335xi pulling to right or left when braking during rain/snowstorm

TheRox · 03-16-2010, 12:22 PM

Hey guys, this post didn't get much love in the brakes section...so I've resposted here I'd appreciate your input.

I'm wondering why my 335i Xdrive would be pulling hard to the left or right whenever I brake (not even that hard) during heavy rain or a snowstorm.

When dry, the car brakes in a straight line. When very wet/snow, it pulls to the right, which is scary as I was driving in bad weather lately on the east coast.

thx

bsamoul · 03-16-2010, 01:05 PM

are you hydroplaning?

carl_lazlo · 03-16-2010, 01:37 PM

I have this same problem with my 08 335xi sedan. It is worse in rain or snow but it has happened on dry roads. It can be a little scary when it happens. This just happened to me 2 days ago with all the rain up here in NJ. Some asshat thought it would be a good idea to jump into my lane while I was doing 65 and he was doing about 50. I hit the brakes hard and the car pulled hard right then left then right again. Really freaked me out.

The thing is that usually the car handles and brakes like a dream. I have been trying for quite some time now to figure out what is causing it. I have been told it's my tire pressure, trammeling of the road, bad brakes, etc.

If someone figures this out, please let me know.

TheRox · 03-16-2010, 01:37 PM

No hydroplaning at all.

This problem has been occuring since the car was new (5 or 6 months now)...during a winter snowstorm, during harsh wet weather (ie. new york this past weekend).

Dry braking is perfectly linear...wet braking pulls the car hard to the left/or right, such that i have to steer in a different direction to avoid my car jumping into the lane next to me. Braking pressure is normal, nothing too hard, even a tap causes it to drift.

TheRox · 03-16-2010, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carl_lazlo

I have this same problem with my 08 335xi sedan. It is worse in rain or snow but it has happened on dry roads. It can be a little scary when it happens. This just happened to me 2 days ago with all the rain up here in NJ. Some asshat thought it would be a good idea to jump into my lane while I was doing 65 and he was doing about 50. I hit the brakes hard and the car pulled hard right then left then right again. Really freaked me out.

The thing is that usually the car handles and brakes like a dream. I have been trying for quite some time now to figure out what is causing it. I have been told it's my tire pressure, trammeling of the road, bad brakes, etc.

If someone figures this out, please let me know.

It almost seems like it has to do with how the BMW applies braking force preferentially in certain wheels versus others. Something is not right in the car's calculation of brake force when wet?

Maybe because the rotors are wicked with water...but disc brakes should not struggle in wet conditions.

DASHOCKER · 03-16-2010, 02:28 PM

This sounds like an alignment issue.

Jeff@TopGearSolutions · 03-16-2010, 02:33 PM

Alignment, Tire Pressure.. for starters.

Otherwise, you have a very interesting situation. Possibly just related to the conditions of the road, i.e. maybe less water on one tire vs another, causing a rapid reduction in braking force on one side vs another. Eh?

chenx15 · 03-16-2010, 02:38 PM

i also experience this but mostly on uneven surfaces. but on snow and rain i'm very straight and tight

TheRox · 03-16-2010, 05:07 PM

Hmm thanks guys, it may very well be alignment!

LZM Ray · 03-17-2010, 03:04 AM

i know exactly what you mean, it is VERY annoying, and im pretty sure its not the alignment because this happend since my car was 2 months old. i really think its the stupid Xdrive trying to "help" but its very scary when it happens.

i do not like Xdrive in the rain or snow. it almost got me in to an accident on a narrow tight lane.

Ofmalik · 03-17-2010, 03:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Takashi

Check tire pressure and alignment. By doing so you eliminate 80% of the mechanical related problem.

Chances is that the tires on the right side of the car hydroplane because water usally collects on the right side of the road. The x-drive and DSC should correct that but if your tires don't make proper contact with the road then x-drive and DSC is useless.

Hmm I'm going to go with the second bit posted above. I don't think it's the alignment.. if it were you'd be pulling harder to the right or left in dry conditions imo

flux · 03-17-2010, 03:31 AM

I read this somewhere else that the xi have to be aligned specially. Maybe if you don't do it at a certified place this could be the outcome (example BMW dealer is certified).

Just a guess, but logically it makes sense.

DASHOCKER · 03-17-2010, 08:10 AM

I had my alignment guy (not the dealer) perform an alignment on my car with the alignment specs of the 335i non-sport. The car drives & feels more planted than before with no issues.. I believe the alignment specs on the standard 335 varies from the x-drive version..

