E85/E86 Steering Problems (Solved)

[FunkyGBrown]

Well this morning I finally braved this task but sadly without success - the torx bolt by the spring is stuck fast and sadly the thread has given way slightly so I don’t think I now have a way of undoing it. Have tried an 8mm ratchet spanner and normal 8mm spanner with star head. As soon as I get some pressure on it the spanner now slips up and off. So I think that the only way of me getting this job done would be to remove the whole unit so I can get the dodgy bolt off which all seems a bit of a disappointment sadly.

I had this issue, it didn't seem to budge to the point where I nearly gave up. I had to make sure the ratchet was securely on, and apply a decent amount of pressure while trying to keep good contact with the nut.
I used this: https://amzn.eu/d/2YDqpTR and it was the perfect size.

 

[poortomsacold]

Many thanks [ref]FunkyGBrown[/ref], glad to know I’m not the only one to run into this problem! The car is now at the garage. If the mechanic can get the bolt loosened I’ll certainly get one of those spanners in view of your recommendation.

 

[wonkydonkey]

If it's particularly tight, it would be best to use the correct tool, which is the E-torx/star spanner. I forget what size it is now, but hopefully that's what your mechanic will be using I don't understand how "the thread has given way slightly", but I hope the garage sorts it all out for you :driving:

 

[poortomsacold]

If it's particularly tight, it would be best to use the correct tool, which is the E-torx/star spanner. I forget what size it is now, but hopefully that's what your mechanic will be using I don't understand how "the thread has given way slightly", but I hope the garage sorts it all out for you :driving:

Thanks. Sorry, I didn’t make the problem terribly clear - the head of the bolt was losing its shape a little so didn’t want to risk trying anymore in case I rounded it off entirely, making it impossible to remove. Fingers crossed the mechanic can sort it (he has a list of issues to work through!).

 

[wonkydonkey]

[ref]poortomsacold[/ref] Gotcha. It might be a good idea to order a new bolt to replace the damaged one I hope it goes well!

 

[ryushe]

Hello!

Im not sure i have sticky steering but gonna ask anyway.
My problem is that when driving around 110km/h electric steering assist is always micro correcting steering wheel and i have to counter that correction from electric assist, it is hard to drive in straight line because of this. There are no faults stored.
Could adjusting ring solve that?

That's my problem! Anyone have any input on this? Could the ring adjustment be a potential fix here?

 

[inkey$]

Mine is being looked at next Friday along with a few other issues I need to get sorted. Going to get it adjusted, then try it and see before making more adjustments if needed. Steering needs to be ‘hot’ though, so not sure how beneficial the trial and error adjustments may be.

 

[poortomsacold]

I don’t suppose anyone knows the part number or where I can find a new replacement bolt? My mechanic thankfully got mine to move but as the head is worn a little I’d like to replace it with a new one ASAP.

Thanks.

 

[MikeyH]

Someone was using an 8mm ratchet spanner to undo the torx bolts on the steering as it would fit and made it easier, I have looked on line but prices vary from around £5.00 up to £20.00. Reviews show the cheaper ones falling apart and the Wera one £18.00 also, what make do others on here use please. Thank you.

 

[enuff_zed]

Someone was using an 8mm ratchet spanner to undo the torx bolts on the steering as it would fit and made it easier, I have looked on line but prices vary from around £5.00 up to £20.00. Reviews show the cheaper ones falling apart and the Wera one £18.00 also, what make do others on here use please. Thank you.

T'was I!
Mine is from a Halfords Professional set and seems to work perfectly well.

 

[enuff_zed]

I don’t suppose anyone knows the part number or where I can find a new replacement bolt? My mechanic thankfully got mine to move but as the head is worn a little I’d like to replace it with a new one ASAP.

Thanks.

Tom,
I saved one off the breaker.
It'll be in the bag of bolts I send you with all those panels.
I'll wrap a bit of tape round it so you can find it easily.

 

[poortomsacold]

I don’t suppose anyone knows the part number or where I can find a new replacement bolt? My mechanic thankfully got mine to move but as the head is worn a little I’d like to replace it with a new one ASAP.

Thanks.

Tom,
I saved one off the breaker.
It'll be in the bag of bolts I send you with all those panels.
I'll wrap a bit of tape round it so you can find it easily.
IMG_3939.jpg

You are a total legend, thanks so much Martin, really appreciate it!

 

[MikeyH]

Someone was using an 8mm ratchet spanner to undo the torx bolts on the steering as it would fit and made it easier, I have looked on line but prices vary from around £5.00 up to £20.00. Reviews show the cheaper ones falling apart and the Wera one £18.00 also, what make do others on here use please. Thank you.

T'was I!
Mine is from a Halfords Professional set and seems to work perfectly well.

Thank you enuff_zed I don’t want it breaking half way through the job

 

[enuff_zed]

Someone was using an 8mm ratchet spanner to undo the torx bolts on the steering as it would fit and made it easier, I have looked on line but prices vary from around £5.00 up to £20.00. Reviews show the cheaper ones falling apart and the Wera one £18.00 also, what make do others on here use please. Thank you.

T'was I!
Mine is from a Halfords Professional set and seems to work perfectly well.

Thank you enuff_zed I don’t want it breaking half way through the job

The ones I’ve done have not been too tight once you get the initial bit of a turn on them. You can hook another ring spanner over the end of the 8mm one to give more leverage to break the initial stiction

 

[MikeyH]

Thank you

 

[ryushe]

Hello!

