Steering Query

[Steve Medlock]

The steering on my Z seems a bit on the heavy side to me. Its OK on motorways or duals but roundabouts and sharp bends I would prefer it to be more responsive. It works - ie stationary with the engine off wheels don't turn but start engine and they move from lock to lock. I've had a couple of 3 series and they were very precise and my X trail daily drive steers better than the Z, even with AT's.

I've replaced track rods and fluid level is fine. I have a new fluid reservoir to fit if necessary and I will replace the rusty cooler at some time, but wondering whether to change the pump as well.

So the question that I want to ask please is 'is the Z steering heavy in your opinion?' or do you think mine is not performing as it should?

Cheers
Steve.

 

[Lynden]

Steering on the Z is generally quite heavy although some would say it feels planted. Things to check are tyre pressures on the front as they can make quite a difference if too low. I use 32psi front and 36psi rear which works for my 2.2. Also larger or wider than standard tyres on the front won't help either.

 

[andyglym]

Agree with the previous comment. I suspect it also depends on what engine you have as the 6 pots will be heavier than the 4 pots. I would say that mine would be heavy compared to modern motoring but then it's a 6 pot with 225's on 18" inch rims which won't help. I like the term "planted" as that's how if feels to me. If possible see if you can get a drive of another Zed with the same or similar spec (engine/tyres) to compare before you go spending money as it may well be fine.

 

[Antm72]

This topics raised its head a few times i think yours is the norm the steering in the zed is never going to feel like a modern car but i have to say i don't find mine heavy but one finger rotation like my 2016 ford transit is never gonna happen im afriad..

 

[Steve Medlock]

That's good to know - thanks chaps.

 

[the Nefyn cat]

Don't know how true it is, but I'm sure I read somewhere that the Z3 has the fastest (least turns lock-to-lock) rack fitted to a standard BMW, which would make it feel heavier than other cars. Certainly seems to turn quicker than most.

 

[Sean d]

Its all part of the character of these cars, they are a drivers car with soul.

 

[Mike Trident]

yep heavy! when i first drove mine in April i couldn't believe that it was normal. You do get used to it

 

[Sean d]

yep heavy! when i first drove mine in April i couldn't believe that it was normal. You do get used to it

I don't think its particularly heavy, I love the feel through bends, gives you more control.

 

[Mike Trident]

depends what you are you used to!
my other car is a VW Up, can steer it with one finger

 

[Stevo7682]

The steering design on zeds is now over 20 years old and is not speed sensitive like modern cars . Also zeds are sports roadsters not family saloons so have chunkier more direct steering still much lighter than my unassisted mk2 golf gti 16v it was well heavy at parking speed ok on the move though.

 

[Jack Ratt]

Until quite recently I had an old Fiesta van 1.8 diesel that we used for taking our scruffy mut to the woods, and it didn't have power steering.

It was like driving a caterpillar tracked vehicle.

I love the way the Zed feels, you can feel the road through the steering wheel, and as @Sean d has intimated it adds to the driving experience.

My Merc is close on 30yrs old and the steering is so light you'd be forgiven for thinking someone had nicked the engine

 

[5harp3y]

The z3 steering isn't heavy in my opinion.

But due to the geometry and very fast rack the steering isn't quite right