TheRox · 03-17-2010, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iTzRayRay

i know exactly what you mean, it is VERY annoying, and im pretty sure its not the alignment because this happend since my car was 2 months old. i really think its the stupid Xdrive trying to "help" but its very scary when it happens.

i do not like Xdrive in the rain or snow. it almost got me in to an accident on a narrow tight lane.

I Found XDrive invaluable in those class 1 hurricane storms on the east coast lately.

For braking what I do is prime the brakes now and then in the rain, tap them if no one is around...if I do brake, Ii'm ready to readjust my steering to whichever lane it wants to pull me in.

Kruz · 03-17-2010, 09:58 AM

I've noticed a slight tug to the left on a couple seperate occassions when braking at highway speeds. Always chaulked it up to uneven roads as the follow up brakecheck held a straight line. Hmmmm?

vrrooom · 11-22-2010, 04:50 PM

I have had 4 instances of this jump, half a lane at least. Talked to service mgr at my dealer ship 2 X, he told me of another customer who vidoed the lurch. The Lake (Woodcliff) insists it is water on one side of the road, even after reviewing the aformentioned video.

Reminds me of an ostrich on the beach, head in sand, seeing if they can breathe after the tide comes in.

jopa489 · 11-22-2010, 05:12 PM

Might have something to do with the brake dryers? Maybe one is not functioning properly, so one side is dry and the other is very wet, causing a difference in brake force at each wheel? Just a thought.

TheRox · 11-22-2010, 05:40 PM

After a proper alignment at the dealer...which also solved my bump steer like issues...this brake issue also went away.

I found that the second hand shop I took it to, botched my alignment -- the dealership did it properly.

PolkHigh · 03-18-2013, 10:56 PM

Just experienced the same pull to the left while driving highway speeds and had to make a harder than average stop.

The car pulled left and almost hit the car next to me. Has this issue been confirmed as an alignment issue?

2011 335i XType

$hah$ · 03-19-2013, 02:45 AM

Are you using rft's? If so that could be it if an alignment or tire pressure don't fix your problem. I had the same problem until I changed to some winter tires.

michaelalex17 · 01-06-2014, 10:40 AM

this happens to me as well only when it is raining very hard. so alignment is the fix? it just seems weird that my steering wheel does not pull at all under normal driving and during normal braking. it only happens when i am braking at highway speeds in heavy rain

pits200 · 01-06-2014, 12:56 PM

I'm on the list, this also happens with my car if I don't use my brakes for an extended period of time on the highway when it is raining. If it's raining and then I hit my brakes, it definitely will pull hard. This happened with brand new tires, alignment and no suspension issues.

Definitely must have something to do with the dry braking function on x-drives were it overcompensates on one side and the drier side stops with more force causing the pull.

