Steering problem fixed (sort of)

[RusHz4]

I had the sticky steering problem on by '04 Z4 and was upset that my "Ultimate Driving" machine was no longer fun to drive. I took my z4 to an independent mechanic who specializes in BMW's to work on 2 other problems and I asked him to look at the steering problem while he was at it.

He took the steering column apart and found a bearing that is anything but good engineering. There is a bearing in the middle of the steering column that is not sealed. With time and with heat the lubricant gets dry and cakes up. He told me this is what is making the steering sticky. He cleaned out the bearing and put in new lubricant and my Z is fun to drive again. $285 for all the work including the other two problems.

Now for the bad news:
He told me it was a temporary fix. The result of lousing engineering/design. The bearing is in the middel of the steering column. It is NOT a sealed bearing. It will happen again. The bearing is not replaceable. BMW does not list it as a part - you have to buy the entire steering column assembly (parts and labor over $3500). The inner bearing race is the column itself, which also means it cannot be replaced.

This is really poor engineering: It is UNSEALED and unreplaceable and it will happen again. In the meantime it is fun to drive again.

 

[BSVA]

I also have a 04 Z4 and had the sticky steering issue. Complained to them a few times during warranty, but no fixes at the time. After warranty expired, I brought the issue up again and they finally took care of it, BMW replaced the steering column at no charge. So my suggestion to you is to insist that BMW fix the problem that they are well aware of. Since you had it tampered with by an independent mechanic, I hope this will not make matters worse. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.