EPS Motor removal

[Nidge]

Hi All

BMW Z4 E85 2005 2.0i

I have the well documented intermittent EPS warning light and heavy steering problem. I've been round the 'net and concluded that sending off the EPS motor for a rebuild is likely to be the most appropriate course of action.

A few questions if I may:

1) - it seems that the fault occurs when the footwell gets hot (heater on or a v hot day). Anyone else had or noticed that issue?

2) - is there a way to be reasonably certain that its the EPS (or the ECU of the EPS)?

3) - can anyone point me at instructions to remove the EPS motor without taking the column out? I've found several sets which go all the way, but not come across one which deals specifically with just the motor.

4) - last but not least, is there an OBD2 app which can interrogate the EPS ECU? or do I need to take it to a dealer?

Many thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

Nidge
PS - I'm a very amateur mechanic, definitely not an engineer!

 

[enuff_zed]

Where are you? Anywhere near Norfolk? I’ve done a few now and it would be easy to help you through it, takes me about an hour, including removing the seat and steering wheel for access.
All you need is a screwdriver to remove the trim, an 8mm ratchet ring spanner to remove the two bolts, and snips to remove the tywraps from one of the cables.
When the light comes on get a code reader on it. If it cannot communicate then it is the EPS ECU.
You will also find the sport button won’t work.

If you search on my previous posts I’ve written about this several times.

Or PM me a contact number and I can talk you through it.

 

[Nidge]

Sadly nowhere near. I'm down in the heart of Devon. I see you've made 13278 posts so it might take me a while to read through :lol:

'A code reader' I assume (correct me pls) thats an OBD2 reader? I've got a veepeak ble reader and car scanner and scan master apps on my (android) phone. Should that do it?

 

[enuff_zed]

Sadly nowhere near. I'm down in the heart of Devon. I see you've made 13278 posts so it might take me a while to read through :lol:

'A code reader' I assume (correct me pls) thats an OBD2 reader? I've got a veepeak ble reader and car scanner and scan master apps on my (android) phone. Should that do it?

Whereabouts in Devon?
18th December we are heading to Perranporth for two weeks over Xmas/NY. Wouldn't be inconceivable for me to drop by if you're near my route, but it would be on the Monday (18th).
I do know that Creator 310+, 410+ or Autophix 5900 can do this. As would more complex software such as INPA, ISTA, Scanner 1.4 etc.
Sorry but I have no knowledge of the one you have, but it's a pretty basic premise. If the EPS ECU fails then it doesn't communicate swith anything.

 

[Nidge]

Thanks that's very kind of you to offer but I think I'm going to be brave & have a go this week. After all, what could possibly go wrong

I'll let you know how I get on, but if all else fails I'll take you up on the phone offer.

All the best & fingers crossed.

 

[instigata]

After all, what could possibly go wrong

Famous last words I had the same problem a few months ago. Even ordered a motor. My problem was that the car wasn't driven frequently and had a low-ish battery. I have INPA on the laptop, cleared out the code - the EPS light remained on. (And I ordered the motor). I rechecked a few days later - no light! Started driving frequently (batter remains topped up), and no light and steering is fine. (And I have a spare motor )

Hope that helps.

 

[enuff_zed]

Thanks that's very kind of you to offer but I think I'm going to be brave & have a go this week. After all, what could possibly go wrong

I'll let you know how I get on, but if all else fails I'll take you up on the phone offer.

All the best & fingers crossed.

I have a complete column in my garage. If you wanted a WhatsApp video call to talk it through I could show you how to access it all.
Before you start, use a permanent pen to mark a datum line across the motor and the spacer so you get them aligned when you put it back together.
Have the snips close by when you lift the motor out.
Only the lower plug is easily removed in situ.
The other two can be done when it’s lowered but one is cable tied to the motor and the cable is not long enough to rest the motor on the floor while you unplug it, so you need to snip the ties as you are holding the weight of it.
As long as you get the cable routed correctly when you rebuild you don’t have to worry about refitting those ties.

 

[Nidge]

After all, what could possibly go wrong

Famous last words I had the same problem a few months ago. Even ordered a motor. My problem was that the car wasn't driven frequently and had a low-ish battery. I have INPA on the laptop, cleared out the code - the EPS light remained on. (And I ordered the motor). I rechecked a few days later - no light! Started driving frequently (batter remains topped up), and no light and steering is fine. (And I have a spare motor )

Hope that helps.

