Power steering system failure

[Caesar]

Hello, I have an E85 from 2005. Every time I start the car I get a warning of the failure of the power steering system, but after a few minutes while it is running, the fault disappears.

When the assistance stops working, the warning light lights.

The BMW scanner indicates the following fault:
.- No CAN message (EPS1)

INPA indicates the following fault:
Variant: KOMBI85 1 Error in error memory
Error registration 1: 0x00FA no CAN ID EPS 1 <<<< !!!!
Error acurances 84
-
-
Open circuit
-
Error present
-
-
Error code: FA 44 54


It is systematic. Every time the car is stopped for a long time the error appears again and every time the car is running for a while, the fault disappears.
It is not a battery voltage problem since I have carried out tests and with the battery fully charged with the charger, it has the same behaviour.

Anyone have any idea what could be giving such a problem?

Thank you

[SofTop]

checked the fluid level?

[rdgreen]

checked the fluid level?

Don't think that will help....unless it's an M, it's electric.

[Caesar]

Thanks for the answers, really it`s an electric assist steering column.

BMW has just tell me that it's an electronic board failure and that board is inside the steering bar that, since there is a whole set and there are no single parts avaliable, the completely bar has to be changed.

I's a huge economic blow .

Any suggestion?
Is it possible to change the electronics without changing the bar?
Thanks.

[DMike]

Hi Ceasar,
Not experinced with eps problems but I have this video link about eps rebuilds:
https://youtu.be/lA1JIruh4DI
The company linked in the description seems to have rebuild services for all kinds of BMW circuit boards.

[firebobby]

I had a total failure of my EPS, it just stopped working. Steering light on in dash, no power assistance and the sports button stopped working.
I took out the electric steering motor which is under the dash, you don't need to remove the column.
I sent the motor which has the ECU on the back of it, to ECU testing https://www.ecutesting.com/ who repaired the unit.
Don't know if this is the same issue that you have though OP

[Caesar]

OK thank you for information. Very interesting.

As I see in this video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9Cnk-Rn7Kc, it's no easy to unscrew the motor since the screws are deep inside the dash.
In addition, there are some wires that goes inside the column (see timeline 1:09).

So much work that can end up in a problem outside the ECU if the issue is in a ECU's neighbour sensor.
Maybe the best is to draw the steering column out and carry the entire set to repair.

I'll ponder about it.

Thanks !!

[alane29]

Just remove that electric rubbish and replace it with hydraulic power steering from a 3 Series , permanent solution and better steering .
I have done it as a home mechanic and it cost me £500 and 2 days work

[SonnyA85]

Just remove that electric rubbish and replace it with hydraulic power steering from a 3 Series , permanent solution and better steering .
I have done it as a home mechanic and it cost me £500 and 2 days work

What parts did you buy to do this also what coding was required?

Any other relevant info or a guide would also be helpful thanks


Mine has now failed for the second time in 2 years. I bought a second hand one and it cost me the best part of £2k for it to be fixed for it to last 2 years.

All the garages round here charge a fortune and exaggerate how much work is required but I can't find anyone I can trust in Glasgow who is reliable

[Caesar]

Thanks for all your help folks !!

Steering column changed and 2k8 euros payed.
But I`m very happy !!!!

I have my Z4 e85 working perfect and running along all the lanes again !!!! and it's super fantastic.
I love my Z4 !!

Still in contact with all !!