Steering Problems (the continuing saga)

[Sagan]

<img src="http://members.roadfly.org/sagan/wet2d.jpg">
'03 (Build Date: 4/03), 3.0, 6-sp., Black Sapphire Metallic, Black Top, Black Leather, Sport Pkg., Convenience Pkg., Premium Pkg., CD-Changer, Xenon, Butt Warmers, Universal Transmitter-Mirror, Mud Flaps, Chrome Tips, 2 Under-Seat First-Aid Boxes, Drilled CDV.

[cmd512]

They got all these voltage readers and mobile test units hooked up to my car now... just waiting for it to get hot enough again to see what kind of readings they get after they take it for a spin. Unfortunately for us, this is the best that BMWNA could come back with on PUMA.

My service advisor said the highest temperature they logged the EPS today... when it was 80 F outside... was at 36 C I think. This is still leaps and bounds away from the 100 C threshold, but this could be why it drove normally too.

I'll keep you guys updated....

[z4driver]

100 C is pretty hot!

[cmd512]

[Fat Sound]

[cmd512]

Hottest it got was 46C and there was no fluctuation in voltage from the EPS.

Back to the drawing boards..............

[Madmaster]

Wow didn't know the issue was this large. My dad in Florida just started having problems with this. It was fine in New York, but soon after he went to Fort Myers, it started acting up. They've replaced the steering column with no favorable results so far.

[Chadder007]

January 04 Build here that does it. :(

[Sagan]

No fix yet. If spring comes around and there is still no fix, I'm going to hire a lawyer.<img src="http://members.roadfly.org/sagan/sig.JPG">

[John]

March 2003

[Al]

I have the same problem with my 2004 Z4, and you're right about the temp thing. I live in Florida and in the morning when the temp is cooler the steering is great. If I leave the car in the sun all day and take it out, it almost feels as though the steering wheel sticks and stays when it is turned. I have to apply more than normal pressure to return it to center, when it also seems to stick. I'm gonna bring it to the shop next week. Any trouble shooting suggestions would be appreciated.

[BombayDuk]

there are a lot more current and informative threads on this subject than this one that is over a year old. Why would you dig up one so old to reply to? Why not a current one that has suggested fixes for the problem? Did you report the problem to the NHTSA like the rest of us?

[Murph]

regarding this issue. BMWNA contacted me about this issue with my car and has indicated it is caused by the steering rack. They ahve sent a new rack to my dealer who is supposed to contact me when they get it. After it is replaced I'll post the results ie whether or not it solved the "heat-related steering issue"

[hppypaul]

Murph,
When you get the new rack, could you try to find out if they are putting these new parts into the 2005's as standard or just a one time fix when people complain.
I'm looking at getting an '05 soon (when the incentives are right) and would like to be in the know on this issue when the time comes.

Thanks much.

[cmd512]

Call BMW of Austin in Austin, Texas and ask for service advisor Kevin. Then ask about his "Z4 client with the awful steering issue." He'll know it's me... because I've been harassing him about it FOREVER.

Me and Dave have been on this issue like glue since it started coming to light over a year ago. I am shocked my dealer and I were not contacted!!!!

GET ON THIS, BMW NA.

[BombayDuk]

And still waiting for the solution.

[rharper]

Make it eight. - Trip to Reno Nv.90 degrees... Slight turn to the left. steering sticks like tires are in a strong groove. Takes a significant pull to bring back to center. 38k mikes going back to the dealer.

[rharper]

This is a serious repeatable problem. Temperature related. Could cause an accident. BMW needs to be listening to this one. Its one thing to have the gas cap cover fall off, but the steering to bind up!? I hope to hear from them soon.

[cmd512]

But, we were the ones engaging in heavy discussion on this at the very beginning and making this an actual issue.

Refer to this longa$$ thread as reference. I don't see you making much contribution at all to this thread anyway. What's your point?

Try being more proactive and concentrate your focus on BMW NA, not who "discovered this first." That does us absolutely no good as Z4 owners.

[BombayDuk]

since the summer of 2003. That is all. For whatever reason, obviously, I was otherwise occupied when this thread was initiated. Do I lose points for sometimes having other things to do in my life the prevent me from dropping by each day?