Sticky Steering Saga Continues

[Chadder007]

Submission of PUMA Case # 5161146
Replacement of Steering Column
32-30-6-772-421
Replacement of Bolt for Steering Column
23-30-1-094-716
Steering/Column/Gear replaced with Updated version Due to Binding.

For the person that said their dealership said the number was "bogus" they are full of it.

[Chadder007]

Also no faults were recorded to the onboard computer....The person at the shop experienced the issue himself that day though.

[jaskispyder]

Well, of course the dealer wants the car to look it over. Which means 3 hour drive for them to say "yup" or "we couldn't reproduce the problem". Then I would have to bring it back AGAIN. I did file a complaint with NHTSA and I have called BMWNA (even more run around with them and complete denial on their part).

Sad, really.

[Bombayduk]

They have been replacing steering columns for the past year. Take the loaner, make it a good one, and tell them you'll be back when they put a new column in.

[redNJZ4]

I think we have two problems here. One is the steering column and one is BMWNA and specific dealers. Everyone knows of the problem and what the fix is. I quess it is just how nice and persistent you are!

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04 3.0 Z4 6sp sport (wife)
04 330CiC 6sp ZHP (me)
98 Bravada winters (wife)
96 Grand Cherokee (me)
68 396 Chevelle convertible (restoring)

[John Maxwell]

I moved to Florida six months ago and am now experiencing this problem. I took my car into the dealership and they are waiting on a decision by BMW management as to what to do.

Since there is a highway safety issue here, I reported this to NHTSA's hotline last week. Has anyone else reported this problem to NHTSA?

[SFuller]

I have experienced that problem 3 or 4 times in the 4 years I've owned the car. Got stone-walled at Beverly Hills BMW today. I'll be working on this one.

[eup4oria]

I came across your post about the sticking steering problem. I just had an AH HA moment. My z4 did this a few times then just went away on its own and I thought I was imagining the whole thing.

[bmwnut2002]

I recently experienced the sticky steering problem in my 2003 3.0. It had a CPO warrently when I purchased it from an aquaintance last summer. The symptoms would begin to show once the ambient temperature reached about 75 degrees. The steering felt notchy, like there were gates that you wuld have to move through as you rotated the wheel. I worked with Mike Bulluss at Casey BMW in Newport News, Virginia. He test drove the car and got clearance from BMW to replace the steering column under warrenty. Mike made the entire process quick and painless. I cannot say enough positive about him or about Casey in my particular case. I understand that other dealers may not be so customer-oriented. Casey, in my book, is tops.

[pedwards]

Just spoke with my dealership they will be replacing my steering column at BMW's expense next week. Last summer they thought it was the tires and then the alignment. I can't believe this many of us had issues and there wasn't a recall.

[BSVA]

Mine goes into Casey BMW next week for the same problem. I also worked with Mike Bulluss on this issue. So far he seems to be very supportive...we shall see how it turns out.

[ZAHEAD]

You are luck that BMW is fixing yours. Prestige BMW told me it was fixed for model year 2005 (January build date) and would not do anything as no fault was registered! I've told my wife if I get into an accident on a hot day to sue the hell out of BMW as it was likely due to sticky steering issues. I have purchased 2 BMWs and this may be it for me if this is the way they back up their product.2005 Z4 3.0 T Silver, Black interior

[wcouv]

I just purchased my used '04 and have been driving it all weekend. It has been hot here and I noticed the sticky steering...noticed is an understatement! I researched it and just found out how common this seems to be and am clearly outside of warranty...can anyone tell me about how much this is going to cost to fix? I can't believe this is not a recall, from what I have experienced already, it could be DEADLY!

Will

[Penguin]

File a safety complaint with the NHTSA at their site. Be sure to have your vehicle VIN as NHTSA takes safety complaints with the VIN much more seriously.


NHTSA Safety Complaint Link


Frankly, if all the people with defective steering filed formal complaints with NHTSA I am quite sure BMW would be forced to issue a formal recall/fix. However, as long as people act like sheep and do not file formal complaints, BMW will be able to continue to sweep this safety problem under the rug, and only addressing the loudest and most persistent people.

[BSVA]

Got the Z back from Casey and steering issue has been resolved. Since the warranty had expired and I had 2 cases of this problem already documented while in warranty, there was no problem at all. Mike Bullus from Casey made this a pleasant experience. Now Casey is on my good side.

[Smith]

My 2004 Z4 developed the classic sticky steering problem after the warranty expired. The dealer is offering me a repair under these terms: BMW pays for the part ($2600!) and I pay for the labor (5 1/2 hours at $118 per). Do any of you have any experience with out of warranty coverage? Am I getting a good deal or does the fact that they will eat the cost of the part mean they have acknowledged there is a problem and should over the labor too? Thanks for your thoughts.

[zahead]

I filed a complaint. Hope everyone else with this problem will as well. Perhaps BMW will wake up! Losing customers is not going to help them sell cars in the future.

[bmwnut2002]

Given that your car is out of warrenty, this is probably the best deal you will get. Mine (2003 3.0) was replaced under my CPO warrenty, and has worked flawlessly ever since. At least you will have peace of mind abou how your car drives. You may be able to get your money back in the future if a class action suit is filed. Good luck.

[Penguin]

If you search for complaints on 2004 Z4 at this link:

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/complaints/

You'll find numerous "hot steering binding" complaints. They seem to be spread out over three categories, e.g. Steering, Steering column, Electrical Power Steering, etc., which may make it look less frequent to the NHTSA computers.

Clearly there is a problem and I am surprised that NHTSA has not launched a defect investigation.

Well, perhaps if just a few more complain, there might be an investigation and recall.

So if you have the problem and feel it is a safety issue, grab your VIN, go to NHTSA.GOV, and file a formal complaint.

[LisaL]

I complained about this problem with Richmond BMW several times over the last 2 years.. Finally, in July, I specifically TOLD them to leave the car parked outside in the heat, then drive it.. they finally validated the sensation! Thank G-d I spent the $1800 for the Gold Plus extended warranty we purchased 3 years ago.. as it paid for itself with the repair which consisted of replacing the steering column, which would've cost over $3200..