Newbie with E89 power steering problems

[Gilbster]

Hi everyone,
I have a 59 plate E89 and the power steering warning light has recently started to (intermittently) illuminate and the power steering intermittently completely stops working. It's been diagnosed with a code D516 "Message Error Terminal Status, Receiver Electronic Power Steering Transmitter CAS" and "D507 PT CAN Communication Fault".
The car had been standing unused for a couple of months and the battery had gone very but not completely flat. Could this have had an effect on the power steering unit? Or is it more likely a coincidence?
BMW have quoted approximately £2k for a new motor if it needs it but I was thinking of refurbing mine with someone like ECU testing. Apart from the fact I don't know how to find the part number on said unit, I wanted to ask if there is likely to be a more simple cause for it playing up and if there an easier fix than sending off for a refurbed unit?
Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Chippie]

I would start by replacing the battery, have it registered to the car and clearing any fault codes, check the electrical connections on the power steering and see if the fault returns

 

[Gilbster]

Thanks Chippie. That sounds like a good place to start. What exactly do you mean by "have it registered to the car"?
Thanks again!
G

 

[Smartbear]

Thanks Chippie. That sounds like a good place to start. What exactly do you mean by "have it registered to the car"?
Thanks again!
G

The e89 cars require replacement batteries to be registered to the car, it changes the charging algorithms.
Rob

 

[Gilbster]

Thanks Smartbear. That is very much appreciated! At the risk of sounding like a complete novice (which I obviously am) how would I go about that? Sorry if I sound like an idiot. I'm very new to all things Z4 but happy to learn from those who know about these things!
Cheers,
G

 

[Smartbear]

Thanks Smartbear. That is very much appreciated! At the risk of sounding like a complete novice (which I obviously am) how would I go about that? Sorry if I sound like an idiot. I'm very new to all things Z4 but happy to learn from those who know about these things!
Cheers,
G

Bmw will do it for you whilst emptying your wallet simultaneously, some halfords can do it or you can buy the Carly app etc which has the capability to register the battery.
If you state your location someone maybe willing to do it for you :?
Rob

 

[Stuartt]

If your in the AA they have the capability to register a new battery when they fit one. If not then a bmw independent should be able to. Even dare I say it at risk of getting struck down some Halfords can do it when they fit a battery but will charge you handsomely to do it.
It’s more common now as the cars with stop/start have to be.

Stuart

 

[Gilbster]

Wow! This is fantastic advice. Thanks ever so much everyone! I'm in Waterbeach, about 6 miles north of Cambridge. The dealership nearby are quite expensive, as they are elsewhere I'm sure (although to be fair, they have been quite helpful in the past).
I just checked the battery to see if the connections are firm, which they are but there seems to an inordinate amount of condensation in the battery compartment. There's a puddle of moisture under the battery and condensation on various wires and components. Is this normal?
I'll set to and dry that all out as soon as possible. Is the power steering wiring visible in this compartment and therefore possible to check at that end as well as checking at the steering rack end?
Thanks again everyone!

 

[Smartbear]

Wow! This is fantastic advice. Thanks ever so much everyone! I'm in Waterbeach, about 6 miles north of Cambridge. The dealership nearby are quite expensive, as they are elsewhere I'm sure (although to be fair, they have been quite helpful in the past).
I just checked the battery to see if the connections are firm, which they are but there seems to an inordinate amount of condensation in the battery compartment. There's a puddle of moisture under the battery and condensation on various wires and components. Is this normal?
I'll set to and dry that all out as soon as possible. Is the power steering wiring visible in this compartment and therefore possible to check at that end as well as checking at the steering rack end?
Thanks again everyone!

That condensation probably isn’t condensation but a leak! I’d get that fixed ASAP or you’re going to be in a world of pain.
There’s plenty on e89 leaks here if you use the search function
Rob

 

[Gilbster]

Oh bloomin' eck! I'll check that out when I get back from work. Food for thought for the rest of the day!

 

[Chippie]

The water in the boot may be due to a leaking seal, I had to take the one off that runs around the top edge of the boot, clean it and reseal, this seams to be a common problem with the e89, I think they also leak from the rear lights, you could try a search for water in boot

 

[Paul Morgan]

Hi Gilbster,
I have the same steering problem on my 2013 z4 that you posted about a few months back. Please can you tell me if you sorted the problem and if so how? I note you are in Waterbeach, I am in Cambridge.
Paul.

 

[Paul Morgan]

Hello, I am a Z4 owner with the same steering problem you posted about earlier in the year. I am interested to know if you were able to resolved the problem and if so how? i would be grateful for any help you an offer. Thanks

 

[wanatkinson]

I’ve just developed this exact problem! Same error code (D516). Have to assume a new battery fixed the OP’s problem. Mine must be at least 4 years old and has given me warnings before. It happened while driving 200 miles towards Scotland though so you might expect some charge to be available. It was also a very warm day.

 

[Owdgit]

There's a few threads on here about the steering fault.
Even after replacing the battery the fault returned and I ended up removing the motor and sending it off to ecu testing.
There's instructions/details of how to do it on here.
A lot cheaper than going to bmw and a lifetime warranty on the repair.

 

[Zforbes]

I've had this light ping up a few times over the bank holiday weekend, my battery is 10yrs old and although no issues with starting or anything I have had a few pings regarding battery drain so I've ordered a new battery for collection this aft.

The plan is - collect battery, read steering codes, fit battery, register, clear codes and see if it makes a difference.

Whilst I live in hope, I honestly expect to get the warning light again and get it refurb'd by ECUTesting

 

[wanatkinson]

Well, I've just replaced the battery (voltage was ok but needed charging - since I'd just driven several hundred miles and the alternator checked out, I just replaced it) and the steering problem is still there. I'll need to phone my BMW garage and see what they say. I'll mention refurb by by ecutesting but it's still going to be painful (I don't have the space, tools or inclination to do it myself...).

 

[Anonymous]

Here you go...problem fixed..simple..

https://www.ecutesting.com/common-faults/bmw/bmw-e9092-electric-power-steering-rack-motor/

 

[Owdgit]

I doubt a BMW dealer will do the refurb.
For me the turnaround was roughly a week from sending to getting the motor back, sent on Monday back in the car Friday. You could be hard pushed to find a dealer or indy that will tie up a part of their workshop for that length of time.
Not sure if you can get a refurb unit in advance and return yours for a credit afterwards?
The removal and refitting is fairly straightforward if you're confident with a bit of spannering.
Depending on where you live you may be able to find someone on here that could help, the offer of some 'refreshments' as an incentive or a donation to the forum?
I would be happy to help with instructions and the use of my tools and garage after all the advice and help I've gotten from here, I'd get you doing the work yourself so you gain experience.

 

[Sllimc]

Hi I have the electric steering fault and I am looking to remove the motor and send it to ecutesting. The video on removal is good but how about refitting and getting the correct belt tension. Or is it pre set due to no movement in the bolts