BMW Z3 wandering, tramlining and steering creak
Z3 2.8Z3 M
Z3 wanders and follows ruts - what causes it?
The cause is often soft or worn rubber bushings in the front lower control arm, which allow the rear end to move sideways and change the wheel angle. When the bushings were replaced with polyurethane ones, the wandering stopped and the steering became more precise.
Z3: which changes reduce tramlining?
The biggest effect came from new, stiffer bushings in the front control arms and the large bushings of the subframe. Good-quality control arms also help: poor-quality lower control arms are best avoided.
Z3: where do steering creaks and vagueness come from?
The cause can be the tie rod outer joint or inner joint, the lower bearing of the steering column shaft, or the upper bearings of the front springs. A dry or worn part causes creaking, notchy feel and wandering. The creak can also come from the bonnet, so check that too.