BMW F25 x3 Traction issues

[Sohail]

Hi Guys

I need some help. I recently purchased a X3 3.0d. Overall neat car with 212k on the clock. I knew there would be some work involved when I purchased it. First thing I did once I got it was alignment and balancing. Noticed the front left tyre showed excessive wear on the inside. This promoted the visit to the alignment shop along with bad vibrations at 110-140.
We inspected the car and noticed the tie rods needed replacement. I noted that there was a knocking noise so pursued to source the rack end and outer tie rods
After much phoning I opted to go to goldwagen and get Meyle and topran. BMW wanted a healthy 4k each side.
Went back to the alignment shop and got the bits replaced. Alignment done and all seemed well
As soon as I drove off I felt the steering very different. More alarmingly now when accelerating and turning at 60kmh + I have the traction control intervening. There is definitely something up. I am a new owner to the x series. Owned plenty 3 series from e30 - e90 and not experienced in x drive so not sure how to address this issue.
The alignment is 100%. Suspension feels much better and vibrations better but this traction intervention is worrying me.

Any help or suggestions please?
Oh, I am aware the one left front is uneven from a wear perspective and may cause this but it didn’t do it before so I’m ruling the out for now..

 

[922-ZN]

Check the quality on the tie rods and rack ends, I had a similar experience with my Hilux, steering was loose and vague, turned out to be poor quality aftermarket parts, went oem and the problem was resolved.

 

[Nastaliq]

Meyle is a BMW OEM supplier, I have never heard of Topran.
But that doesnt mean kak.

If your traction control os turning on randomly, this could indicate variances on the tyres/suspension ends, which could mean the car thinks the tyres are rotating/stopping/gripping at different levels.

This could be Diff issues or transfer case issue.
Start there.

4WD is different to rear wheel drive in many ways, including how DTC works.
I learnt this almost dying learning brake distances at Zwartkops in an Alfa Romeo.

Check the components have been installed properly.
Check the diffs for leaks, wear and when last DIff was serviced.
Check transfer case, wobbly behaviour at low speeds and turning without clunks is indictative of an impairment in trasfer case.
Or at least thats what i think.

 

[Kyle]

Also try a different alignment shop, this could happen if the machines aren't calibrated properly.... if they did tie rods and rack ends you also need to double check if they did not try to 'compensate' steering angle with alignment as well...

These cars are very sensitive to steering angle and the TC will definitely activate if there is a difference between steering angle and direction of travel... It would interpret this as a slide and try to correct. This is the reason you need to measure the old tie rod / rack end assembly and match the replacement to that before installing.

 

[FILV]

If you are in JHB i recommend these guys.
True experts in suspension rather than your usual tyre Franchises.

Shock & Alignment Center
Address: 38 Marlborough Rd, Springfield, Johannesburg, 2190

Google Search

 

[Sohail]

T

If you are in JHB i recommend these guys.
True experts in suspension rather than your usual tyre Franchises.

Shock & Alignment Center
Address: 38 Marlborough Rd, Springfield, Johannesburg, 2190

Google Search

Thank you very much. Will definitely give them a go and have this checked. Appreciate the response.

 

[Sohail]

Also try a different alignment shop, this could happen if the machines aren't calibrated properly.... if they did tie rods and rack ends you also need to double check if they did not try to 'compensate' steering angle with alignment as well...

These cars are very sensitive to steering angle and the TC will definitely activate if there is a difference between steering angle and direction of travel... It would interpret this as a slide and try to correct. This is the reason you need to measure the old tie rod / rack end assembly and match the replacement to that before installing.

Thanks Kyle. Definitely new learnings. Car drives well and no clunks or noises so could be bad alignment perhaps I’m going to have a go at the suspension place mentioned by FILV

 

[Sohail]

Meyle is a BMW OEM supplier, I have never heard of Topran.
But that doesnt mean kak.

If your traction control os turning on randomly, this could indicate variances on the tyres/suspension ends, which could mean the car thinks the tyres are rotating/stopping/gripping at different levels.

This could be Diff issues or transfer case issue.
Start there.

4WD is different to rear wheel drive in many ways, including how DTC works.
I learnt this almost dying learning brake distances at Zwartkops in an Alfa Romeo.

Check the components have been installed properly.
Check the diffs for leaks, wear and when last DIff was serviced.
Check transfer case, wobbly behaviour at low speeds and turning without clunks is indictative of an impairment in trasfer case.
Or at least thats what i think.

Thanks so much. Appreciate the pointers.
Topran is German if that carries anynweight. Not sure why we can’t source the outer from meyle in SA. If anyone knows who can supply this I will appreciate it. Goldwagen only had the inner meyle had to take the outer which was topran.

Alignment was done within spec so I assumed the installation is correct? This could be my mistake. It’s done at a reputable place. Parts are correct from my research regarding part numbers. So this is good.
Is the alignment done correctly? That’s questionable. It tracks true but it’s just so different and steering almost feels ‘slow’ in terms of response.
This issue only started after the tie rods were replaced.
No leaks no grinds so all good from this perspective.
The traction is coming on when accelerating mildly on bends. This may help understand the issue. It’s almost the wheels aren’t cooperating and that angle of the wheels I think. The car gets away I.e pushes wide.

Think I’m going to go to shock and alignment center and have them have a look.
It’s irritating you replace parts for a better ride and somehow it’s worse.

 

[Nastaliq]

Check steering angle sensor and wheel speed sensors - most possibly wheel speed sensors.
If sensors are faulty/dirty/damaged, cables crimped/pinched it could mean the car senses the weels at different speeds and activate the DTC erratically.