Power steering EPS/ECU issue

[foddysavva]

Hi, I've recently purchased a 2003 3.0 Z4 which has suddenly developed an issue. My dash shows the power steering light which doesn't go off and the power steering has gone. I called the AA who did a roadside giagnostic but the machine found no faults. I took it to my garage and it was the same thing, no error codes picked up.

I spoke to a specialist who told me its most likely the ecu unit but not sure what to do as the error codes don't show on diagnostic machines. I've seen recently this is a common problem so I want to know if fixed, will the problem occur again and actually where do I go to get it fixed? Can anyone recommend a solid, reliable mechanic preferably London based.

Thanks in advance.

[enuff_zed]

Welcome to the forum.
If the ECU fails the diagnostics cannot communicate with it so it sounds like that is your issue.
If you have a Sport button that won't work either.
The car is still driveable but needs strong arms until you get over about 15mph.

Done a couple of these now.
Less than two hours to remove (including getting seat and steering wheel out for easier access)
ECU Testing can repair and return to you within 72 hours, then about another hour or so to put it back together.

I can do it without removing or even lowering the column, whereas most garages will want to do that too.

ECU Testing charge £295 to fix it.

Bit of a trek from London to Norfolk, and you'd need to leave the car at mine for a week, but happy to do it for you if you like?

Attleborough train station is 10 minute walk from my place.

[foddysavva]

Hi, thanks for taking the time to reply to the thread. I'll definitely keep in touch with you about this because it's something I desperately want to get fixed.

[enuff_zed]

Hi, thanks for taking the time to reply to the thread. I'll definitely keep in touch with you about this because it's something I desperately want to get fixed.

No probs. Let me know if you want it done.
Actual work time is short, just the wait for the unit to come back.
Last one I did I removed on a Sunday and paid for ECU Testing through Ebay. They phoned me at 8am Monday morning and emailed me a DHL delivery label. It was collected at midday Monday. Tuesday afternoon they called to say it was fixed and Wednesday lunchtime it came back to me. The previous one took 24 hours longer though. Either way, I reckon if you got it to me on a Sunday morning I should be able to get it ready to collect by the Friday.
I'm not a business by the way, so any remuneration for my time is decided solely by you.
ECU Testing give a lifetime Warranty on their work.

Oh, and if you worry about driving it, it's easy on an open road without too many junctions.
I picked one up from Shoreham in Sussex and drove it 170 miles home!

[foddysavva]

Nice one mate, much appreciated. I'll work out what sort of days I have free as I work shifts.

[enuff_zed]

Nice one mate, much appreciated. I'll work out what sort of days I have free as I work shifts.

Now you have made 3 posts you can do PMs, so I'll send you my contact details anyway.

[enuff_zed]

Be interesting to see what a garage would quote for the work?

[firebobby]

I took my zed to the Ace cafe with the steering in strong arm mode, just have 3 Weetabix before you set off, you'll be fine
As enuff says, ECU will sort it out and you get a lifetime guarantee on their work.
I'm sure enuff would drive you to the local station and not make you walk

[enuff_zed]

I took my zed to the Ace cafe with the steering in strong arm mode, just have 3 Weetabix before you set off, you'll be fine
As enuff says, ECU will sort it out and you get a lifetime guarantee on their work.
I'm sure enuff would drive you to the local station and not make you walk

Hmmm, weather dependant

[MKZ4000]

Top man enuff Zed. This forum is full of friendly , helpful folks.

I had this issue and my local garage wasn’t up to it.

In the end, I drove 2 odd hours to RBM Hampshire where Ross removed the motor and sent off to ecu testing and reinstalled.

The price was very reasonable imo , around £150 for the labour

It worked perfectly and comes with a lifetime warranty

[enuff_zed]

The price was very reasonable imo , around £150 for the labour

Sounds about right. He has probably done enough to be quicker than me. Mind you, half an hour of my time is waiting after the battery is disconnected before unplugging the seat and steering wheel.

foddysavva, whilst the offer is still here, if Hook is closer to you then maybe Ross at RBM is for you. He is a proper business and you may feel you get more peace of mind that way.
I won't be offended at all.

[foddysavva]

Thanks so much everyone. I can see now I made the right choice buying the Z4. I normally have family cars on the go so this is my first car just for me in about 20 years.

Talking of Ace cafe, I saw on their twitter there was a Z4 meet recently and was trying to work out how to join the next one..... Steering permitting!

[enuff_zed]

Thanks so much everyone. I can see now I made the right choice buying the Z4. I normally have family cars on the go so this is my first car just for me in about 20 years.

Talking of Ace cafe, I saw on their twitter there was a Z4 meet recently and was trying to work out how to join the next one..... Steering permitting!

Parking is always at a premium there. May not fit in with wide arches.

[MikeyH]

Welcome to the forum foddysavva. Photos of new members cars always welcome

[foddysavva]

Thanks Mike. There's a few things I need to do to once I get the steering sorted. She could do with a good scrub in the gaps and the wheels need a refurb as well. Thankfulky the roof is solid and works perfectly. I won't be out too often now the rain seems regular so I'll spent the next few months prepping for spring.