Steering problem (EPS)

J

jm5611

Member
Hello to all,

I bought a z4 30i a year and a half ago now, I'm super happy with it and for the first time I have a problem on it. The steering works intermittently and I have a fault (a54b), which indicates that the car cannot communicate with the steering motor. I've seen this problem is common on this generation.

So I'm hesitating between taking it apart and having ECU Testing fix it for £400, or buying a used motor for up to £100 (I've found the motor part number and apparently it's the same as on the 1 and 3 series).

Do you know if this second solution is valid? I mean put a 3 series or 1 series engine on the steering of my z4 e89.

Here is the motor reference: 7802277265

Thank you all for your advice
 
jm5611 said:
Hello to all,

I bought a 2011 z4 30i a year and a half ago now, I'm super happy with it and for the first time I have a problem on it. The steering works intermittently and I have a fault (a54b), which indicates that the car cannot communicate with the steering motor. I've seen this problem is common on this generation.

So I'm hesitating between taking it apart and having ECU Testing fix it for £400, or buying a used motor for up to £100 (I've found the motor part number and apparently it's the same as on the 1 and 3 series).

Do you know if this second solution is valid? I mean put a 3 series or 1 series engine on the steering of my z4 e89.

Here is the motor reference: 7802277265

Thank you all for your advice, it's thanks to you that I bought this car from a forum member :thumbsup:

(Sorry for my English, I'm French)
Click to expand...

EPS refurb via ECUTesting is the best option and should be a permanent long term fix.

I've had the same issue but I had nowhere to leave the car whilst the motor was off so I bought a cheap 2nd hand unit via eBay as a temporary measure. That was 6 months ago and I'm still running it today. I paid £28 and it's been fine. I still have the original unit and expect to send it off when the 2nd part goes wrong.

One point to make, if the part numbers are correct then plug and play, no need for coding. :thumbsup:
 
Thanks for your answer, the engine you bought second hand was from a z4? Or another model like a 1 series or 3 series. If I understand correctly, the problem is due to an electronic failure. :driving:
 
jm5611 said:
Thanks for your answer, the engine you bought second hand was from a z4? Or another model like a 1 series or 3 series. If I understand correctly, the problem is due to an electronic failure. :driving:
Click to expand...

Not 100% sure, I think it was a 1 series. It should have 2 part numbers, 1 on the encoder and 1 on the motor body, the PN I searched for was 7802277265 which if I remember correctly is the PN located on the aluminium housing. This is the same one you are looking for.

I read many BMW forum posts that discussed the need to code the unit to your ECU, mine did not require coding but if you do have an issue I think it is just a matter of changing the EPS build date. Good luck :thumbsup:
 
jm5611 said:
Thanks for your answer, is it complicated to change the electric motor by yourself?
Click to expand...

No, but the car needs to be on axle stands or similar (wheels need to be free) and follow the instructions on the ECU testing website. ensure you release belt tension enough for the drive gear to be fully clear to remove.
 
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