[colorado.e9x]

I've known of the hard steering which is fine, but I've noticed some play in the steering. I could be going 30mph and turn the steering wheel left and right (to a certain individual extent of course but there's a fairly large gap) and I'll still be going straight.

Tire pressure's fine, though I am due for some new tires.
This sounds like an alignment problem, thoughts?

[halik008]

should be no play. Alignment wouldn't affect that. Worn tie rods etc would

[colorado.e9x]

Originally Posted by halik008

should be no play. Alignment wouldn't affect that. Worn tie rods etc would

I think you're right, I'll check them when I have the chance.

[rick100]

no play here

[Needbmwpartzz]

All E90's can have play....I found a couple culprits,namely the steering linkage(U-joints) and the telescopic and tilting have some effect to the feeling of"play".

[colorado.e9x]

Could be.. Have any of you noticed when taking a right turn on an intersection (not a stoplight, just a regular 90 degree) that once you turn the corner you gotta turn the wheel left a bit to straighten it out?

[Needbmwpartzz]

Originally Posted by Valant

Could be.. Have any of you noticed when taking a right turn on an intersection (not a stoplight, just a regular 90 degree) that once you turn the corner you gotta turn the wheel left a bit to straighten it out?

I hear what your saying.....but consider that even tire selection can introduce play into steering feel as well as other worn suspension components.
I find the car handles differently even based on weather temperatures and tire pressures...and to keep it at optimum feeling is a tightrope walk at best.
Try adjusting these variables during times where steering doesn't feel right.....but only after eliminating the probability of damaged/worn components.

[opjose]

No play here.

I barely move my steering wheel 1/4" before I can feel a change of direction. 2011 E90

[BimmerNugget]

Originally Posted by opjose

No play here.

I barely move my steering wheel 1/4" before I can feel a change of direction. 2011 E90

Same here, no play at all.

Driving 50 mph on the parkway, even very slight steering inputs will yield some directional change. The steering feel is nicely heavy, crisp, and responsive. The way a BMW should be!

[ctuna]

How many miles? you have an 06 I think you said.
My 06 seems fine but I only have 75k on it.

[colorado.e9x]

06 w/ 130k, not the first owner. Wouldn't be surprised if the tie rods were a little worn. They might even be original

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by Valant

I've known of the hard steering which is fine, but I've noticed some play in the steering. I could be going 30mph and turn the steering wheel left and right (to a certain individual extent of course but there's a fairly large gap) and I'll still be going straight.

Tire pressure's fine, though I am due for some new tires.
This sounds like an alignment problem, thoughts?

You need an alignment. If there is still a lot of play, get new tie rods & get it realigned. If you really want stiff, responsive steering, get M3 control arms along with new tie rods.

[colorado.e9x]

Originally Posted by mweisdorfer

You need an alignment. If there is still a lot of play, get new tie rods & get it realigned. If you really want stiff, responsive steering, get M3 control arms along with new tie rods.

Ooo I like the idea of the stiffer more responsive steering..