[dskurth]

Being in los angeles, we have mostly grooved highway roads and what I am experiencing is uncomfortable. It feels like it pulls from side to side, giving you a driving feeling that is not secure. Like you could be going into the next lane, while driving at a freeway speed of 60-80 mph.

Does any of your cars, at highway speeds, have this issue?

[Njerts]

Maybe you are feeling lane keep assist that kicks in at 70 kph.

[dskurth]

Originally Posted by Njerts

Maybe you are feeling lane keep assist that kicks in at 70 kph.

Did not get that feature..

[Aaaaaaaaa]

Which wheels/tires did you get. Max Performance tires can tramline on grooved roads.

[XXX3]

I’m in San Diego and I’ve felt a similar pull/wander on grooved concrete freeways at same speeds. No pull on smooth asphalt. I have 19 in rims with Bridgestone Alenza 245/50 tires; same size front and rear. No DA or DA+ options.

[wrussell1992]

Live in SF and have the same issue with the 19" all seasons on grooved highways - the pull is not consistent and seems to wobble left and right. Fine on normal paved asphalt, just some sections of the grooved concrete make the pull act up.

[Lux700]

A lot of wide, low-profile tyred cars that have slightly firmer suspension have this characteristic. it’s physics... roll thin disc across a smooth surface and it’ll follow a smooth course; rolling a cylinder you’ll see that even a slight surface discrepancy will cause it deviate. If it changes direction one section of the cylinder will roll over the surface either faster or slower than the other end, depending on where it’s gripping. Wide tyres do the same. Unless the road surface is perfectly level and perfectly flat wide tyres can be skittish.

[Jayf30]

I've experienced this as well, like strong winds pushing against the car and someone stated in another thread that they solved this problem by simply pumping more air into the tires, I believe it was +4 PSI over the sticker number.

I haven't done this yet because I don't commute on the highways except sometimes on the weekends for family visits. I'll be sure to give it a try before my next highway trip.

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by Jayf30

I've experienced this as well, like strong winds pushing against the car and someone stated in another thread that they solved this problem by simply pumping more air into the tires, I believe it was +4 PSI over the sticker number. I haven't done this yet because I don't commute on the highways except sometimes on the weekends for family visits. I'll be sure to give it a try before my next highway trip.

When using Interstates for long trips I keep our 19" Yokohama performance RFTs at 36F/40R cold PSI, which translates to actual values at ~79mph of 41/45 PSI, depending on ambient temp. Internal tire temps seem to run about 35 degrees above ambient temps, give or take. [data from https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showt...1440682&page=5 ]

We haven't noticed this tracking issue, so it seems possible this higher pressure and narrower tire play a role. Previous vehicles we've owned with wider tires did suffer from that issue, though, which is one reason we've gone with narrower tires on subsequent vehicle purchases.

[383vett]

Possibly have the dealer check the alignment. If the rear toe is out, it could cause instability.

[gordonyz]

has to do with tire pattern

[dskurth]

Originally Posted by XXX3

I’m in San Diego and I’ve felt a similar pull/wander on grooved concrete freeways at same speeds. No pull on smooth asphalt. I have 19 in rims with Bridgestone Alenza 245/50 tires; same size front and rear. No DA or DA+ options.

that is exactly what I have and exactly what I have experienced. Where as I have driven several 3 series and even a couple of X1 and do not have the sensation. Wonder if different tires would make a difference?

[dskurth]

Originally Posted by gordonyz

has to do with tire pattern

How so? Is there a tire solution?

[dskurth]

Originally Posted by Max Well

When using Interstates for long trips I keep our 19" Yokohama performance RFTs at 36F/40R cold PSI, which translates to actual values at ~79mph of 41/45 PSI, depending on ambient temp. Internal tire temps seem to run about 35 degrees above ambient temps, give or take. [data from https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showt...1440682&page=5 ]

We haven't noticed this tracking issue, so it seems possible this higher pressure and narrower tire play a role. Previous vehicles we've owned with wider tires did suffer from that issue, though, which is one reason we've gone with narrower tires on subsequent vehicle purchases.

Interesting tip. Will consider that!

