Sticky/notchy steering resolved on the E89?

[Jayne M E]

Hi there,

Have previously owned an E85 with the sticky / notchy steering issue

It was bad enough to make me sell the car - attempted a few fixes at the time but it didn't solve the issue

Now wondering about buying an E89 - did the problem get resolved with this new model?

Tried googling around - found some mentions of 'stiff steering' related to the E89 but I'm hoping this isn't the same thing as the infamous sticky or notchy steering of the previous model

Many thanks in advance

 

[B21]

E89 had a completely different design of electronic steering rack…

There was a small batch around 2010 that had duff versions that affected quite a few BMW models..I’m aware of the odd issue but doesn’t seem to be anywhere as prevalent as the E85 issue..

 

[Jayne M E]

E89 had a completely different design of electronic steering rack…

There was a small batch around 2010 that had duff versions that affected quite a few BMW models..I’m aware of the odd issue but doesn’t seem to be anywhere as prevalent as the E85 issue..

Many thanks for the reply much appreciated

That's really good to know the E89 benefitted from a new design of electronic steering rack

Unfortunately tho the car I was considering was a 2010 may have to reconsider that + find a later one - I guess there is no way of telling if its one of the early ones affected unless it actually presents the issue on the test drive (which my E85 didn't )

 

[B21]

It was only a small batch and by now probably the issues would have presented themselves..I wouldn’t imho let the date put you off..

 

[Silverstar]

It was only a small batch and by now probably the issues would have presented themselves..I wouldn’t imho let the date put you off..

What were the issues with the racks on the 2010 cars?

 

[Marcoose]

I never felt a sticky steering on the E85 after perhaps 15 years and over 100,000 miles. But do feel it on the 35is. It only happens occasionally, and when it does, after a long drive, and going downhill on the motorway. Weird feeling. Nobody knows what it is.

 

[Chippie]

I had notchy steering on mine not long after I bought it, the steering knuckle in the engine bay near the exhaust had seized, a liberal application of penetrating oil sorted it out and it’s been fine since.

 

[Jayne M E]

It was only a small batch and by now probably the issues would have presented themselves..I wouldn’t imho let the date put you off..

Great many thanks for that

I'll keep that in mind much appreciated

 

[Jayne M E]

I never felt a sticky steering on the E85 after perhaps 15 years and over 100,000 miles. But do feel it on the 35is. It only happens occasionally, and when it does, after a long drive, and going downhill on the motorway. Weird feeling. Nobody knows what it is.

Yes definitely a strange thing when its there - it was prevalent on our E85 as soon as it was up to temp it was very noticeable

Great to learn here tho that it was sorted with the E89

 

[Jayne M E]

I had notchy steering on mine not long after I bought it, the steering knuckle in the engine bay near the exhaust had seized, a liberal application of penetrating oil sorted it out and it’s been fine since.

That was lucky Chippie - so nice when its a cheap easy fix + the problem's sorted

 

[jamesgarbett]

Not long after i got my E89 from BMW as an AUC it developed a strange noise

BMW diagnosed it as needing a new steering rack - but I had never noticed any issues with the steering

At this point the car was about 7 years old - luckily it was done under warranty as quite expensive parts/labour

 

[B21]

It was only a small batch and by now probably the issues would have presented themselves..I wouldn’t imho let the date put you off..

What were the issues with the racks on the 2010 cars?

This recall involves the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist control module. An electronic component within the EPS assist control module is out of specification. As a result, a sudden loss of power steering assist may occur. However, if there was a loss of power steering assist, manual steering capability would be retained, although the effort required to steer would be more difficult.

If a loss of power steering assist occurs, a warning symbol will be illuminated on the vehicle's instrument cluster. An audible warning will also be activated.

Please note that, the next time the vehicle is started, the EPS assist module could function properly. This would be indicated by the instrument cluster NOT displaying the warning symbol. However, the condition could occur again while driving.

AFFECTED VEHICLES
This Recall Campaign involves Z4 and ActiveE models which were produced from November 2011 to December 2012.

In order to determine whether a specific vehicle has had this Recall Campaign completed or is affected by this Recall Campaign, first check the B-pillar label for code number 622. If code number 622 has been punched out, the campaign has already been performed. If code number 622 has not been punched out, it will be necessary to utilize the "Service Menu" of DCSnet (Dealer Communication System) or the Key Reader. Based on the response of the system, either proceed with the corrective action or take no further action.

CORRECTION
The repair consists of replacing the electronic power steering gear (EPS).

PROCEDURE
For Z4 models, refer to Repair Instruction 32 13 070, "Removing and installing (replacing) electric steering box (EPS)."

ActiveE vehicles DO NOT require a prior PuMA case for this repair.

For ActiveE models, refer to Repair Instruction 32 13 572, "Replacing electrical steering gear (EPS) (eDrive 1)."

