[redbullgotwings]

Hey guys,


I just posted in the coding section to see if there were any answers over there. I want my steering lighter, i was looking into upgrading steering racks but the only upgrade seems to be the M3 rack retrofit. It seems that that would make my steering stiffer because the servotronic wouldnt work properly. Do you guys know of any upgrades to make my steering a little lighter?


thanks

[jeddo45]

Originally Posted by redbullgotwings

Hey guys,


I just posted in the coding section to see if there were any answers over there. I want my steering lighter, i was looking into upgrading steering racks but the only upgrade seems to be the M3 rack retrofit. It seems that that would make my steering stiffer because the servotronic wouldnt work properly. Do you guys know of any upgrades to make my steering a little lighter?


thanks

Go buy an F series BMW.

Really the E90 has an awesome steering system. When I first got my E93, I was thought the steering was a little heavy but man, after driving that and going to any other car I was shocked on how perfect the E9x steering is.

[redbullgotwings]

Everyone says that and I totally get it. But I want to take it to some drift events and I think the steering will be a little hard for that...

[Manual Transmission]

Originally Posted by redbullgotwings

Everyone says that and I totally get it. But I want to take it to some drift events and I think the steering will be a little hard for that...

Grease the front tires so they turn easier.

[redbullgotwings]

Can't tell if you mean ball joints or troll..

[ptpending]

e90 have electric steering rack with 320d, 330d and x1 and z4 with new n20 engine
another options is try active steering rack, it is have servotronic built-in

[redbullgotwings]

Maybe parts of the steering rack are electric but I know we also have power steering pumps... But ya if I get an M3 steering rack with servotronic then I have to figure out how to hook up the servotronic

[gunnerxq]

Originally Posted by Manual Transmission

Grease the front tires so they turn easier.

Also put a few hundred pounds in the trunk to keep weight off the tires. And you know the max weight that they say you can carry in a car? Well you can easily go over it by 1000lbs a BMW engineer even said so himself.

[bigchieftaco]

I know what you mean. I didn't notice how heavy the steering was until I got back into my old DD and was like WTF is wrong with the wheel?!! I can steer with my pinky.
I like the tight feel of the steering in the e90. I feel like there is more driver control and just feels super nice.

[Antetokounmpo]

Originally Posted by redbullgotwings

Maybe parts of the steering rack are electric but I know we also have power steering pumps... But ya if I get an M3 steering rack with servotronic then I have to figure out how to hook up the servotronic

An M3 rack with the standard 3 series hardware will be tougher to steer since it's a lower ratio (12:1). The M3 has a different pump and hydraulic hardware. If you've ever driven an e9x m3, the steering is actually a good amount lighter than the 328i/335i, and it's not because of the rack.

Also I would suggest to lift some weights, the E9x has very good hydraulic steering.

[John 070]

Interesting, and probably the OPs opinion is why E9x steering is gone. But the F series is extreme, I drove a loaner for over 4 mos. It's lighter than my 98 Maxima. On business, I drove 2017 Malibus and a 2017 Pathfinder, both these cars have eps and they felt ok, almost too little assist at low speeds with the pathfinder. E9x steering RIP...

[redbullgotwings]

Well guess I'll just concede​ that my opinion is wrong. I might try some stuff in the future and keep you guys in the loop if I find anything that works for those who feel the same as me. I'll start with adjusting alignment and then adjusting front chamber slightly. I wonder if the m3 front control arm kit would do anything.

[Welcome to NBA Jam]

Originally Posted by Harambe

An M3 rack with the standard 3 series hardware will be tougher to steer since it's a lower ratio (12:1). The M3 has a different pump and hydraulic hardware. If you've ever driven an e9x m3, the steering is actually a good amount lighter than the 328i/335i, and it's not because of the rack.

+1, I've been researching it and it's fairly involved to get the full benefit of the M3 rack. You'll need to retrofit Servotronic steering, and DSC will need to be updated somehow to account for the new ratio.

