[Gman235]

Hi everyone. I just picked up a used m235i after comparing it to a 230i with the m-performance package. While I loved the steering feel on the 228i as much as one can love a drive-by-wire system, it was an automatic and $10,000 more than the 6-speed m235i down the street.

But is there any way to improve the m235i steering feel to 230i levels? It honestly just feels like a software setting that's different, but the steering in the m235i feels heavy and a bit floaty if that makes sense. I've seen some reviews of the KW DDC coilovers improving steering feel but is there anything else you'd recommend?




Link to 230i for comparison: https://www.kbb.com/cars-for-sale/46...ellerscomments

[emtrey]

its not a drive by wire system BUT it is EPS.

Are you on runflats? I found the steering improved changing to non run flat tires.

[Gman235]

I'm on staggered michelin pilot sport as / 3+ tires. I looked them up and they don't seem to be run flats but I'm honestly not sure if that's what everyone's talking about since they seem to be the stock tires.

[emtrey]

they are not OEM tires , they are high quality non run flat all seasons. I have them on m y car.

The steering feel difference you may be feeling is the heavier engine of the 235 ( 6 cylinder N55 engine vs N20 4 cylinder )

Good luck fixing the steering feel issue. Its not great but that's EPS. Some folks have suggested M4 control arms as a remedy as long as the car is not X drive in which case its a non starter.

You want very good steering feel, find a car with hydraullic steering . Getting harder and harder to find these days. Even the best EPS is not as good IMHO.

[Tyresian]

I know I've seen some claims of getting lower control arms from an M2 fitted to a 2 series. Something that I may be very curious to do depending on how I live with the steering feel of the 230xi I have on order. I'll give it at least a year before I make a decision though since I have too many other costs coming up.

[Gman235]

Yeah, I'm not thinking I'll get something as good as a hydraulic steering rack but right now it just feels too much like guesswork when I'm steering. I'll look into the m4 arms since I have a 6 speed manual so no xdrive.

[emtrey]

Originally Posted by Tyresian

I know I've seen some claims of getting lower control arms from an M2 fitted to a 2 series. Something that I may be very curious to do depending on how I live with the steering feel of the 230xi I have on order. I'll give it at least a year before I make a decision though since I have too many other costs coming up.

those control arms probably won't fit on an x drive car ( same problem with M4 control arms )