Steering noise on e89?

[Maniac]

Now being the slightly paranoid type when coming to cars I've noted now and then a slight clicking noise when the moving the steering left/right from centre position. Only when the car is stationary (and more noise when the engine isnt running perhaps), but moving the steering wheel slightly left or right results in a click/soft knock that sounds like play. Now I know a car not even 2 years old should have any play and it certainly doesnt sound like its coming from the rack, but the column perhaps, not sure, but just wondered if anyone else could try this same scenario and let me know if indeed I am being paranoid or whether the click that sounds like it could be play in the steering is normal? Its probably just me expecting it to be silent, but as I say, I am a bit picky

 

[2dogs]

My 2005 535D did this, turned out to be a dry nylon bush, speck of oil at every service problem solved

 

[EdP]

Now being the slightly paranoid type when coming to cars I've noted now and then a slight clicking noise when the moving the steering left/right from centre position. Only when the car is stationary (and more noise when the engine isnt running perhaps), but moving the steering wheel slightly left or right results in a click/soft knock that sounds like play.....

I do have the same knock sound. What I have found out is that the cardan makes this sound. I guess this is no big deal or safety risk.

 

[Maniac]

Now being the slightly paranoid type when coming to cars I've noted now and then a slight clicking noise when the moving the steering left/right from centre position. Only when the car is stationary (and more noise when the engine isnt running perhaps), but moving the steering wheel slightly left or right results in a click/soft knock that sounds like play.....

I do have the same knock sound. What I have found out is that the cardan makes this sound. I guess this is no big deal or safety risk.

Time to revisit this, and for anyone else to check too.. because I've now asked BMW about the noise and they tell me it is a fault and I have a new lower steering spindle going in shortly. As I've heard of a few more people saying 'theirs does it too' which makes people think its normal, its not.

 

[E89_Gaz]

It looks like I have this now... Almost certain it is the lower joint, as if I apply a tiny amount of pressure to the joint the knock goes. Has anyone else had this, and successfully claimed under warranty?

 

[flybobbie]

My 23i is the same. Power off if I turn the steering there is noise, but didn't think much of it.
Just thought of it as some kind of backlash that's taken up when the power steering motor kicks in.

 

[Maniac]

I still have this a bit when the car is off. The steering knuckle was replaced years ago as it progressed to making noise while moving.

 

[E89_Gaz]

A quick update; The noise has worsened, particularly with the engine off, to the point that I took it into the dealership for a quick check. It has been diagnosed as requiring a new rack, which is being fitted in a couple of weeks time. I am hoping it is covered under my BMW Insured comprehensive warranty, as I assume it is not classed as a 'wear' item? (2009 3.0i with 86k).

 

[ronk]

A quick update; The noise has worsened, particularly with the engine off, to the point that I took it into the dealership for a quick check. It has been diagnosed as requiring a new rack, which is being fitted in a couple of weeks time. I am hoping it is covered under my BMW Insured comprehensive warranty, as I assume it is not classed as a 'wear' item? (2009 3.0i with 86k).

If they say wear - go down the "not fit for purpose" route!

 

[Angie4m]

A quick update; The noise has worsened, particularly with the engine off, to the point that I took it into the dealership for a quick check. It has been diagnosed as requiring a new rack, which is being fitted in a couple of weeks time. I am hoping it is covered under my BMW Insured comprehensive warranty, as I assume it is not classed as a 'wear' item? (2009 3.0i with 86k).

If they say wear - go down the "not fit for purpose" route!

I would like to think that they will cover it but over 60k BMW start to say things aren't covered but I note they no longer explicitly advise what these are like they used to. At 86k it's getting close to the point where it definitely won't be covered

 

[abeardo83]

A quick update; The noise has worsened, particularly with the engine off, to the point that I took it into the dealership for a quick check. It has been diagnosed as requiring a new rack, which is being fitted in a couple of weeks time. I am hoping it is covered under my BMW Insured comprehensive warranty, as I assume it is not classed as a 'wear' item? (2009 3.0i with 86k).

If they say wear - go down the "not fit for purpose" route!

I would like to think that they will cover it but over 60k BMW start to say things aren't covered but I note they no longer explicitly advise what these are like they used to. At 86k it's getting close to the point where it definitely won't be covered

It's a joke, isn't it? If parts like that are subject to wear and tear at 60k miles, then there is something VERY wrong with BMW's quality control standards!!! You could do 60k in 3years, if you're on the road a lot!!

If Vauxhall can do a lifetime warranty, Kia / Hyundai can do 5 / 7 years, surely THE definitive luxury / auality marque can do better?

 

[Angie4m]

It's a joke, isn't it? If parts like that are subject to wear and tear at 60k miles, then there is something VERY wrong with BMW's quality control standards!!! You could do 60k in 3years, if you're on the road a lot!!

If Vauxhall can do a lifetime warranty, Kia / Hyundai can do 5 / 7 years, surely THE definitive luxury / auality marque can do better?

Indeed and I think that's why they no longer explicitly list what is and isn't covered. If the car has been serviced and looked after it shouldn't matter if you've done 6k or 60k. I know that when I had my Mini and it had covered over 60k that the list of what wasn't covered put me off having a warranty.

With regards to warranty, the so called 'lifetime' warranty the Vaxhall do is a maximum of 100k so not a lifetime at all unless your about 80 and only popping to the shops. It would be nice for it to have a longer warranty but considering how long a lot of people keep cars in the UK making it longer as standard probably doesn't suit manufactures.

I had to have my active steering rack replaced on my E88 at 1200 miles