[dskurth]

Originally Posted by Jayf30

I've experienced this as well, like strong winds pushing against the car and someone stated in another thread that they solved this problem by simply pumping more air into the tires, I believe it was +4 PSI over the sticker number.

I haven't done this yet because I don't commute on the highways except sometimes on the weekends for family visits. I'll be sure to give it a try before my next highway trip.

Exactly!!...and from your description, looks like you and I have the same model and color - graphite. My challenge is 90% of the driving I do is on highways. I may try the suggestion or perhaps a different set of tires. Thanks for the feedback!

[dskurth]

Originally Posted by Max Well

When using Interstates for long trips I keep our 19" Yokohama performance RFTs at 36F/40R cold PSI, which translates to actual values at ~79mph of 41/45 PSI, depending on ambient temp. Internal tire temps seem to run about 35 degrees above ambient temps, give or take. [data from https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showt...1440682&page=5 ]

We haven't noticed this tracking issue, so it seems possible this higher pressure and narrower tire play a role. Previous vehicles we've owned with wider tires did suffer from that issue, though, which is one reason we've gone with narrower tires on subsequent vehicle purchases.

With your experience, do you think a different tire pattern, even though it is the same size, would solve the problem? Other BMW's I have owned or driven, even the X1's do not seem to have this issue.

What are your thoughts?

[dskurth]

Thanks for everyone's feedback. Seem like many of us have the same problem. With the best description being like the wind pushing you over from side to side. Wondering if different tires, not narrower, but just different pattern, would fix the problem.

The challenge for me personally, is almost all my driving is highway. Rarely do I run about on surface streets. The problem does go away on asphalt freeways.

Any thoughts on tire type? It would be worth it, just to have the problem disappear instead of feeling on edge..and in rainy weather, it become even more of an issue.

[Jayf30]

Originally Posted by dskurth

Exactly!!...and from your description, looks like you and I have the same model and color - graphite. My challenge is 90% of the driving I do is on highways. I may try the suggestion or perhaps a different set of tires. Thanks for the feedback!

I honestly think DG is the best color given the cerium grey accents. I swear I'm not biased . However, had the accents been chrome or black, my answer would've had to been AW or BS.

Still haven't had to correct this because I haven't been on the highway but for you, hopefully the fix is as easy as some extra tire pressure!

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by dskurth

With your experience, do you think a different tire pattern, even though it is the same size, would solve the problem? Other BMW's I have owned or driven, even the X1's do not seem to have this issue.

What are your thoughts?

Difficult to say as I really haven't thought much about possible cause and effect on this issue, but intuitively it seemed wider tires usually gave us the most problems with past vehicles.

For reference, I am including a comparison image of the Yokohama 19" Performance RFT tread on our G01 with that of the Goodyear Eagle LS2 19" on our 2015 LCI X3 35i. Might be interesting if you can share a similar photo of your Bridgestone's tread.

[dskurth]

Originally Posted by Max Well

Difficult to say as I really haven't thought much about possible cause and effect on this issue, but intuitively it seemed wider tires usually gave us the most problems with past vehicles.

For reference, I am including a comparison image of the Yokohama 19" Performance RFT tread on our G01 with that of the Goodyear Eagle LS2 19" on our 2015 LCI X3 35i. Might be interesting if you can share a similar photo of your Bridgestone's tread.

If and when I get the car back from the shop, I will do that.

[dskurth]

Think I found why, now to find the combination that works on California Highways. It is officially called "Groove Wander" . The result of in compatible tire tread patterns and combined with some suspension.

"When the contact patch of the tire does not form to match the contours of the road surface the stiff tire edges tend to ride on and be guided (or tramlined) by the rain grooves within the surface contour. "

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groove_wander

[dskurth]

Originally Posted by Jayf30

I honestly think DG is the best color given the cerium grey accents. I swear I'm not biased . However, had the accents been chrome or black, my answer would've had to been AW or BS.

Still haven't had to correct this because I haven't been on the highway but for you, hopefully the fix is as easy as some extra tire pressure!

Check this out. The other poster may be onto something. I also noted that it helped with I had the dealer re-tighten down the suspension down, it improved. With the right tires, perhaps this problem can be solved.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groove_wander