E87 Wheels Locking Under Hard Braking

[daps87]

Hey All,

I've got a 2010 E87 LCI. I've noticed recently that under hard braking it feels as if the wheels are locking up. I didn't notice any vibrations on the pedal, but you can clearly feel through the steering wheel how the wheels are being 'dragged' on the road.

I normally let go of the pedal when it happens and then re-apply braking. So I dont know if it keeps doing it once it happens. Also, the ABS lights don't illuminate or flash and the tyres are pretty new with very good grip and the brake pads are still good to go.

Anyone have an idea of what might be causing it?

[BimmerBreaker]

Tires are new? What brand and model are they?

[daps87]

Sorry for the late reply, they are Bridgestone Turanza ER300s, they fittes when I bought the car. But you can see they are brand new. They are run flats though.

[bimmerlust]

Sounds to me like your wheel is vibrating or something due to uneven buildup on the rotors. If you were actually locking up your brakes you'd have a light on for ABS.

[daps87]

Hey guys, so last night I did a test. I sped up and then braked hard to see what happens. No ABS lights comes on, I still get that feeling of the wheels being dragged. I had my window open at this time, so when I pulled away again I got that rubber smell. Similar rubber smell when you go to a drift competition and the tyres are "burning". So that sort of tells me that the wheels are definitely locking up. Weird thing is, the ABS lights don't come on (so not indicating a detected problem) but this usually happens right before the vehicle comes to a stop. It would brake, and then at around 40/50 km/h it happens. I'm going to ask a friend to actually stand on the corner and keep an eye on the wheels when I do that again to see if they actually does lock up.

Again, this is only on the front wheels, not the rear.

[Garn]

Are the front tyres over size (rubbing on springs, suspension or outer front guard)?
Is your fuel consumption High?
Are brake pads seizing on Disks? Any sign of heat or scoring?
Can you jack up front wheels and spin with hand?
How do the front wheel bearings feel?
RegardZ.