New to BMW and question about front end handling

[Fred99]

I just got my car (2017 230i xdrive) and even tho it has low miles, I felt like the steering wasn't what I was used to or expecting. At smooth highway speeds, no problems, but at less than perfect roads and especially at around 40MPH, I can feel every flaw, bump, etc.slight pulling to either side and almost felt like there was something wrong underneath.

The tire tread looks okay and can't tell that there's anything wrong with the wheels that I can see from the outside.

I plan on getting the wheels looked at and possibly a wheel alignment to make sure things are okay in that department but any other ideas anyone might have would be appreciated and thanks in advance.

[MIKYZZ4]

The usual suspect woud be FCABs.
Inspect your suspension, specifically for cracked or leaking BUSHINGS.

[RBNetEngr]

A faulty alignment can cause those symptoms


-rb

[Fred99]

Thanks for the replies and found out when I drive on the highway, smooth, and no pulling to either side. Back roads still not so smooth so plan on getting at least an alignment and a complete front end check.

[MIKYZZ4]

Let us know of your findings and before/after alignment results.

[Fred99]

Update on what I found out and the tech said I need two rear rotors and two new back tires. The rotors are scored and after looking, yes you can definitively see that but could not tell there was anything wrong with the tires as they look almost new to me.

At barely 17K miles there is no way a car should need new pads or rotors in the back I would think. Carvana "passed" the rotors on thickness per their 150 point inspection but that doesn't change the fact they were scored really bad and needed replaced.

Now where to go from here? The car has warranties on it but will they cover a wearable item that they normally don't? They sold me a defective car that I should have figured out sooner but with everything going, holidays, etc. I didn't. I would have wanted to keep the car anyway and still think they should make it right. Guess I'll find out soon.

[RBNetEngr]

All cars with DSC use the rear brakes if the car needs some assistance with control. So it can cause your rear brakes to wear much faster than older cars wear out rear brakes.


-rb

[Fred99]

Thanks for the tip, didn't know that. I did get new rotors and pads covered under warranty and sprang for some new "good" tires but didn't make a difference on the handling part. Still pulses/shimmy or what ever you call it and makes me almost want to get rid of it already and not sure where to take it next.

[C2h4]

Pulses are probably front brake rotors.
the other things going on are probably what another has said, Bushings, Ball Joints, steering rack. Perhaps struts tower bearings.
something is not right and I wouldn’t go back to that place who changed your tires and rear rotors.
these things won’t cause wandering around. Pulses and vibration maybe but wander is suspension or steering connection.
Shimmy is probably Balance

[RBNetEngr]

Get the alignment checked and/or corrected. I replaced my suspension, and lowering the chassis changed the alignment, plus I had to loosen some of the bolts that have the eccentric alignment cams. Afterwards, the car tracked straight, but acted very weird (and scary!) when going through long left hand sweep turns, because of the misalignment.

So, pulling to one side on a straight road isn’t the only valid check of a misalignment.


-rb

[MIKYZZ4]

I also recommend an alignment, AFTER you have had a complete inspection of the suspension system and replacement of damaged/failed parts. Ask for a printout of before/after alignment specs/settings. Research for a reputable suspension/alignment specialist, preferably BMW.

[Fred99]

I'm going to try and figure where to take it to as soon as I can. No dealers around here but a repair shop that specialize in foreign cars and another BMW and Mercedes.

No more pulling to the side but on less than perfect roads, the shake can be felt in the steering wheel, seat, and arm rest from 40 mph on up to about 55.