From all the searching and reading I've done, early Z4 electric power steering seems to be a right nightmare, but I can't find my exact problem anywhere... so thanks for reading this far, and hopefully I can get some pointer(s) here...
I bought an '04 Z4 several months ago. Seemingly all good at first. Then, intermittently at start up, the EPS warning light would stay on, and there wouldn't be any power steering. I'd turn ignition completely off, remove/replace key, then turn back on. Sometimes this would "fix" it immediately; other times I'd need to repeat the process. It has taken up to 6 off-then-on attempts. It seems to happen whether the car's cold or hot, first thing in the morning or otherwise. The originally-intermittent nature is now pretty much every time.
After trying to fix the problem, and being unable to find the cause, the selling garage suggested a workaround - pause during ignition-key turning and let the lights go out... then start the engine. This works most of the time; other times I need to repeat the procedure. Other times still, I can start the car this way and the warning light will be off; I'll then do some slow manoeuvring (typically multi-degree steering wheel turns, if not lock to lock) and the EPS will suddenly "kick in" and practically yank the wheel out of my hands. The EPS warning light will come on around this time, then go back out, and I can drive away as if no issue. Other than as just described, the EPS light and issue has never appeared whilst actually driving.
Searching the internet I came upon the Z4 "sticky steering" issue. I've got that too - driving along, the EPS will be causing the steering wheel to "twitch".
According to the selling garage, they've approached BMW who weren't able to suggest a problem/solution. From my research though, that seems a standard response.
My perception is that the selling garage needs some help progressing this matter, hence this post. The plan is to get this sorted under their insurance-backed 3 month warranty. The car also came inspected/validated by the RAC. I've dug out some PUMA references from z4-forums (12229811, 5403852, 5387507 and 5161146) in order to guide further.
That's pretty much the nub of it. Does anyone have any advice/thoughts on the matter please? Many thanks in advance.
Steve
I bought an '04 Z4 several months ago. Seemingly all good at first. Then, intermittently at start up, the EPS warning light would stay on, and there wouldn't be any power steering. I'd turn ignition completely off, remove/replace key, then turn back on. Sometimes this would "fix" it immediately; other times I'd need to repeat the process. It has taken up to 6 off-then-on attempts. It seems to happen whether the car's cold or hot, first thing in the morning or otherwise. The originally-intermittent nature is now pretty much every time.
After trying to fix the problem, and being unable to find the cause, the selling garage suggested a workaround - pause during ignition-key turning and let the lights go out... then start the engine. This works most of the time; other times I need to repeat the procedure. Other times still, I can start the car this way and the warning light will be off; I'll then do some slow manoeuvring (typically multi-degree steering wheel turns, if not lock to lock) and the EPS will suddenly "kick in" and practically yank the wheel out of my hands. The EPS warning light will come on around this time, then go back out, and I can drive away as if no issue. Other than as just described, the EPS light and issue has never appeared whilst actually driving.
Searching the internet I came upon the Z4 "sticky steering" issue. I've got that too - driving along, the EPS will be causing the steering wheel to "twitch".
According to the selling garage, they've approached BMW who weren't able to suggest a problem/solution. From my research though, that seems a standard response.
My perception is that the selling garage needs some help progressing this matter, hence this post. The plan is to get this sorted under their insurance-backed 3 month warranty. The car also came inspected/validated by the RAC. I've dug out some PUMA references from z4-forums (12229811, 5403852, 5387507 and 5161146) in order to guide further.
That's pretty much the nub of it. Does anyone have any advice/thoughts on the matter please? Many thanks in advance.
Steve
Unfortunate that your first post is to report a problem. Looks like a 'selling garage' responsibility to me and as farmer suggest without a solution (and the workaround suggestions is quite frankly ridiculous :thumbs down: :x ) I would suggest a letter to the garage requesting a fix under the terms of the 3 month warranty. Record every contact with the selling garage and put all requests, concerns etc in writing just in case you need to pursue later.
North West Surrey