reverse gear stiffness and steering

R

rwilki

Member
Hi All,

Recently purchased an 2003 z4, 2.5i on 30k. I have found it quite stiff when trying to engage reverse, is this normal?
Also, when driving slowly or at speed on the motorway, turning the wheel seems to go in iterations, ie, hard to move initally, is this normal, I thought it might be more to do with the car being rear wheel drive, not had one before.

thanks
 
Reluctance to engage reverse on occasion is normal, a quick clutch/declutch resolves it. Continual reluctance means something is wrong. I am assuming you know there's a spring you need to push against to get the shifter over far enough to the left, and the stiffness is from trying to push it up, not left.

Notchy steering is abnormal and bad news. There is likely a problem with the electric power steering unit that requires complete replacement. Hopefully, maybe there's now an easier fix. You need someone qualified to look at this, it is a dangerous condition.

Sorry for you mate, hope I'm wrong for your sake.
 
Took some to in the gym before I got used to changing gear in the zed. Reverse is tough in mine, occasionally need to lift then press the clutch again but generally just needs a bit of brute force.

Can you describe the steering in more detail?

FYI - the z4 was a big change from my previous car (a3). The zed likes to grab the road and take you with the camber. You'll need two hands to keep it on track.
 
I also find it harder to get the car into reverse, like bcworkx, the pushing up of the gearstick into the gear. Seems to be a car trait.

Agree with Spearman, steering and car sensitive to road and camber so both hands on steering wheel to keep car in check.
 
Hi Guys,

Thanks for the responses, so glad to know not to worry about the reverse gear. Think it is just due to not being used to it, glad to know its a trait of the car.

Bit worried about the steering now though, i bought the car from a top notch dealer who did a full pre inspection of the car, its only had a single owner before with full service history, garaged all its life, its a great example.

the steering only feels bit odd at low or high speed, just feels when you turn the wheel it does it in iterations rather than smooth wheel movement.

It might be just me, not driven rear wheel drive car before, not used to any feedback from the steering wheel as used to front wheel or 4wd.

There are no noises or notchy steering which i have felt before in other cars.
 
I wouldn't say my steering is perfectly smooth. No where close to the smoothness of my old a3. It can be jerky/sticky/jumpy on occasions. Never enough to cause me concern though.

You seem to be noticing the car traits, as sticky steering is another. Have a search in the forum for sticky steering. I think it's caused by excessive heat.

Welcome to take mine for a spin to put your mind at rest if you're anywhere near by. I'm in Southend, Essex.
 
Thanks Speaman, very nice of you to offer! much appreciated, unfortunately I am based up near Manchester.
Been doing more research, these is quite a lot of information on this and I have posted another thread called sticky steering. I will post a full response on that thread as it appears there is still much debate about the exact cause of this sticky steering problem.
 
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