[In Extremis]

I just haven’t fallen in love with this car. Not to beat a dead horse, but it’s the steering. Specifically how the car tracks when driving on the highway for long distances. I find it difficult to keep the car from slightly swerving at times because the center of the wheel is just dead. A review I recently watched from the straight pipes on youtube reaffirmed this to me. Apparently the M340, or any other bmw, doesn’t have this issue..

Perhaps some type of an alignment could improve it? I’ve seen that steering can be reprogrammed to a degree, but I’m not sure how viable that will be on this model. And coding/reprogramming can lead to warranty issues, which actually makes me nervous with this one. I bought the car last year when it was difficult to find test drives, figuring it would be close enough to other cars I’ve had experiences with. After owning it for 6 months, it isn’t a platform that I really even want to modify. The most attractive feature to me was xdrive, all my previous cars were rwd, but I think I’m ready to give that up and trade my car for something else. Kicking myself for not buying an f87 m2 comp or supra that was the same price. I don’t hate the car, but I find myself riding the line a lot if I glance anywhere but straight, imo it takes a ton of concentration to just cruise around.

[BobHen]

Originally Posted by In Extremis

I just haven’t fallen in love with this car. Not to beat a dead horse, but it’s the steering. Specifically how the car tracks when driving on the highway for long distances. I find it difficult to keep the car from slightly swerving at times because the center of the wheel is just dead. A review I recently watched from the straight pipes on youtube reaffirmed this to me. Apparently the M340, or any other bmw, doesn’t have this issue..

Perhaps some type of an alignment could improve it? I’ve seen that steering can be reprogrammed to a degree, but I’m not sure how viable that will be on this model. And coding/reprogramming can lead to warranty issues, which actually makes me nervous with this one. I bought the car last year when it was difficult to find test drives, figuring it would be close enough to other cars I’ve had experiences with. After owning it for 6 months, it isn’t a platform that I really even want to modify. The most attractive feature to me was xdrive, all my previous cars were rwd, but I think I’m ready to give that up and trade my car for something else. Kicking myself for not buying an f87 m2 comp or supra that was the same price. I don’t hate the car, but I find myself riding the line a lot if I glance anywhere but straight, imo it takes a ton of concentration to just cruise around.

Sorry you feel that way. I've had my M240i Xdrive for a year and love the car. I got used to the steering very quickly and forgot about it long ago, it just feels natural now – no concentration at all. And that's both daily driving and also very spirited driving. Actually, most all BMW reviews mention that there is no steering feel or the steering is numb – same with the new M2.

Consider trying the below, if you haven't already.

1. Maybe there is something wrong with your car. Might be worth a check.
2. You might try driving with the steering in sport mode and see if that feels better.
3. Have your tires checked for uneven tread wear, pressure, etc.

Good luck

Bob

[DrJLag420]

I agree that the steering is numb. On the highway I notice the same as you described above. I have gotten used to it over time. I think they engineered the steering to be light for the average ‘A to B’ driver. Putting into sport mode helps me. Have you tried this and see what you think?

When I test drove the M2 the steering seemed to be much tighter. Lots more road feel. However it was only 10 miles or so. But when on the highway, it felt better to me. Much better.

Perhaps you should trade up to the M2 and you will be happier.

Good luck with your decision.

[OriginalFake]

I've put a lot of highway miles on my M240i and don't have the issue that you all are describing. I wonder if there's a difference in feel/tracking between RWD and xDrive?

[dy444]

Originally Posted by In Extremis

I just haven’t fallen in love with this car. Not to beat a dead horse, but it’s the steering. Specifically how the car tracks when driving on the highway for long distances. I find it difficult to keep the car from slightly swerving at times because the center of the wheel is just dead. A review I recently watched from the straight pipes on youtube reaffirmed this to me. Apparently the M340, or any other bmw, doesn’t have this issue..

