handling out of control over bumps - BMW Forum

Onlya1 · 07-10-2010, 09:41 PM

If anyone could please help, my car 2003 3 series ZHP isn't handling too sporty especially over bumps and anything close to one. I've replaced the control arms and control arm bushings with the powerflex urethane ones and that hasn't helped. The next option is to replace the struts and springs, but I need to know if that could be the problem before I spend the money. When traveling over bumps in the road the car pulls left or right depending on which wheel hits the bump, it's really out of control.

witeshark · 07-10-2010, 09:51 PM

Are the shocks worn?

Onlya1 · 07-10-2010, 10:22 PM

The shocks don't appear to be worn but what else could cause the problem?

witeshark · 07-10-2010, 11:25 PM

There must be some parts that aren't compatible...

k.sidlosky · 07-11-2010, 07:04 PM

My truck does the same thing, check the camber. Could just need a good alignment.

Onlya1 · 07-13-2010, 06:29 PM

I thought about having the alignment checked first. I'll probably just have the dealer align the car and see if i can tell the difference.

Nick_318is · 07-14-2010, 08:50 AM

What do you mean it's out of control, what happens to the car? I would think most cars won't handle as well on a bumpy road.

Onlya1 · 07-14-2010, 04:27 PM

I exagerrated a little bit but I mean the car doesn't handle as tight as it use to, especially over bumps and grooves in the road it appears as times to feel very loose as far as steering.

BimmerE39 · 07-14-2010, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Onlya1

I exagerrated a little bit but I mean the car doesn't handle as tight as it use to, especially over bumps and grooves in the road it appears as times to feel very loose as far as steering.

Do you hear any sounds when you go over bumps like a clicking? This sounds to me like your sway bar end links are in bad shape and I would look at those first. They tend to wear out quickly and they have a serious effect on the handling of the car. I would definitely get those checked as well.

Onlya1 · 07-15-2010, 04:38 PM

I'll have the entire front end inspected next Wed Appt. at the dealer. I can turn a wrench or two but but I can't figure this out. Items replaced so far are:
both control arms
both control arm bushings with powerflex ones
both staybar links

drz · 07-15-2010, 05:13 PM

How do the tie rod ends look?

Onlya1 · 07-16-2010, 04:39 PM

new tie rod ends were attached to the new control arms I bought.

BimmerE39 · 07-16-2010, 10:09 PM

Sounds like your car has a demon...but so does every car. I know mine has a few I have to battle with but I know I'll always win.

Jilly R · 07-17-2010, 04:48 AM

My E46 323i handled as well as a wet doughnut until the BMW Service Department performed wheel alignment modifications, now it steers and corners as if on rails with no tyre scrubbing.
I had gone through (via a non BMW garage) all of the common suspension components trying to fix a similar fault without a good result,
Is your car oversteering from the rear?
Is the rear suspension and alignment ok?
Strange how a BMW dealer would know about BMW's isn't it?