15 M3: Options to improve steering feel?

[Damage Inc]

Picked up my M3 a few months ago. Finally got to go hit some back roads. While the steering is accurate its very "rubbery" and lack of any road feel. I was reading about how the ZCP and GTS have improvements in both these areas (the GTS review claimed the removed the rubbery feeling).

Can I do a "tune", software update, etc to improve the lifeless steering? While the car us super fast, its a bit letdown on the back roads in the steering department. All my previous M cars I would take out (E60 M5, E63 M6, E92 M3) would be so much more enjoyable. Don't even get me started on the lack of any inspiring engine / exhaust sounds ha ha

Anybody fixed their 2015 M3 steering? TIA

[64-bit]

Look, I have driven the 2015 as well and I didnt enjoy it, specially the dual clutch

My 2016 manual driving felling is suburb from factory, specially now with the latest sw upgrade, which gave me the active suspension settings and rebound fixed.

I would pay out of my pocket for the upgrade if needed because it is that good.

[Damage Inc]

Originally Posted by 64-bit

Look, I have driven the 2015 as well and I didnt enjoy it, specially the dual clutch

My 2016 manual driving felling is suburb from factory, specially now with the latest sw upgrade, which gave me the active suspension settings and rebound fixed.

I would pay out of my pocket for the upgrade if needed because it is that good.

I'm talking the steering feel specifically. Is that something that the dealer can update the software? I have an appointment for next week.

[5against8]

Originally Posted by 64-bit

Look, I have driven the 2015 as well and I didnt enjoy it, specially the dual clutch

My 2016 manual driving felling is suburb from factory, specially now with the latest sw upgrade, which gave me the active suspension settings and rebound fixed.

I would pay out of my pocket for the upgrade if needed because it is that good.

When was the software update rolled out?

[domino_z]

you'll have to do a comparo of part numbers on steering parts on realoem or alike to see if they have changed any mechanical components

from a mechanical pov, the wheel/tyre package + dampeners + roll bars on the zcp would have a flow on effect to steering feel, so s/w alone might not sort it for you

i hadn't seen the "no more rubbery feel" comments on the zcp prior to purchasing, but i can say i have no issues with how the steering feels or loads up in comfort or sport mode

[HP Autosport]

You can improve steering feel and feedback with an upgrade thrust arm or tension arm bushings in urethane. Serious street or track guys will step up to the mono ball version. Along with the better feel and feedback, you will also get a much quicker response from your inputs.

[CanAutM3]

Are you running spacers?

[jim996]

The latest software upgrade improves the suspension dampers, rear diff, traction control and steering feel. It's a huge improvement from the earlier cars.

[Damage Inc]

Originally Posted by jim996

The latest software upgrade improves the suspension dampers, rear diff, traction control and steering feel. It's a huge improvement from the earlier cars.

How do you get the software update done? I asked my dealer, they said they will not do any updates unless there's error codes.

[jim996]

dealer will normally do it if you pay for it. I got offered it in the UK by my dealer for £150.

[Justin.AutoTalent]

Alex from Alpine can code the GTS steering, might be something to consider.

[BMW9]

Originally Posted by HP Autosport

You can improve steering feel and feedback with an upgrade thrust arm or tension arm bushings in urethane. Serious street or track guys will step up to the mono ball version. Along with the better feel and feedback, you will also get a much quicker response from your inputs.

Any draw backs to this monoball upgrade? How much labor involved? I am interested. Also changing to stiffer springs or to coil overs will help steering response somewhat as it removes slack in the suspension causing faster response to steering inputs.

[HP Autosport]

Originally Posted by BMW9

Any draw backs to this monoball upgrade? How much labor involved? I am interested. Also changing to stiffer springs or to coil overs will help steering response somewhat as it removes slack in the suspension causing faster response to steering inputs.

There will be some increase in NVH, but the benefits of the monoball will outweigh it if you are looking for better steering response and feedback. You are looking at a couple of hours to remove the arms, press out the old bushing and press in the monoball.

Upgrading the springs or to coilovers will help as well.

[BMW9]

Originally Posted by HP Autosport

There will be some increase in NVH, but the benefits of the monoball will outweigh it if you are looking for better steering response and feedback. You are looking at a couple of hours to remove the arms, press out the old bushing and press in the monoball.

Upgrading the springs or to coilovers will help as well.

I see in your web site you offer the
Rogue Engineering Monoball Tension Arm Bushings and the Dinan. Any difference or preferred between the two products besides a price difference?

[seis-speed]

Originally Posted by Justin.AutoTalent

Alex from Alpine can code the GTS steering, might be something to consider.

Interested in this. Where can I get more info?

TIA.

[Justin.AutoTalent]

Originally Posted by seis-speed

Interested in this. Where can I get more info?

TIA.

Alex@Alpine can assist you

[hellokitty]

Originally Posted by HP Autosport

There will be some increase in NVH, but the benefits of the monoball will outweigh it if you are looking for better steering response and feedback. You are looking at a couple of hours to remove the arms, press out the old bushing and press in the monoball.

Upgrading the springs or to coilovers will help as well.

https://www.dinancars.com/product/d2...eries=&mid=M3/

Are these a good compromise for NVH concerns?

[HP Autosport]

Originally Posted by hellokitty

https://www.dinancars.com/product/d2...eries=&mid=M3/

Are these a good compromise for NVH concerns?

If you want to upgrade and NVH is a concern, try these:

https://www.hpashop.com/Rogue-Engine...t-F8x-M3-4.htm

[Bee Pee]

Coding for GTS ePAS may help.

For hardware changes - I fitted OEM camber correction hubs on my M2 and gained an extra -0.5deg of front camber, OEM part no.s 31217853639 & 40 for L&R.

Will get you similar geo to M4 GTS - in terms of front camber/castor....

[Remonster]

Originally Posted by Justin.AutoTalent

Alex from Alpine can code the GTS steering, might be something to consider.

+1 for Alex & Alpine.

I would think the CS steering coding would be a better option since the CS' hardware config is so much closer to his car than the GTS but maybe someone who has tried both can share their thoughts.

[Brasko]

Just picked up the Dinan Strut Ball Joint Kit for my F80 and will have it installed in the couple weeks. I think it should give a noticeable (positive) steering feel and might just be what's needed to fix the "rubbery" feel in the steering.

[drroc]

Originally Posted by seis-speed

Interested in this. Where can I get more info?

TIA.

http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...1431079&page=4

You can use Esys FDL-coding. Change the "Variantencodierung Normal" in the EPS module to F82GTS. In comfort mode, the steering becomes reminiscent for an M2 where the steering is much lighter and livelier.