Steering light over uneven surfaces

[Burma's Finest]

First of all, thanks to Bear for all of his advice so far. Just wanted to open this up to input from the wider community...

I drive a 1990 735i SE and while everything is generally good I have one strange phenomenon. When I drive on unven road surfaces the steering feels very light and the car feels as though it's bouncing more than it should. Additionally, if I drive over a pot-hole, for example, the steering really pulls in that direction - more than in any car I have ever driven.

I have had my garage check the suspension and shock absorbers thoroughly and they can find nothing wrong. The only thing they found was that the steering drag-link was damaged. I've had that replaced and while it has made a small amount of difference with the unven surfaces, pot-holes and things still really pull on the wheel. The only other observation the garage offered was that it could be because I'm not running on standard wheels and tyres. I have 17" x 8" Ronal LV 5 Lug Alloy wheels and low-profile tyres.

Am I just being paranoid or has anyone else experienced this?

[Bear]

If the steering feels too light or overboosted, you cn try tightening the steering. On top of the steering box (as viewed from leaning into the engine compartment) there is a large screw surrounded by a lock nut. Mark the position of the screwdriver slot in the nut relative to the steering box and then with screwdriver in the slot, loosen the nut (13 MM I believe) and then tighten the screw about 1/8 of a turn and then retighten the nut. After this go out and drive her, be careful as you don't wish to tightn the steering to where the steering wheel will not come back to center after the turn.


http;//shrubbery.student.utwente.nl/ is the source for this adjustent and the site (Johan and Sean) is madatory viewing for all E32 owners.

I did this adjustent on my son's 1988 735i (1/8 of a turn) and he said it really helped the steering feel.

[Burma's Finest]

Leaving the steering problem to one side for a moment, I've had a thought about the suspension issue. I've just got hold of a new E32 7 series owners' manual from the BMW Car Club in the UK. In it I found a section on 'Towing a Trailer'. It says:

'If the trailer-towing hitch is factory fitted, the car will have trailer-towing suspension fitted as standard. These ratings compensate for the trailer weight and optimise road behaviour when driving without a trailer... Self-levelling rear suspension is the ideal solution for frequent trailer towing.'

I do, in fact, have a trailer-towing hitch on my car. How can I tell if it was factory fitted and, thus, whether or not I have annoying trailer-towing suspension? Could this be the source of my bouncing around?

[Bear]

I would guess the VIN might tell you that and it would be a dealer who needs to read the VIN for that determination.