BMW M3: Steering Issues with ABS & Tire Warnings

Hi there! I have some experience working on cars and ran into something very similar with my 2018 BMW M4 last year. My M4 started behaving exactly like what you're describing, shaky steering wheel and hard turns, plus those same warning lights. Turned out I had a faulty tire pressure monitoring valve in one of the wheels. Took it to my regular workshop and they diagnosed it pretty quickly. The defective valve was messing with the pressure readings and affecting the whole system. Total repair was around 280 Euro, not cheap but definitely fixed the issue completely. Before I can help more specifically, could you share: How many miles/km on your M3? Did this start suddenly or gradually? Are you noticing it more at certain speeds? This way I can better suggest if your issue matches what I experienced with my M4. These BMW performance models can be tricky sometimes!

Thanks for your detailed response! My M3 has 167143 KM on the clock, and the last service was about 2 months ago. To answer your questions, it started quite suddenly, like overnight. I notice the shaking mostly at highway speeds, but the hard steering is constant regardless of speed. Your experience with the tire pressure monitoring valve is interesting, might be worth checking out. My workshop is booked until next week, so trying to gather some info before I take it in. Did you notice any other symptoms with your M4 before getting it fixed?

Hey again! Thanks for those details about your M3. Yeah, that sounds eerily similar to what I experienced with my M4. Before I got mine fixed, I actually noticed a slight humming noise that got louder at higher speeds, did you notice anything like that? In my case, the valve issue ended up being just part of the problem. The mechanic found that the wheel bearing was also going bad, which explained the humming noise and contributed to the steering wheel shake. With the mileage you mentioned (mine was around 155000 km when it happened), wheel bearings can definitely start showing wear. The combination of a bad wheel bearing and the faulty tire pressure monitoring system really messed with the ABS and steering systems on these cars. I'd definitely get it checked out as soon as you can. Until your workshop appointment, keep an eye (or ear) out for any humming or grinding noises, especially when turning. These symptoms shouldn't be ignored on our M series, they're amazing machines but need prompt attention when something's off. Let me know what your workshop finds. Really curious if it turns out to be the same issue I had!

Thanks so much for the follow-up! Actually, now that you mention it, I have been hearing a faint humming noise, but I thought I was just being paranoid! It's definitely more noticeable during turns. You've really helped calm my nerves about this whole situation. I've got my appointment booked for next week, and I'll make sure to mention both the tire pressure monitoring valve and wheel bearings to the mechanic. I'll probably take it a bit easier on the highways until then, just to be safe. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, it's super helpful to hear from someone who's dealt with the same issue. I'll update you once I get the diagnosis. These M cars are fantastic but they sure know how to keep us on our toes with these quirky issues!