Advice on handling

[Jonnysnapzzz]

Hi all,

Ok, before I start I really should say that I am no car/mechanical expert, in fact I’m far from it. I bought my Z3 6 years ago because I love them but I am really just a driver, I don’t really work on it and I’m not great with the language enthusiasts use so please forgive my basic explanation.

My Z3 has always been a tough drive compared to my daily driver (Qashqai). It regularly pulls one way and I’m always two hands on the wheel.
I have also noticed lately that the overall handling isn’t that great, it kinda wallows about a bit. Today after taking a corner quickly I found myself caught if a left /right wobble, a bit like when a motor cycle gets a speed wobble. I don’t know how to explain it really, the car feels a bit spongy if that can be understood? This wobble really worried me.

I would like some advice on how to tighten things up, can you you help ?? Do we have any Z3 experts that run their own garages that could drive it and understand what I’m getting at ? It just feels off.

 

[Richard29]

New Tyres can make a big difference. After thats its new suspension linkjoints/bushes. Have it inspected by a pro.zed shed knows everything.

 

[Jonnysnapzzz]

I believe there are poly bushes all round except one place. When I bought the car the gentleman told me that he had done them anll bar one set and gave me the remaining set in a box. They are big PowerFlex ones which I believe go in a real difficult place at the back somewhere. Rear mounting bushes sounds familiar.
The tyres are relatively new and have about 3k on them.

 

[DrWong]

Tram-lining is pretty par for the course in my experience, even on newish tyres, and is rarely a cause for concern when it does happen. The tank slapper you describe doesn't sound normal though and suggests something might be broken or need refreshing. As above, I would look at wider suspension, particularly the shocks/springs. I refreshed them on my car and the handling was absolutely transformed afterwards.

I think the Z3 suspension is pretty wallowy as standard, but if working properly shouldn't be something that causes worry when driving.

 

[t-tony]

We're having a Shed day at mine next Saturday (11th.) If you want to come over, we can have a look as see if we can help. PM me if you're interested. Am I right in thinking you're in the Nottingham area?
This spring we found a member's Z3 had been fitted with some front lower arm Poly bushes, but fitted incorrectly, after we fitted some standard ones I has on my shelf he said it transformed the car.

Tony.

 

[Jonnysnapzzz]

Thank you so much for the offer Tony, I would normally snap your hand off however this weekend we are off to Prague for a few days so sadly cannot. Maybe next time ??

 

[Jam03]

I think a few worn bushes and old shocks in combination with old or cheap tyres can make the Z3 feel like it wants to kill you. Changing the wheels and tyres on mine made a huge difference, but it still likes to tramline in some very specific circumstances.

 

[the Nefyn cat]

Certainly shouldn't be pulling one way or needing two hands on the wheel, I diagnose a trip to Torksey. It's not like t-tony's got anything else to do.

 

[Althulas]

I had that tank slapper symptoms on mine. Cause was to a different brand of tyre compared to the front made it feel quite dangerous at times but a new set of Falkens cured it.

 

[Ianmc]

As a (relatively cheap)first step, I would be inclined to have a full four wheel alignment done. Bearing in mind that there is no adjustment on the rear, anything wildly amiss there could point you in the right direction, the mechanic may be able to advise. That said, if the front tracking is out it may account for some of the symptoms you have.

 

[the Nefyn cat]

As a (relatively cheap)first step, I would be inclined to have a full four wheel alignment done. Bearing in mind that there is no adjustment on the rear, anything wildly amiss there could point you in the right direction, the mechanic may be able to advise. That said, if the front tracking is out it may account for some of the symptoms you have.

Probably better to have someone who knows what they're doing/looking at to give some kind of evaluation before spending anything, apart from petrol to t-tonys and maybe a pile of bacon rolls. No point forking out for another alignment after any work has been done.

 

[as400]

Tyres and Tracking....and as others have said suspension bits.

 

[Jonnysnapzzz]

Thank you everyone for your thoughts, I will deffo be looking into this further over the coming weeks. @t-tony i would love to take you up on your kind offer one week if that’s ok ?

 

[t-tony]

Thank you everyone for your thoughts, I will deffo be looking into this further over the coming weeks. @t-tony i would love to take you up on your kind offer one week if that’s ok ?

PM me when you're free mate.

Tony.

 

[Ianmc]

Probably better to have someone who knows what they're doing/looking at to give some kind of evaluation before spending anything,

Absolutely, if you can have it looked at for free by a competent person, what's not to like.

 

[the Nefyn cat]

Absolutely, if you can have it looked at for free by a competent person, what's not to like.

Or take it to t-tony.