03-16-2010, 12:22 PM	#1
TheRox Colonel 119 Rep 2,312 Posts Drives: 6mt Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Here and there iTrader: (2)	335xi pulling to right or left when braking during rain/snowstorm Hey guys, this post didn't get much love in the brakes section...so I've resposted here I'd appreciate your input. I'm wondering why my 335i Xdrive would be pulling hard to the left or right whenever I brake (not even that hard) during heavy rain or a snowstorm. When dry, the car brakes in a straight line. When very wet/snow, it pulls to the right, which is scary as I was driving in bad weather lately on the east coast. thx
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03-16-2010, 01:05 PM	#2
bsamoul Major General 165 Rep 7,433 Posts Drives: E90 325i Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Walnut Creek, California iTrader: (2)	are you hydroplaning? __________________ -Brian 2X 2006 BMW 325i [Electric Red & Mystic Blue] \| ZPP \| V1 \| Rear Fogs \| M3 Lip Spoiler \| EAS RemoteKey \| BMS Powerbox \| Projector90 Headlights w/ LED AE \| LED plate lights \| OEM Blacklines http://www.tech-shine.com
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03-16-2010, 01:37 PM	#3
carl_lazlo Doctor of Journalism 28 Rep 352 Posts Drives: E 92 335i Sapphire Black Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Jersey iTrader: (0)	I have this same problem with my 08 335xi sedan. It is worse in rain or snow but it has happened on dry roads. It can be a little scary when it happens. This just happened to me 2 days ago with all the rain up here in NJ. Some asshat thought it would be a good idea to jump into my lane while I was doing 65 and he was doing about 50. I hit the brakes hard and the car pulled hard right then left then right again. Really freaked me out. The thing is that usually the car handles and brakes like a dream. I have been trying for quite some time now to figure out what is causing it. I have been told it's my tire pressure, trammeling of the road, bad brakes, etc. If someone figures this out, please let me know.
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03-16-2010, 01:37 PM	#4
TheRox Colonel 119 Rep 2,312 Posts Drives: 6mt Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Here and there iTrader: (2)	No hydroplaning at all. This problem has been occuring since the car was new (5 or 6 months now)...during a winter snowstorm, during harsh wet weather (ie. new york this past weekend). Dry braking is perfectly linear...wet braking pulls the car hard to the left/or right, such that i have to steer in a different direction to avoid my car jumping into the lane next to me. Braking pressure is normal, nothing too hard, even a tap causes it to drift.
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03-16-2010, 02:28 PM	#6
DASHOCKER The power of V! 99 Rep 1,971 Posts Drives: 2007 335i coupe steptronic Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: NYC iTrader: (0) Garage List 1998 Lexus Gs400 [0.00] 2010 ebony & ivory [0.00] 2006 BMW X3 [0.00] 2009 pics [0.00] 2009 e92 335 xdrive [0.00]	This sounds like an alignment issue. __________________ 2007 335 coupe Alpine white, steptronic, sportpack, etc. (gone) 2006 X3 3.0 steptronic Titanium Silver, 2009 E92 335xdrive, next.... Caddy CTS_V! 13 Lincoln MKZ? hmmm.
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03-16-2010, 02:33 PM	#7
Jeff@TopGearSolutions 3441 Rep 79,211 Posts Drives: C6 Z06, 09 335i, 10 335xi Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: www.TopGearSolutions.com iTrader: (37)	Alignment, Tire Pressure.. for starters. Otherwise, you have a very interesting situation. Possibly just related to the conditions of the road, i.e. maybe less water on one tire vs another, causing a rapid reduction in braking force on one side vs another. Eh?
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03-16-2010, 02:38 PM	#8
chenx15 Lieutenant 43 Rep 545 Posts Drives: 335i/accord Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: yyz iTrader: (1)	i also experience this but mostly on uneven surfaces. but on snow and rain i'm very straight and tight
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03-16-2010, 05:07 PM	#9
TheRox Colonel 119 Rep 2,312 Posts Drives: 6mt Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Here and there iTrader: (2)	Hmm thanks guys, it may very well be alignment!
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03-17-2010, 03:04 AM	#10
LZM Ray Second Lieutenant 18 Rep 269 Posts Drives: 2015 x5 50i MSport AlpineWhite Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New York City iTrader: (0)	i know exactly what you mean, it is VERY annoying, and im pretty sure its not the alignment because this happend since my car was 2 months old. i really think its the stupid Xdrive trying to "help" but its very scary when it happens. i do not like Xdrive in the rain or snow. it almost got me in to an accident on a narrow tight lane. __________________ MY 2015 x5 50i MSport White MY 2014 428i MSport Convertible Estoril Blue MY 2011 M3 Interlagos Blue \| 6MT MY 09 335i XDrive coupe \| Montego BLue \| 6MT \|
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03-17-2010, 03:31 AM	#12
flux Lieutenant 24 Rep 461 Posts Drives: E90 M3 LCI Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: The Colony, TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 E90 M3 [0.00] 2007 E90 335i [0.00] 2006 325i [0.00]	I read this somewhere else that the xi have to be aligned specially. Maybe if you don't do it at a certified place this could be the outcome (example BMW dealer is certified). Just a guess, but logically it makes sense.
