XSeries-forum

I have 2004 E53 3.0 D Auto

When I drive it it feels like the steering is 'vague' although I think it is a suspension problem. Particularly when driving over bumpy road. Car has 165 k on it and I've had it since 70k and haven't done anything to the front suspension or steering in that time. Brake discs are fine, Tracking is good and tyres new and balanced. passed MOT in September but Ive had the vague sensation prior to that.

Could it be the front lower arms I've read about?

Could someone post a link to that part on Real OEM please as I looked and failed to find it ?

Any other suggestions as to the vague steering?

could it be part 6 or part 10 here - or both?

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=31&fg=05

Hi,

Well it could be anything from the steering rack to ball joints/bushes etc etc. @167,000 miles most steering/suspension components will be past their best.

The control arms don't usually give vague steering. Worn control arms is usually manifested as  a wobble at 50-60 mph and  or clunking under braking / and or acceleration in extreme cases.
The balljoints you can check just by jacking the car up and check for slack. Same with track rod ends.
Id suspect @ 167,000 miles the steering rack/box. ( but to be fair at that mileage everything is a suspect )
At the straight ahead position, wobble the steering wheel laft and right a small amount whilst standing outside and looking at the front wheel with the car switched on. Does the movement of the steering wheel reflect in the movement of the wheel ? If you can turn the steering wheel a little and the wheel doesnt move then its the rack and or track rod ends or both.

Thats where I would start.

Regards,
Nat.

Get your steering rack checked

Have exactly the same issue with mine, except mines only done 120k. Straight ahead very vague. Replaced the control arm bushes which were wornwith powerflex ones (and front antiroll bar bushes while we were at it) and its slightly better but still not right.

A steering box is about £300 from ECP plus fitting (not a pleasant job I'm lead to believe.) Had an opinion on it today and they reckon its possibly a bit of everything else (upper front arms, lower ball joints , all a bit worn, rear subframe bushes not helping either.)

I've also got pretty good tyres, recent 4 wheel alignment etc but definitely not happy wit the way it drives.

Thanks for the various comments - if it was one (or more of these things) and was sufficiently work as to show up whilst driving would it not have been picked up at the MOT last month (was exhibiting the fault prior to MOT so its not like it has just happened)?

Will post back on the findings when they jack it up

Smee

Diagnosed as the control arm bushes - being replaced next week - will post back after that to see it if fixed it
Smee

do they normally replace the arm and bush as a complete unit, or do they only replace the bushes?

I found a complete front end kit from Febi Bislstein, upper and lower wishbones/control arms, ball joints for the thrust arms (bushes already replace with Powerflex on mine) and the anti-roll bar drop links. I decided that at 120k miles that was the logical next step as they must be al least slightly worn ::)

Being fitted shortly.

Thanks - how much are the parts costing and how much is the labour?

Smee

I found the kit online for £499, a cheap non branded version on ebay is £250.

I operate a barter system with a very old friend who has a garage and have ordered the Febi kit at his trade price, more than the ebay one but less than the online price. I have to fix a computer, intruder alarm, cctv system, network problem, ip phone, or similar while he fixes my car. Suits me and him. He also has a Hunter 4 wheel alignment to check it again after its all settled.

I'm not absolutely convinced that the rack is not also at fault but there is a slight chattering over bumps so want to do this first. The rack replacement books at 4 hours labour, I haven't asked but I expect the wishbones etc to take about an hour a side.

Once the vagueness is gone at the front I can see me replacing the back end stuff next as I think that too is past its best.

[quote="Smeeagain"]
Diagnosed as the control arm bushes - being replaced next week - will post back after that to see it if fixed it
Smee
[/quote]

All fitted - front end completely transformed.

Smee

Glad to hear it, my parts have arrived and being fitted Thursday, booked for realignment Friday when I have a chance to do a few miles and settle the suspension. Fingers crossed my also has the desired effect.