[Roadfeel]

I used to love my 15 M235xi because it gave me so much feedback through the stiff chassis and steering. Like any good thing that must come to an end, the chassis has become less stiff over the past year or so, and the steering also feels loose. Surprisingly, steering tightens up on really cold days and loosens up when it warms up, which I despise. Anyway, I was wondering there are anyways to bring back the stiffness and steering feel back using OEM parts.

[BoostleakTV]

Sounds like some worn out suspension. When’s the last time struts and bushings were replaced?

[XutvJet]

The stiffness of the steering varying of temperature is likely the result of your tires being stiffer in colder weather. The structure itself of the car is quite stiff and won't loosen up much at all. My 2016 M235 as stiff and solid as it was when brand new in January 2016.

The most likely reasons why the car feels loose are:

1) You've gotten use to the car.

2) Tires aren't great. If you're m235x came with the all season 225 width square setup, you're missing out. My M235 came with the staggered 225/245 setup and in the summer I run a summer tire 245 square setup which makes a massive difference in handling, feel, and grip. If you're on narrow all season tires, the handling will suffer dramatically. I hate my all season 225/245 that I have to run in the winter. The steering is lighter and the ride softer.

3) Check your settings to make sure you're Sport mode is in Chassis/Drivetrain so that the steering and shocks are set to max stiffness/firmness.

[Roadfeel]

Originally Posted by BoostleakTV

Sounds like some worn out suspension. When’s the last time struts and bushings were replaced?

Polyurethane thrust arm bushings were recently replaced. It has 87k miles and no struts have been changed.

[Roadfeel]

Originally Posted by XutvJet

The stiffness of the steering varying of temperature is likely the result of your tires being stiffer in colder weather. The structure itself of the car is quite stiff and won't loosen up much at all. My 2016 M235 as stiff and solid as it was when brand new in January 2016.

The most likely reasons why the car feels loose are:

1) You've gotten use to the car.

2) Tires aren't great. If you're m235x came with the all season 225 width square setup, you're missing out. My M235 came with the staggered 225/245 setup and in the summer I run a summer tire 245 square setup which makes a massive difference in handling, feel, and grip. If you're on narrow all season tires, the handling will suffer dramatically. I hate my all season 225/245 that I have to run in the winter. The steering is lighter and the ride softer.

3) Check your settings to make sure you're Sport mode is in Chassis/Drivetrain so that the steering and shocks are set to max stiffness/firmness.

Point 1) is possible. Regarding point 2) I have staggered 225/245 OE setup with PSS in Summer and Conti DWS06+ in winter. PSS is definitely more stiff and I like it more. I don't think chassis/drivetrain can be configured separately in 15 M235, but will check

[BoostleakTV]

I guarantee you it’s your struts then. 87K and never changed, they are completely blown and you’re just relying on springs.