Perhaps some type of an alignment could improve it? I’ve seen that steering can be reprogrammed to a degree, but I’m not sure how viable that will be on this model. And coding/reprogramming can lead to warranty issues, which actually makes me nervous with this one. I bought the car last year when it was difficult to find test drives, figuring it would be close enough to other cars I’ve had experiences with. After owning it for 6 months, it isn’t a platform that I really even want to modify. The most attractive feature to me was xdrive, all my previous cars were rwd, but I think I’m ready to give that up and trade my car for something else. Kicking myself for not buying an f87 m2 comp or supra that was the same price. I don’t hate the car, but I find myself riding the line a lot if I glance anywhere but straight, imo it takes a ton of concentration to just cruise around.

It's not true that other BMWs don't have this steering middle dead band characteristic. Since the switch to electrically powered steering they all have it to some extent even the full fat M models like my F82 M4 and therefore, in all probability, so does the F87.

[cennis]

I probably watched every video out there while I was waiting for my car and was definitely concerned hearing those comments. Yes, the steering feels is a bit dead/numb (for context, I also have a pristine low miles NB Miata), but I have definitely not notice any issues with the car wandering on the highway, it tracks perfectly straight with no need for constant correction. Tires maybe? Do you have the run-flats?

[Bimmer Pleaser]

Originally Posted by In Extremis

I just haven’t fallen in love with this car. Not to beat a dead horse, but it’s the steering. Specifically how the car tracks when driving on the highway for long distances. I find it difficult to keep the car from slightly swerving at times because the center of the wheel is just dead. A review I recently watched from the straight pipes on youtube reaffirmed this to me. Apparently the M340, or any other bmw, doesn’t have this issue..

Perhaps some type of an alignment could improve it? I’ve seen that steering can be reprogrammed to a degree, but I’m not sure how viable that will be on this model. And coding/reprogramming can lead to warranty issues, which actually makes me nervous with this one. I bought the car last year when it was difficult to find test drives, figuring it would be close enough to other cars I’ve had experiences with. After owning it for 6 months, it isn’t a platform that I really even want to modify. The most attractive feature to me was xdrive, all my previous cars were rwd, but I think I’m ready to give that up and trade my car for something else. Kicking myself for not buying an f87 m2 comp or supra that was the same price. I don’t hate the car, but I find myself riding the line a lot if I glance anywhere but straight, imo it takes a ton of concentration to just cruise around.

I've driven ton of M, AMG ( and watered down M/AMG) and steering are pretty similar. Lack of feel is caused by electrically assisted steering and I think it is getting worse due to all assist features; even if you turn them off they are still mechanically connected and affecting the feel.

The cure is picking up an E90 or anything with hydraulic rack and pinion.

[PNTDG42]

I don’t mean to come off as overly defensive for the car but the post reads as either exaggerative (or maybe I’m just reading it that way) or like the car needs an alignment or new tires.

No doubt the steering offers little feedback. Call it numb call it what you want. But you should not have any issue holding the car steady in your lane.

Changes to your alignment can have big effects on the cars handling. (That’s one of the reasons I take driving reviews with a huge grain of salt in the handling department or skidpad/slalom etc; because half or more of the handling dynamic being reviewed is the wheel/tire specs and the alignment.) You might at least confirm your alignment is to spec or consider changing to specs that will get you closer to your desired feel (but keeping expectations in check).

[MPR]

I still look forward to every drive after 8 months of ownership. I didn't go into it thinking I was going to have a car that had good steering feedback. It's a heavy car and I feel that at times, but I only daily drive mine so I can live with it.

[heelsmj]

Sounds like there is something wrong with your car. Your experience is just so wildly out of line with everyone else. I would definitely get the car checked. Now with that being said, I am coming from a 2020 M340 and the steering is definitely more numb. It feels like you are playing a video game. But the car is so engaging otherwise I forgot about it quickly.

[redcars]

Car should go straight as long as the road is not crowned. Usually tracks straight without my hands on the wheel. Check for uneven tire wear, try the different steering modes. Could be alignment or some weird driveline stuff if you have xDrive. I think we have to accept that the electric steering is always going to feel dead compared to the old hydraulic assist.

[G42UPRA]

I'm 2 months into ownership and I absolutely love the car. Steering feel doesn't bother me but I don't have much to compare it to, coming from a 2014 Mazda 3.

I do drive almost exclusively in Sport though so maybe that makes it feel a little better? Never had any issues with the car drifting out of lane on the highway though, to be sure.

