Steering Play

[BEMR]

I've been noticing this lately not sure if just my imagination. F82 with 16g miles. When stopped at idle and foot on brake noticing about an inch or more steering wheel play from left to right, then as i sightly move forward the play goes away when I start. Does that sound normal or am I looking at a service issue?

[shortseller]

Not sure to the degree of play that you sight but my experience has been if in Comfort mode setting it does have some play off center. If in Sport+ I find little to no play when at rest. Most likely you are fine, it's just a result of the way the steering is designed but it never hurts to get a second opinion from an authorized dealership service center.

[RocketBoots]

I think you're probably fine. The wheel does seem to have more play in comfort. But regardless of the mode, it seems to be a speed sensitive thing: Slower=more play, faster=less.

[shortseller]

Originally Posted by RocketBoots

I think you're probably fine. The wheel does seem to have more play in comfort. But regardless of the mode, it seems to be a speed sensitive thing: Slower=more play, faster=less.

Weirdly, I find myself drifting between lines, when at speed on the highway, more when in Comfort as compared to when in Sport+, could be just me though.

[BEMR]

Tried it in all 3 modes and sloppy steering wheel in all modes, but only when stopped. Just don't remember it in the past. Somebody trying theirs and getting back to me would be appreciated. It may just be nothing.

[shortseller]

Originally Posted by BEMR

Tried it in all 3 modes and sloppy steering wheel in all modes, but only when stopped. Just don't remember it in the past. Somebody trying theirs and getting back to me would be appreciated. It may just be nothing.

Just back from a store run. Experimented with the steering settings at standstill. More play in Comfort, less in Sport+ by a pretty discernible amount without question, sport + tightens up the steering even at rest.

Just wanted to add so not to misinform, the amount of play is very slight, maybe a 1/2 to an inch each way off center position when car is at rest. It's not much but there is play.

[SakhirM4]

Is this real play or are the tires actually moving (left to right and vice versa)??

[shortseller]

Originally Posted by SakhirM4

Is this real play or are the tires actually moving (left to right and vice versa)??

Good observation, someone should be outside the car and looking at the wheels to make sure.

[SakhirM4]

Originally Posted by shortseller

Good observation, someone should be outside the car and looking at the wheels to make sure.

That would help explain why you feel it more when stopped than when rolling. I had not experienced any play in my M4 so I thought I would check. When I moved my steering wheel, the wheels moved.

[shortseller]

Originally Posted by SakhirM4

That would help explain why you feel it more when stopped than when rolling. I had not experienced any play in my M4 so I thought I would check. When I moved my steering wheel, the wheels moved.

Curious as to what steering mode you have been using? I've been running sport+ since day one but have recently been experimenting between comfort and sport, and thinking I might like one of those better.

[SakhirM4]

Originally Posted by shortseller

Curious as to what steering mode you have been using? I've been running sport+ since day one but have recently been experimenting between comfort and sport, and thinking I might like one of those better.

I use Sport

[BEMR]

I use sport too.

Anyway stood outside car ideling in park and brake on, turned the wheel slightly both ways. Noticed that like sakhir mentioned the tire and wheel was moving. But, when parked there is a different feel almost like the tires wheel was moving but the tire wasn't, almost like it'd feel if you had low air pressure.

I think I figured it out now, the front tires have almost 17g on them and with the outer part of tire wearing more now from cornering, less tire is equally touching flat and when stopped that feeling becomes more evident through the steering wheel and will get worse until I replace tires. Does that sound possible?

[SakhirM4]

Originally Posted by BEMR

Does that sound possible?

If what you are saying is that there is no play in the steering, then I will agree with you.

[RocketBoots]

I check this today, and I can say there is absolutely no play when parked. I sat in the car, turned the wheel slightly, and even in sport +, it was super easy to move. I thought for sure there was about 0.5" to 1.0" of play because the wheel was so easy to turn, then got more difficult. I opened the door, looked at the front tires, and I was very surprised to see how direct the steering wheel was connected to the front wheels. I swear, you move the wheel 1mm, the front tires move 1mm.

[5ABIVT]

Just wanted to chime in. This same feeling just started in my 45k mile 16 M4. At first a few days ago I thought maybe it was in my mind after a few leaking valve stems were replaced and tire pressures were set a bit high (I run 40/38).. but it’s definitely sloppy at a stop. I did step out and see and yes the wheels do nice with every touch of the steering wheel so that’s a good sign.

Not too familiar with the f8x but on my e46m3 I had this happen and it was the fcabs (front control arm bushings). The lower rear mounting point of the control arm had play in the bushing. I’m wondering if it’s something similar on my M4. Will look into what’s replaceable and replace them and report back.

[rborane]

You’re responding to a 5 year old thread..

[5ABIVT]

Originally Posted by rborane

You’re responding to a 5 year old thread..

so? Same issue.. figure if maybe someone looked into it and didn't follow up they might see this.

[MattRST]

Originally Posted by 5ABIVT

so? Same issue.. figure if maybe someone looked into it and didn't follow up they might see this.

Useful info as im having the same issue , thanks

[Suds]

Electric steering rack and a computer.

[SilverBulletLV]

Bump. Has anyone figured out this issue? Is it normal or can it be traced to a particular component?

[Billy_BMW]

Gents, this thread may help. GTS Steering coding may be beneficial if you’re running an early F8X car:

https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1819549

[Dav3]

Originally Posted by Billy_BMW

Gents, this thread may help. GTS Steering coding may be beneficial if you’re running an early F8X car:

https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1819549

To be honest, while GTS coding does fix a lot of the numb steering sensation, as of late I noticed it isn’t the full solution.

The issue is steering wheel play at faster speeds in curves, the car stays planted but the steering wheel is too wobbly, as in it doesn’t stay tense and I believe this is what is making the car feel unstable

Perhaps lower control arms or bushings? Roads are shit here and I do have the passive suspension, but at 20.000 miles? Doesn’t sound right