, and if they all are fine, drive a loaner to compare. That sounds frustrating! Good luck
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02-11-2007, 11:50 AM	#11
Snecro Second Lieutenant 4 Rep 268 Posts Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Toronto, ON iTrader: (1)	Have you driven the Audi? I owned a 2006 A4 2.0T for a year and found the stearing to be very 'light' feeling. I felt less connected with the road, especially at lower speeds. I much perfer the steering feel (I didn't get the active steering option, btw) of my 335. But to each their own. __________________
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02-11-2007, 11:52 AM	#12
Chesmu Brigadier General 89 Rep 3,011 Posts Drives: 2013 X6 Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Phoenix,AZ iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00]	things to check: 1. tire tread, especially on the front...if it's assymettric, could be an alignment issue 2. with hands off the steering wheel, apply the brakes while going twenty or so miles/hour. Does the car pull to one side? Alignment issue 3. Tire pressuresa ll around 4. Definitely try another car to see if it feels the same. 5. Stop doing your make-up while driving.....JK....please don't tell my wife I said that... __________________ "Teach the ignorant. Ignore the stupid."
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02-11-2007, 01:06 PM	#15
Russellnyc Razor sharp handling 23 Rep 619 Posts Drives: 2007 e92 335i 6MT Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	Is this just normal tramlining the OP is talking about? My zsp car's steering wheel fights me a lot on broken pavement. Sometimes I come to a stoplight and the wheel yanks itself left or right. Since I put on my snows, this happens a little bit less, but they are 225s, so it's still there. Wondering if the OP could solve her problem by swapping out 215/45s or 205/50s. That presents a handling tradeoff, but will reduce/eliminate tramlining. __________________ 1997 E36 328is Arctic Silver: 1997-2003 100k Mi. SOLD 2000 Audi TT Quattro Coupe Lake Silver: 2003-present 35k Mi. SOLD 2006 Lotus Elise Polar Blue/Red 2007 E92 335i Spacegrau/Coral/Al \| ZSP/ZPP/ZCW/CA/PDC/NAV Broken in
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02-11-2007, 01:56 PM	#17
BMW F22 Major General 3566 Rep 9,788 Posts Drives: ///M235i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (8)	DONT DO IT!!- case closed.
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02-11-2007, 04:09 PM	#19
Ryan 330i Major 56 Rep 1,181 Posts Drives: '09 E93 335i Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: San Francisco \| LA \| Oregon iTrader: (0)	audi steering is SOOO much softer than a BMW's... let me know what Audi your looking for. ill help you out. __________________ 2009 E93 335i \| Jet \| Black Dakota \| Grey Poplar \| ZPP \| ZSP \| ZCW \| Step \| Paddles \| i-Drive \| CA \| Sirius \| HD \| Logic7 \| 06FL \| 06NF \| PDC \| OEM Alarm \| LUX Retired: 2007 E92 335i Retired: 2006 E90 330i
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02-11-2007, 09:45 PM	#20
PocketRocket I smile because I dont know whats going on :) 3 Rep 233 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: DC Wash iTrader: (0)	trade it in for a e92, dont go Audi
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02-11-2007, 09:53 PM	#21
r3amir Lieutenant 86 Rep 592 Posts Drives: 2023 X2 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Las Vegas iTrader: (0)	I have a 325i non-sport, handling is excellent:rocks: __________________ 2018 540i Mineral White/ Cognac 2015 435i GC Midnight Blue Metallic, Saddle Brown 2011 535i Alpine White, Oyster/Black leather 2006 325i Arctic Metallic
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02-11-2007, 10:42 PM	#22
montreal_bimmer OEMconcept 174 Rep 5,593 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Canada \| USA iTrader: (6) Garage List 2006 325i [10.00]	stay in the bmw family
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