My steering died

B

bz4kev

Senior member
 wirral
Gutted went out to get some essentials and some fuel filled her up went to drive off and the steering felt like a old bus :( great had to struggle home now searching for a new column with modules etc not what you need whilst in lockdown the hunt begins :tumbleweed:
 
Have you checked the error codes?

In my previous Z4 the steering went on it. This was caused by a firmware version on the heater controls conflicting with the firmware version of the steering. The heater controls had been replaced as they had failed while under warranty the week before.

BMW had said at the time that they had checked the entire European database and there had not been any failures anywhere of the electronic steering unit.
 
No not checked errors not had anything done to her for ages but I have heard recently that these units are starting to fail as up to 16 years old will see if there are any errors showing thanks :thumbsup:
 
I know apparently it's close to £2500 now :cry: so if no luck second hand it will have to be got one lined up for £180 but will have a go at codes and resetting tomorrow with my mates gear 1000rr :thumbsup:
 
It could be the ECU, mine suddenly went very heavy and it turned out to be the ECU. Had it repaired £300 and I had my power back
 
Well checked all codes etc today thanks to 1000rr low voltage from battery so new battery ordered to see if that helps but not expecting any changes and used steering column etc coming next week £££££ then hopefully all sorted for now lol :driving:
 
[ref]bz4kev[/ref], did the new battery solve you steering issue? Did you use inpa to scan the codes?

I had issues with mine since last week, i usually lose power steering on start up but it usual comes back after driving for a few minutes, and it would stay on as long as i kept the engine running.

Does it sound like a battery issue?
 
If you have to arse around changing the column, might as well go full hog and convert to E46 hydraulic setup IMO.
 
Hi not had chance to fit the battery yet will be fitting it tomorrow to be honest I am pretty sure it wont fix the problem but it needed changing as I had low voltage faults coming up on the read was considering going down the hydraulic route but managed to find a replacement for £180 including delivery which will be with me by Thursday maybe a future change at some point
Thanks
 
mjennings23 said:
If you have to arse around changing the column, might as well go full hog and convert to E46 hydraulic setup IMO.
Click to expand...
not sure with yours mine is fine on start up but drive for a while stop turn off engine then restart and it has gone and has to be left a considerable time before it engages again :headbang:
 
bz4kev said:
mjennings23 said:
If you have to arse around changing the column, might as well go full hog and convert to E46 hydraulic setup IMO.
Click to expand...
not sure with yours mine is fine on start up but drive for a while stop turn off engine then restart and it has gone and has to be left a considerable time before it engages again :headbang:
Click to expand...

Mine reached a point where it died as soon as I turned left, so pretty unsustainable. The E46 setup is much better in terms of feel (ironic that their entry level saloon had more dynamic feel than their 2 seater sports car of the time...)
 
mjennings23 said:
bz4kev said:
mjennings23 said:
If you have to arse around changing the column, might as well go full hog and convert to E46 hydraulic setup IMO.
Click to expand...
not sure with yours mine is fine on start up but drive for a while stop turn off engine then restart and it has gone and has to be left a considerable time before it engages again :headbang:
Click to expand...

Mine reached a point where it died as soon as I turned left, so pretty unsustainable. The E46 setup is much better in terms of feel (ironic that their entry level saloon had more dynamic feel than their 2 seater sports car of the time...)
Click to expand...
I know maybe they thought it was the future thing to do :tumbleweed: I think at a later date I will indeed move to the E46 setup I am sure I will be making some more changes soon lol
 
Damn.

This has happened to me today. Finally Unsorned the car, paid my breakdown cover and 6 months road tax.

Car started on the button, took out for a 20 mile drive and pulled over on flat ground to check the oil level after waiting 5 mins.

Went to re-start the car and the steering warning lamp is on and no power assistance. Tried turning the ignition on and off a few times but no joy.

Drove home without the power steering.

Not had a chance to check anything yet. I've read it could be the ECU, fuse 22 or possibly a yaw sensor under passenger seat.

I did get a very quick beep while driving where i was touching the passenger seat but can't imagine it could be that.
 
bz4kev said:
As thought new battery fitted still same problem so new column to be fitted shortly :(
Click to expand...

Is changing the column cheaper than repairing the ECU?

Can you let us know how this progresses please?
 
I had my ECU repaired with a lifetime guarantee for £300, bit of a bugger to get out but the column stays in the car. You can get another column, but you don't know how good that ECU is and how long it will last.
 
Cheers Firebobby.

£300 isn't too bad. Any idea of a ballpark figure for a mechanic to remove and refit the ecu?

I'll try a few simple checks first
 
Depending on your ability and suppleness, it's not the hardest job to do. It's back in less than a week and power is restored.
 
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