[Rockfresh15]

Hey all, did some searching but couldn't find a straight answer on this:

I'm coming from a 2013 328 coupe (before they added adaptive suspension and the highly-electric steering) and I LOVE the weightiness to the steering at all speeds.

I test drove an M230i, looking for the right M240i, but I just can't get over losing that weighty, firm steering, particularly at slower speeds, that I have on my 328 -- the M240 (and most newer BMWs) is just too jumpy and loose at low speeds and I've read similar complaints at highway speed too.

So, are there any mods that can be done to make steering feel like it used to on pre-2012 3 series' etc.? Particularly for the xDrive versions. I'm loving the M240 in every other way, but this steering is really holding me back from pulling the trigger. I've read a bit about LCA replacements, but that seems only possible for the non-xDrives.

Thanks!

[4Hockey4]

I put these on my 235i RWD and made big difference. Tighter steering and more secure in corners. Very little NVH. This is AWD version, and "street" and "race" are the same now, both black/90 firm version (emailed with powerflex)

https://www.powerflexusa.com/shop/pr...-bushings-2461

Had a real solid BMW shop do mine, these are not pop out/in and go. He machined out, looking at probably 2 hours labor, arms need pulled. Mine was almost $400 total, but worth it.

Also there is an adjustable version, but talked to a few folks, and for my use, fixed was better call.

[Rockfresh15]

Ah, this is the only mod you've done for the steering feel?

Is it noticeable at lower speeds too where it won't feel like if I sneeze I'll end up changing lanes?

On a scale of 1 - 328, how would you compare the feel?

[4Hockey4]

Originally Posted by Rockfresh15

Ah, this is the only mod you've done for the steering feel?

Is it noticeable at lower speeds too where it won't feel like if I sneeze I'll end up changing lanes?

On a scale of 1 - 328, how would you compare the feel?

Its just tighter at lower and higher speeds. Its not like my 01' 330ci using 2 hands to turn, lol but feels less play and tighter. I notice at lower speeds, but really notice hitting bumps etc going faster on exit/track

Its a 30% improvement if I had to put a number on it, I can tell you I couldn't go back to stock for sure.

[Rockfresh15]

Ahh ok, appreciate the input. Is there anything else you think you might do/suggest to add back some weight/feel to the steering?

[4Hockey4]

Originally Posted by Rockfresh15

Ahh ok, appreciate the input. Is there anything else you think you might do/suggest to add back some weight/feel to the steering?

I've ordered new wheels and adding 235/40 PS4's. That should help a bit too. Someone else can chime in on lower arms, I do know that can be tricky with camber and pushingwheels forward (stock probably ok)

[4Hockey4]

I'd also add, this was enough change for my lite track days. My mechanic (who has helped at BimmerWorld, with their race car..I mention only to supply his background) said changing those front upper arm bushings from stock, was cheapest/best way to tighten up steering and confidence.

There are other bushings options, many like the Powerflex, and so far happy with.

Do some bushings, and see if enough for you, then take next step as necc. For now, I won't be, unless I start hitting track more often.

[Getzinem]

Doing the SPL LCA and Thrust Arm Will help improve the steering feel, but not to the point that you are thinking.

[Rockfresh15]

Does this fit for xDrives? I know another set of LCAs I saw referenced do not.

And that would be these, right?: https://www.splparts.com/products/fr...w-f2x-f3x.html

But which thrust arms?

Any improvements at all would be very welcome. So if these all fit then this with the powerflex bushings sound like a pretty solid start.

[4Hockey4]

if you are doing "spirited" street driving, the bushings may be enough. Lower arms installed are $$. There are other threads on here for, one about bushings/arms below. Talks about LCA/TS arms, neg. camber with both, why not to do adjustable bushings (maybe) with arms etc.

https://www.2addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1724690

[HP Autosport]

Originally Posted by Rockfresh15

Does this fit for xDrives? I know another set of LCAs I saw referenced do not.

And that would be these, right?: https://www.splparts.com/products/fr...w-f2x-f3x.html

But which thrust arms?

Any improvements at all would be very welcome. So if these all fit then this with the powerflex bushings sound like a pretty solid start.

No, the x-drives are typically different than RWD.

[HP Autosport]

Originally Posted by Rockfresh15

Hey all, did some searching but couldn't find a straight answer on this:

I'm coming from a 2013 328 coupe (before they added adaptive suspension and the highly-electric steering) and I LOVE the weightiness to the steering at all speeds.

I test drove an M230i, looking for the right M240i, but I just can't get over losing that weighty, firm steering, particularly at slower speeds, that I have on my 328 -- the M240 (and most newer BMWs) is just too jumpy and loose at low speeds and I've read similar complaints at highway speed too.

So, are there any mods that can be done to make steering feel like it used to on pre-2012 3 series' etc.? Particularly for the xDrive versions. I'm loving the M240 in every other way, but this steering is really holding me back from pulling the trigger. I've read a bit about LCA replacements, but that seems only possible for the non-xDrives.

Thanks!

You can increase the steering effort by adding more caster to your alignment settings. You will also gain better straight-line stability.

[HP Autosport]

Originally Posted by Getzinem

If you go with the SPL parts LCA and dial in camber it adds positive caster as do the Msport arms, but it can be fixed with adding thrust arms at the same time. That's what I did here:

The lower control arm only works on RWD vehicles.

To increase the steering effort, an increase in caster is all is needed using a product such as this:

https://www.hpashop.com/Adjustable-F...PL-CRB-F3X.htm