[dy444]

Originally Posted by cennis

I probably watched every video out there while I was waiting for my car and was definitely concerned hearing those comments. Yes, the steering feels is a bit dead/numb (for context, I also have a pristine low miles NB Miata), but I have definitely not notice any issues with the car wandering on the highway, it tracks perfectly straight with no need for constant correction. Tires maybe? Do you have the run-flats?

I find that if it does happen to wander a fraction for some reason, the dead band sometimes tends to lead you to over correct very slightly. Then if you're not careful you can over correct very slightly back the other way etc. It's very subtle though and doesn't happen too often once you get used to it.

[Invisiblename]

Loved it on day one and love it even more 7 months later! Can’t find a thing to complain about

[pbw]

Have had car for 12 months this week, still enjoy it, great fun and some great road trips!

[marcsg42]

Going on almost 14 months with my 240 ,I kinda get what you are saying about the steering but isn’t that big of a deal for me ,the car car is a absolute dream for me I love everything about so not even close to being a deal breaker.

[XC3LLR8]

1 year and 15,000 miles later and there’s not another car I’d rather have (at least that I can afford). The steering has never bothered me and I’m coming from a SS 1LE.

I will say after adding the forged Apex wheels and 265’s all around the steering feels more responsive and communicative. Personally, I don’t think the 225’s that so many have on this pig is the proper size for a 4,000 lb car.

[aiursblade]

Originally Posted by XC3LLR8

1 year and 15,000 miles later and there’s not another car I’d rather have (at least that I can afford). The steering has never bothered me and I’m coming from a SS 1LE.

I will say after adding the forged Apex wheels and 265’s all around the steering feels more responsive and communicative. Personally, I don’t think the 225’s that so many have on this pig is the proper size for a 4,000 lb car.

You might be onto something here, 225s felt small on my GTI and that’s a significantly lighter and lower power car…

[Bandit009]

Originally Posted by In Extremis

I just haven’t fallen in love with this car. Not to beat a dead horse, but it’s the steering. Specifically how the car tracks when driving on the highway for long distances. I find it difficult to keep the car from slightly swerving at times because the center of the wheel is just dead. A review I recently watched from the straight pipes on youtube reaffirmed this to me. Apparently the M340, or any other bmw, doesn’t have this issue..

Perhaps some type of an alignment could improve it? I’ve seen that steering can be reprogrammed to a degree, but I’m not sure how viable that will be on this model. And coding/reprogramming can lead to warranty issues, which actually makes me nervous with this one. I bought the car last year when it was difficult to find test drives, figuring it would be close enough to other cars I’ve had experiences with. After owning it for 6 months, it isn’t a platform that I really even want to modify. The most attractive feature to me was xdrive, all my previous cars were rwd, but I think I’m ready to give that up and trade my car for something else. Kicking myself for not buying an f87 m2 comp or supra that was the same price. I don’t hate the car, but I find myself riding the line a lot if I glance anywhere but straight, imo it takes a ton of concentration to just cruise around.

No regrets. Drive-by-wire steering admitedly takes time to reluctantly accept. That being said I don’t find the car hard to find center while highway driving. However, that improved for me about two software updates ago. Also, I drive almost exclusively in Sport mode with the transmission in “S”.

[Bandit009]

Originally Posted by BobHen

Sorry you feel that way. I've had my M240i Xdrive for a year and love the car. I got used to the steering very quickly and forgot about it long ago, it just feels natural now – no concentration at all. And that's both daily driving and also very spirited driving. Actually, most all BMW reviews mention that there is no steering feel or the steering is numb – same with the new M2.

Consider trying the below, if you haven't already.

1. Maybe there is something wrong with your car. Might be worth a check.
2. You might try driving with the steering in sport mode and see if that feels better.
3. Have your tires checked for uneven tread wear, pressure, etc.

Good luck

Bob

Point 3 is very important. Check your tire pressure. I run at about 38/39 lbs. My car from dealer was at about 46 lbs. WTF.

[M240SLC]

I'm starting to get to this point....

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1233447697548957

[g42bmw]

Coming from a 2020 M340i with RWD to the M240i Xdrive. I don't feel much differences both have very similar electronically controlled system that tries to take over when it thinks you are about to go off the lane...