Understeer? And other minor issues

I'd suggest dropping the pressure all the way 'round and using a bit more in the front than the back if you don't have adjustable rear sway bars. The rear doesn't steer as much as it controls camber change through the dog-bones but the front will push because of weight, tires, etc. What tires do you have? You may just be out-driving the tires. You can increase the turn-in by balancing the pressures and adjusting the bars but if you don't have any grip to start with you can't make that up. I have RD bars with the front on full loose and the rear full tight with equal tire pressure (something short of 40psi) front and rear but using 235/45x17 tires. I actually find my '95 525i 5-spd with Jim C chip gives me ample power to steer the car in corners because I have enough bite up there and the rear stays planted. I don't think an understeer complaint automatically points to bushing wear but you should certainly make sure yours are up to snuff as others have suggested. I find most BMWs will still handle well even while the old bushings are allowing all sorts of decel shudder. Good luck.

The sticky note on top of the Forum postings are quite relevant, the one on wheels in this case. Have a read; if you have 18 inches, you might have less tire contact on the pavement... There's a whole concept on adjusting the suspension to your tires and so on.

If you are stock and mainly only carry yourself and 1 person in the car, try 35all around. I have run this pressure in mine for years and get nicely balanced handling and perfect tire wear. Of course, you need to add some poundage in the rear if you carry other folk:D :D
YMMV though but give it a try;) !

Okay So I put my car up on the lift. And one of the rear sway bar links is broken. I think I need to replace the thrust arm bushings, if not the ball joints too. So I'll try 35 all around I think. What if I want to induce oversteer more easily, then would I want 35f 45r or so?

Rear sway bar disconnected would certainly contribute to understear. Fix the link and drive it.

Ok...
Now you are on the slippery spending slope:D :D

Yes, raising the rears would assist in reducing oversteer....to help you out, here's a neat little linky to the Tire Rack tire pressure chart....

[URL="http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=58"]http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=58[/URL

So, the links are shot...they are pretty cheap....and how are your rubber sway bar bushings??? Do you like a nice ride or can you take a little more NVH? You could replace the standard rubber bushings with, say, neoprenes if you don't mind additional NVH. If you don't want to spend lots of dosh, some small bushing upgrades can make the suspension a tad firmer/more responsive without costing a fortune.

Where can I find the bumper clip? I cant find it anywhere!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by peregrine40

I've noticed play in the front wheels. I can actually kick the front wheels back about an inch.

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You are either one tough guy or you have worn suspension/steering components that are making your car steer like a tea trolley. I dont claim to be tough (I wear a big hat) so I'd be jacking up the front wheels and wiggling them about to see where the play is.

Alright, I'll have to jack it up. I had it up earlier and couldn't wiggle them in the air. I don't get it. But right now I just really need to find a place to order that bumper clip, and I can't find anywhere!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by peregrine40

Alright, I'll have to jack it up. I had it up earlier and couldn't wiggle them in the air. I don't get it. But right now I just really need to find a place to order that bumper clip, and I can't find anywhere!

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Find the clip either on this diagram
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...17&hg=51&fg=15

or this one (not sure exactly what part you're looking for)
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...20&hg=51&fg=15

then go here
http://www.mileoneparts.com/partloca...?siteid=214336

and input the part # into the search by part # category. Mile one has the best prices on OEM parts, good shipping prices, and great service.