phadders Posted December 22, 2016 Report Share Posted December 22, 2016 I'm sure I'm not alone in this, but I find that other than on good surfaces my 325i tends to dart about on the road quite a bit. My tyre set up is 225/40R18 Bridgestones on the front and 255/35R18 Michelin Pilots on the rear. All the suspension, shock absorber and other relevant parts have been checked and found to be fine. Does the different size between the front and rear make a difference?I intend to put Pilots on the front in about 2,000 miles, which might help, but I'd be grateful for any other thoughts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruesta Posted December 22, 2016 Report Share Posted December 22, 2016 I've found having a set of tyres all the same make helps, Eagle F1s on my summer setup, best tyres I've had. Your sizes are factory spec, nothing wrong there. I know you've said all suspension has been checked but does this include front control arms and lollypop bushes? Common weak point on the E46, I've fitted Meyle HD to both my coupe's, along with droplinks, made both ride much better. Just some thoughts based on my experience.... phadders 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruesta Posted December 22, 2016 Report Share Posted December 22, 2016 Other thing to check, steering UJ down by the manifold. The bushes on these ware out and make steering a bit vague. If you sit with engine off bit ignition switched round so steering lock wont come on and turn the wheel left and right quickly but only a short distance, so more of a left/right wobble does it knock? If it does the UJ probably needs doing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruesta Posted December 22, 2016 Report Share Posted December 22, 2016 Tyres aren't run-flats are they? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris s Posted December 22, 2016 Report Share Posted December 22, 2016 Like ruesta said definitely double check the lolly pops I have poly bushed both my e46s but meyle are very good. have you had tracking checked on a 4 wheel alignment and the camber too. Ruesta 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phadders Posted December 23, 2016 Author Report Share Posted December 23, 2016 Thanks for the tips. The tyres are not run flats. I will get the lollypops checked, and I guess it would help to have the same make all round, but the fronts still are at 4-5 mm. I will change them around 3 mm. Ruesta 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris s Posted December 23, 2016 Report Share Posted December 23, 2016 Guess it gives you time to save up for some good tyres mate I love the Pirelli p zero's really good all round tyre.but would definitely have the tracking checked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trevor Posted December 23, 2016 Report Share Posted December 23, 2016 Mine did this when I bought the style 162's on runflats. Put normal tyres on and it was sorted. The E46 hates runflats. Ruesta 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruesta Posted December 28, 2016 Report Share Posted December 28, 2016 On 23/12/2016 at 17:49, Trevor said: The E46 hates runflats. This is soo true. Goodyear Eagle F1s asymmetric's are the best tyres I've had on my 46's so far, amazing tyres. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phadders Posted March 15, 2017 Author Report Share Posted March 15, 2017 Thanks for all the suggestions. I have had the lollipop bushes replaced. Ironically, the mechanic who looks after the car for me--TWG BMW specialists in Camberley, who are excellent--told me that the bushes were the first job I had had done on the car when I bought it four years ago. Apparently, they wear out after a couple of years or so. Anyway, the care is much improved now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R11CH Posted March 15, 2017 Report Share Posted March 15, 2017 What tyre pressures are you running ? Changing mine from my normal pressures completely changed and cured mine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MWagon Posted March 20, 2017 Report Share Posted March 20, 2017 Were track rod ends also checked? A worn steering rack can also cause tramlining. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