[gunnerxq]

Originally Posted by redbullgotwings

Well guess I'll just concede​ that my opinion is wrong. I might try some stuff in the future and keep you guys in the loop if I find anything that works for those who feel the same as me. I'll start with adjusting alignment and then adjusting front chamber slightly. I wonder if the m3 front control arm kit would do anything.

But honestly my 18.5 lb wheels without runflats with a m3 control arms did make my steering lighter. I feel like each thing contributed to the lighter feel. It is a lot lighter then my brothers 330i with stock wheels and control arns.

[redbullgotwings]

Originally Posted by gunnerxq

But honestly my 18.5 lb wheels without runflats with a m3 control arms did make my steering lighter. I feel like each thing contributed to the lighter feel. It is a lot lighter then my brothers 330i with stock wheels and control arns.

I really appreciate this input. Never thought of a heavier steering wheel. Thanks

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by redbullgotwings

Well guess I'll just concede​ that my opinion is wrong. I might try some stuff in the future and keep you guys in the loop if I find anything that works for those who feel the same as me. I'll start with adjusting alignment and then adjusting front chamber slightly. I wonder if the m3 front control arm kit would do anything.

You're not wrong. I'm sorry to say that many people around here equate stiff with good feel. The truth is what you're really looking for with good steering is feedback, which can be had with stiff or light steering. Case in point being the e9x M3 steering. Better feedback and lighter!

The standard e9x steering is needlessly stiff at parking lot speeds. Of course, that's just my opinion.

[avocet]

Chug some redbull and your steering won't feel so heavy!!! Lol

If you are going drifting get some skinny ass tires... skinny tires on the steering wheels will decrease effort. And since you will be going(relatively) slow get some camber/castor plates and dial out some caster. It will lighten your steering but will have other effects on your handling(at speed stability being one of them)...

[S4NoMore]

Originally Posted by redbullgotwings

I really appreciate this input. Never thought of a heavier steering wheel. Thanks

I believe he's referring to heavier wheels, not the steering wheel.


As for the drift event, I bet you'll find it's not as bad as you expect. Flicking the car around lightens the front end and the tires pretty much steer themselves in transition once the slide is initiated.

[gunnerxq]

Originally Posted by S4NoMore

I believe he's referring to heavier wheels, not the steering wheel.


As for the drift event, I bet you'll find it's not as bad as you expect. Flicking the car around lightens the front end and the tires pretty much steer themselves in transition once the slide is initiated.

Haha kinda I'm referring to lighter wheels and lighter tires (non-runflat). Most Bmw wheels are high 20's 30's in weight. And you're right the car is pretty easy to steer once you get a slide going. Though I would get one's alignment checked before hand just in case.

[redbullgotwings]

Ya I will do all that thanks. I thought this weighted steering wheel thing was something I hadn't heard of yet. Weighted shift knob weighted steering wheel.. same concept right? Lol

[thakid22]

Originally Posted by redbullgotwings

Hey guys,


I just posted in the coding section to see if there were any answers over there. I want my steering lighter, i was looking into upgrading steering racks but the only upgrade seems to be the M3 rack retrofit. It seems that that would make my steering stiffer because the servotronic wouldnt work properly. Do you guys know of any upgrades to make my steering a little lighter?


thanks

The quick and easy answer to lighter steering is the tires. High performance, sticky rubber increases steering effort. Continental DWS will lighten your steering considerably. But also be prepared for less sharp steering response and a more plush ride too.

[krhodes1]

Originally Posted by tlow98

You're not wrong. I'm sorry to say that many people around here equate stiff with good feel. The truth is what you're really looking for with good steering is feedback, which can be had with stiff or light steering. Case in point being the e9x M3 steering. Better feedback and lighter!

The standard e9x steering is needlessly stiff at parking lot speeds. Of course, that's just my opinion.

Not just your opinion, mine as well. I think the feedback gets lost in the weight. Certainly my old e30s were both much lighter and had better feel, and really I think the feel of my M235i was just as good without the ridiculous weight. The weight makes my 328i feel heavier and less wieldy than it actually is.

The VW Golf GTI that replaced the M235i has about a perfect mix (and EPS at that), though I actually wish the steering ratio was a bit slower - it is on the verge of being nervous. <2 turns lock to lock.