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03-17-2010, 08:10 AM	#13
DASHOCKER The power of V! 99 Rep 1,971 Posts Drives: 2007 335i coupe steptronic Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: NYC iTrader: (0) Garage List 1998 Lexus Gs400 [0.00] 2010 ebony & ivory [0.00] 2006 BMW X3 [0.00] 2009 pics [0.00] 2009 e92 335 xdrive [0.00]	I had my alignment guy (not the dealer) perform an alignment on my car with the alignment specs of the 335i non-sport. The car drives & feels more planted than before with no issues.. I believe the alignment specs on the standard 335 varies from the x-drive version.. __________________ 2007 335 coupe Alpine white, steptronic, sportpack, etc. (gone) 2006 X3 3.0 steptronic Titanium Silver, 2009 E92 335xdrive, next.... Caddy CTS_V! 13 Lincoln MKZ? hmmm.
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03-17-2010, 09:58 AM	#15
Kruz Major 22 Rep 1,083 Posts Drives: 2021 M2C 6MT Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Chicagoland iTrader: (4) Garage List My garage spot [0.00] 07/07 BMW 335xi [8.50] 2001 Honda CBR600F4i [0.00] 2007 Husqvarna SM610 [0.00] 2004 Chevy Tahoe Z71 [0.00] 2005 Harley Davidso ... [0.00] 2007.9 335xi [6.50]	I've noticed a slight tug to the left on a couple seperate occassions when braking at highway speeds. Always chaulked it up to uneven roads as the follow up brakecheck held a straight line. Hmmmm? __________________ 2021 BMW M2 Competition, BSM, Exec Pkg, 6MT GONE:07/07 E90 335xi SG Black Dakota\|Alum\|ZSP\|2AB\|ZPP\|ZCW\|Nav\|CA\|6FL\|PDC\| Blacklines\|3M Summers: 235/40/18 265/35/18 Hankook Ventus V12 on VMR 701s A/S: 225/40/18 255/35/18 Pirelli PZero Nero M+S on OEM 162s
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11-22-2010, 04:50 PM	#16
vrrooom SES 7 Rep 198 Posts Drives: 335ix'09,X3'11&911TCab Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: NH,GCayman,Chateau region DE iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 335ix [0.00] 1987 Turbo Cab [0.00] 2011 X3 3.5 [0.00]	Lurch right 335ix I have had 4 instances of this jump, half a lane at least. Talked to service mgr at my dealer ship 2 X, he told me of another customer who vidoed the lurch. The Lake (Woodcliff) insists it is water on one side of the road, even after reviewing the aformentioned video. Reminds me of an ostrich on the beach, head in sand, seeing if they can breathe after the tide comes in.
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11-22-2010, 05:12 PM	#17
jopa489 Major General 122 Rep 6,594 Posts Drives: Anything with Wheels Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: USA iTrader: (9)	Might have something to do with the brake dryers? Maybe one is not functioning properly, so one side is dry and the other is very wet, causing a difference in brake force at each wheel? Just a thought. __________________ X7 LCI // Incoming C7 ZR1 ZTK // Sebring + TRX // Hydro + Raptor Gen1 Roush // Tuxedo
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11-22-2010, 05:40 PM	#18
TheRox Colonel 119 Rep 2,312 Posts Drives: 6mt Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Here and there iTrader: (2)	After a proper alignment at the dealer...which also solved my bump steer like issues...this brake issue also went away. I found that the second hand shop I took it to, botched my alignment -- the dealership did it properly.
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03-18-2013, 10:56 PM	#19
PolkHigh Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 335xi Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Northern Virginia iTrader: (0)	Just experienced the same pull to the left while driving highway speeds and had to make a harder than average stop. The car pulled left and almost hit the car next to me. Has this issue been confirmed as an alignment issue? 2011 335i XType
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03-19-2013, 02:45 AM	#20
$hah$ Second Lieutenant 102 Rep 299 Posts Drives: F80 MG/MT/ZCP & 2023 X7 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 BMW X7 [0.00] 2018 BMW M3 [0.00]	Are you using rft's? If so that could be it if an alignment or tire pressure don't fix your problem. I had the same problem until I changed to some winter tires.
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01-06-2014, 10:40 AM	#21
michaelalex17 Brigadier General 596 Rep 3,386 Posts Drives: Manual Wagon Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: CT iTrader: (4)	this happens to me as well only when it is raining very hard. so alignment is the fix? it just seems weird that my steering wheel does not pull at all under normal driving and during normal braking. it only happens when i am braking at highway speeds in heavy rain __________________
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01-06-2014, 12:56 PM	#22
pits200 Colonel 547 Rep 2,590 Posts Drives: 09 335i X-Drive Black Sapphire Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Pittsburgh iTrader: (1)	I'm on the list, this also happens with my car if I don't use my brakes for an extended period of time on the highway when it is raining. If it's raining and then I hit my brakes, it definitely will pull hard. This happened with brand new tires, alignment and no suspension issues. Definitely must have something to do with the dry braking function on x-drives were it overcompensates on one side and the drier side stops with more force causing the pull.
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