What is the solution for BMW 5 Series deviation?

[McCaroline]

If you encounter deviation on the highway, do not panic or slam on the brakes. Keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel, try to control the vehicle as much as possible, and gently tap or apply the brakes intermittently. Remember not to lock the brakes. If the rear wheels are deviating, it is best to use intermittent braking (tap braking), which shifts the car's center of gravity forward and prevents the tires from locking up. If the front wheels are deviating, the driver should try to move the car to the side of the road, control the speed, and stop by the roadside. Car deviation refers to the phenomenon where the car, while driving straight on a flat road, naturally veers to one side, causing the line connecting the centers of the front and rear axles to not align with the centerline of the driving trajectory. Minor deviation can lead to tire wear or tire scrapping, while severe cases can cause dangerous situations such as tire blowouts or loss of vehicle control.

[SanEliana]

Last time I encountered this situation, I drove straight to the inspection. The mechanic said it was caused by uneven tire pressure. Now I've developed the habit of checking all four tires with a tire pressure gauge before long trips. If there's severe uneven tire wear, it's most likely due to misaligned wheel alignment parameters - BMWs are particularly sensitive to toe angles. Also, deformed steering tie rods or cracked control arm bushings can pull the steering wheel. If you hear creaking sounds from the chassis when going over speed bumps, you should pay attention. My friend's car had an even more extreme case - slight wheel rim deformation causing pulling, which couldn't be seen without lifting the car and rotating the tires. I recommend prioritizing a professional 3D alignment at a specialist shop, as rear-wheel drive cars are much more delicate than front-wheel drive ones.

[OSpencer]

BMW's chassis tuning leans towards sportiness, and suspension component failures can easily cause the vehicle to pull to one side. I've experienced uneven damping on both sides due to shock absorber fluid leakage, especially noticeable when cornering, feeling like the car is being dragged. Additionally, a stuck brake caliper can create unilateral resistance—once, after driving for half an hour, the right front wheel hub was too hot to touch. Worn ball joints are another common culprit. A mechanic taught me a trick: lift the car and shake the tires side to side; if there's play, they need replacement. It's best to perform regular tire rotations and alignment corrections every 20,000 kilometers, as run-flat tires put more strain on suspension geometry than regular tires. Remember to choose an alignment machine with OEM data, as aftermarket data adjustments can make things worse.

[ColinFitz]

My friend who works in auto repair reminded me that improper modifications are most likely to cause alignment issues. For example, switching to non-OEM size tires with a 3% difference in circumference can make the steering wheel tilt. Last time, I bought cheap aftermarket control arms, and within six months, the rubber bushings cracked, causing uneven tire wear. BMW's active steering system is even more troublesome—if the sensors fail, the steering rack may intermittently resist. If you feel like the steering wheel is fighting you at high speeds, don’t hesitate to check the fault codes. Keep an eye out for these warning signs: the vehicle veers immediately after releasing the wheel, alignment worsens during braking, or the tread shows sawtooth wear. Addressing these early can save you from replacing the entire suspension system.