After all, what could possibly go wrong

Famous last words I had the same problem a few months ago. Even ordered a motor. My problem was that the car wasn't driven frequently and had a low-ish battery. I have INPA on the laptop, cleared out the code - the EPS light remained on. (And I ordered the motor). I rechecked a few days later - no light! Started driving frequently (batter remains topped up), and no light and steering is fine. (And I have a spare motor )

Hope that helps.

Thanks. I think unlikely in my case as I keep the battery topped up on a trickle charger all the time, precisely because I don't use often. I do hope I don't get the same result as you, I'd be well pee'd off. Are you selling your motor?

 

[instigata]

Thanks. I think unlikely in my case as I keep the battery topped up on a trickle charger all the time, precisely because I don't use often. I do hope I don't get the same result as you, I'd be well pee'd off. Are you selling your motor?

Hi again. Yes - selling motor. Feel free to PM.

 

[ZeddyTea]

PM me a contact number

Hi! I’m new to the forum but also have the EPS issue (light on dash/heavy steering/not working sport button).

I’ve searched through your previous posts, firstly - thank you, very helpful! I can’t PM yet as this is my first post but you mentioned you have a WhatsApp chat with how you’ve just removed the EPS motor rather than the column. Are you able to PM me so I can respond? Happy to donate to forum funds

 

[raymond.harper]

I could be wrong, but I think he is on holiday abroad for two weeks.

 

[ZeddyTea]

I could be wrong, but I think he is on holiday abroad for two weeks.

Thanks for the heads up!

 

[ZeddyTea]

Hi again. Yes - selling motor. Feel free to PM.

Have you sold this now? Where is the motor from? After your comments I’ve attached the battery charger and she doesn’t come out of the garage that often!

 

[enuff_zed]

PM me a contact number

Hi! I’m new to the forum but also have the EPS issue (light on dash/heavy steering/not working sport button).

I’ve searched through your previous posts, firstly - thank you, very helpful! I can’t PM yet as this is my first post but you mentioned you have a WhatsApp chat with how you’ve just removed the EPS motor rather than the column. Are you able to PM me so I can respond? Happy to donate to forum funds

Replied to your PM.
Not home until 2/6, but can forward some info for you.
If you’re anywhere near Norfolk I’m happy to assist.

 

[Pabby1980]

PM me a contact number

Hi! I’m new to the forum but also have the EPS issue (light on dash/heavy steering/not working sport button).

I’ve searched through your previous posts, firstly - thank you, very helpful! I can’t PM yet as this is my first post but you mentioned you have a WhatsApp chat with how you’ve just removed the EPS motor rather than the column. Are you able to PM me so I can respond? Happy to donate to forum funds

Replied to your PM.
Not home until 2/6, but can forward some info for you.
If you’re anywhere near Norfolk I’m happy to assist.

You can do this yourself and send it off to a company that will guarantee it for life.

It's a bit of a bitch to get to, I'd say 1hr taking it out and 1hr putting it back in.

Cant remember what I paid but it was under £200 for the EPS fix.

 

[enuff_zed]

Hi! I’m new to the forum but also have the EPS issue (light on dash/heavy steering/not working sport button).

I’ve searched through your previous posts, firstly - thank you, very helpful! I can’t PM yet as this is my first post but you mentioned you have a WhatsApp chat with how you’ve just removed the EPS motor rather than the column. Are you able to PM me so I can respond? Happy to donate to forum funds

Replied to your PM.
Not home until 2/6, but can forward some info for you.
If you’re anywhere near Norfolk I’m happy to assist.

You can do this yourself and send it off to a company that will guarantee it for life.

It's a bit of a bitch to get to, I'd say 1hr taking it out and 1hr putting it back in.

Cant remember what I paid but it was under £200 for the EPS fix.

He’s done it now. Just the motor, not the whole column!!!

 

[Aaronz42004]

Hi there, I’ve just remove my steering column as I too have issues communicating to the EPS ECU with a yellow light on dash. I’m unsure if there’s a way I can test the motor or ECU unit now it’s off or send it to a company. I’m near diss so just down the road! Any chance I could PM you? Cheers, Aaron

 

[enuff_zed]

Hi there, I’ve just remove my steering column as I too have issues communicating to the EPS ECU with a yellow light on dash. I’m unsure if there’s a way I can test the motor or ECU unit now it’s off or send it to a company. I’m near diss so just down the road! Any chance I could PM you? Cheers, Aaron

Hi Aaron.
Shame you took the whole thing off rather than just the motor but hey ho.
I just hope you didn't yank the column to get it off the intermediate shaft or you may have buggered the bearings in that?
Feel free to PM me if you need help.

EDIT: If you're local, look for the East Anglian BMW Z4 Owners Group on facebook too.