Im not sure i have sticky steering but gonna ask anyway.
My problem is that when driving around 110km/h electric steering assist is always micro correcting steering wheel and i have to counter that correction from electric assist, it is hard to drive in straight line because of this. There are no faults stored.
Could adjusting ring solve that?

That's my problem! Anyone have any input on this? Could the ring adjustment be a potential fix here?

To quote myself here with a small update.
Spoke to a Z3/Z4 specialist here in NL, and this person is convinced fiddling with the ring wouldn't solve my issue. He says it's a known thing with Z4s, and the only true fix is a new steering column and housing. Seeing as that's a costly job, sounds like I'm screwed.

 

[poortomsacold]

Hello!

Im not sure i have sticky steering but gonna ask anyway.
My problem is that when driving around 110km/h electric steering assist is always micro correcting steering wheel and i have to counter that correction from electric assist, it is hard to drive in straight line because of this. There are no faults stored.
Could adjusting ring solve that?

That's my problem! Anyone have any input on this? Could the ring adjustment be a potential fix here?

To quote myself here with a small update.
Spoke to a Z3/Z4 specialist here in NL, and this person is convinced fiddling with the ring wouldn't solve my issue. He says it's a known thing with Z4s, and the only true fix is a new steering column and housing. Seeing as that's a costly job, sounds like I'm screwed.

From what I have read on this issue, some minor adjustments to the worm gear have had some great success stories. Perhaps it would be worth making an adjustment or two to see how it responds before going down the most expensive route? I had the sticky steering issue when I picked up my car (it has only done it once to date), and when i contacted some BMW specialists none of them would perform the ring adjustment, even when I sent them the official BMW TIS info - they all suggested a complete steering column replacement. I am still to make any adjustments to mine as I had a problem with one of the bolts, but seeing how the symptoms I have are identical to those reported by others I am of the firm opinion that the gear adjustment is what is required.

It doesn't take long (if you don't have a dodgy bolt like I did) and at the very least will rule out one potential fix?

 

[ryushe]

It doesn't take long (if you don't have a dodgy bolt like I did) and at the very least will rule out one potential fix?

You're absolutely right of course. Already tried getting to the bolts last weekend, but while I seem to be able to reach one (it turned), I just can't get to the other (not enough space for hands + tools). Took out the lower air duct and everything, still no space (LHD car). By the way, it's two T40 torx bolts in my case, would probably be a lot easier if I could grab the bolts directly instead of having to use a socket wrench :/

Initial call to this gentleman was to get the ring adjusted, but his argument is that sticky steering is something different from this specific issue (literally 'stuck' steering wheel during turns vs. tiny adjustments to the steering wheel while driving straight between certain speeds). He claims it's due to issues with the ESP motor incorrectly reacting to sensors readings, which would require a 'new' steering column.
I just can't work out exactly how what sounds like an electronics issue can be related to a full mechanical replacement...

 

[firebobby]

It doesn't take long (if you don't have a dodgy bolt like I did) and at the very least will rule out one potential fix?

You're absolutely right of course. Already tried getting to the bolts last weekend, but while I seem to be able to reach one (it turned), I just can't get to the other (not enough space for hands + tools). Took out the lower air duct and everything, still no space (LHD car). By the way, it's two T40 torx bolts in my case, would probably be a lot easier if I could grab the bolts directly instead of having to use a socket wrench :/

Initial call to this gentleman was to get the ring adjusted, but his argument is that sticky steering is something different from this specific issue (literally 'stuck' steering wheel during turns vs. tiny adjustments to the steering wheel while driving straight between certain speeds). He claims it's due to issues with the ESP motor incorrectly reacting to sensors readings, which would require a 'new' steering column.
I just can't work out exactly how what sounds like an electronics issue can be related to a full mechanical replacement...

He will want to go down the expensive route, it's not his money!
I had sticky steering, it was like the car was suicidal and wanted to crash
I adjusted the ring some years ago and it was an instant fix, the car became a pleasure to drive.

 

[poortomsacold]

It doesn't take long (if you don't have a dodgy bolt like I did) and at the very least will rule out one potential fix?

You're absolutely right of course. Already tried getting to the bolts last weekend, but while I seem to be able to reach one (it turned), I just can't get to the other (not enough space for hands + tools). Took out the lower air duct and everything, still no space (LHD car). By the way, it's two T40 torx bolts in my case, would probably be a lot easier if I could grab the bolts directly instead of having to use a socket wrench :/

Initial call to this gentleman was to get the ring adjusted, but his argument is that sticky steering is something different from this specific issue (literally 'stuck' steering wheel during turns vs. tiny adjustments to the steering wheel while driving straight between certain speeds). He claims it's due to issues with the ESP motor incorrectly reacting to sensors readings, which would require a 'new' steering column.
I just can't work out exactly how what sounds like an electronics issue can be related to a full mechanical replacement...

He will want to go down the expensive route, it's not his money!
I had sticky steering, it was like the car was suicidal and wanted to crash
I adjusted the ring some years ago and it was an instant fix, the car became a pleasure to drive.

Morning. Aside from the sticky steering itself where the steering wheel sorts of locks into position, did you have any other sorts of steering issues - loose handling at speed, etc?