PARTS INFORMATION
Part Number Description Quantity
32 10 6 855 880 Steering Gear (E82E) 1
32 10 6 855 888 Steering Gear (E89) 1
Performing a Steering Gear part number look-up in ETK by VIN or model will result with the wrong Steering Gear part being invoiced.

Note: The part number(s) listed for this vehicle in ETK are not the correct part(s) for this repair, request and invoice the part number(s) specified and listed in this Service Information bulletin. Performing a part number look-up in ETK by VIN or model will result with the wrong part(s) being invoiced and installed.

The following components are required for replacement of the steering gear, regardless of model.

Part Number Description Quantity
32 10 6 773 068 ASA bolt 2
33 32 6 768 884 Hex nut 2
32 30 6 778 609 Torx bolt 2
33 30 6 787 062 Combination nut 2

 

[B21]

It was only a small batch and by now probably the issues would have presented themselves..I wouldn’t imho let the date put you off..

What were the issues with the racks on the 2010 cars?

My 2010 E89 sDrive35i has recently indicated a "steering assistance malfunction" warning and the EPS has been acting erratic (sometimes very heavy, sometimes the wheel vibrates and generally the steering has an inconsistent feel).

The service advisor says the WHOLE steering rack needs to be replaced and that will be $3625 (part is 2800 and labor, including diagnosis is the rest). Apparently the EPS control is integral to the steering rack. The part number is 32 10 6 868 226. The diagnosis says "no communication with the EPS" so this appears to be strictly an electrical issue.

I only have 20,800 miles and this is just out of CPO warranty a few months. I opened a case with BWMNA and they have "declined to assist" as I'm out of warranty (but wouldn't specify any other reason).

Has anyone had this or similar EPS issues? What causes this? I am very mechanically inclined (I have repaired most of my 2002 X5 issues myself), but am reluctant to deal with this as I've seen no write-ups and the part doesn't seem to be readily available online. (I found some pages with a price of $667, but not anyplace I would order from).

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!

 

[B21]

It was only a small batch and by now probably the issues would have presented themselves..I wouldn’t imho let the date put you off..

What were the issues with the racks on the 2010 cars?

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1469927

 

[matsmith749]

The z4 (of any age) isn't on the list of affected cars according to that thread.

Have the bolts failed on yours or is it a different issue? Electronic components are not part of the reported issues in the TSBs for these other vehicles.

 

[Jayne M E]

Not long after i got my E89 from BMW as an AUC it developed a strange noise

BMW diagnosed it as needing a new steering rack - but I had never noticed any issues with the steering

At this point the car was about 7 years old - luckily it was done under warranty as quite expensive parts/labour

Lucky you had that warranty + nice peace of mind

 

[Jayne M E]

My 2010 E89 sDrive35i has recently indicated a "steering assistance malfunction" warning and the EPS has been acting erratic (sometimes very heavy, sometimes the wheel vibrates and generally the steering has an inconsistent feel).

Wow that is quite some quote from your service advisor to fix that problem

Sorry I can't offer any help on the problem but I just wanted to ask about the CPO warranty you mentioned - is this a 'Certified Pre Owned'?

Just wondered how that worked and where you had got it from - many thanks

 

[matsmith749]

CPO 'Certified Pre Owned' warranty is the american market version of the BMW AUC 'Approved Used Car' scheme - same thing / different country.

 

[Jayne M E]

CPO 'Certified Pre Owned' warranty is the american market version of the BMW AUC 'Approved Used Car' scheme - same thing / different country.

Ah I see thanks for confirming Mat

Have used the BMW AUC in the past with a car purchase - thought the CPO was maybe something else available that I hadn't heard of

It seems there's BMW AUC and then just a myriad of after market warranty companies the likes of which I wouldn't know where to start with

 

[Silverstar]

It was only a small batch and by now probably the issues would have presented themselves..I wouldn’t imho let the date put you off..

What were the issues with the racks on the 2010 cars?

This recall involves the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist control module. An electronic component within the EPS assist control module is out of specification. As a result, a sudden loss of power steering assist may occur. However, if there was a loss of power steering assist, manual steering capability would be retained, although the effort required to steer would be more difficult.

If a loss of power steering assist occurs, a warning symbol will be illuminated on the vehicle's instrument cluster. An audible warning will also be activated.

Please note that, the next time the vehicle is started, the EPS assist module could function properly. This would be indicated by the instrument cluster NOT displaying the warning symbol. However, the condition could occur again while driving.

AFFECTED VEHICLES
This Recall Campaign involves Z4 and ActiveE models which were produced from November 2011 to December 2012.

In order to determine whether a specific vehicle has had this Recall Campaign completed or is affected by this Recall Campaign, first check the B-pillar label for code number 622. If code number 622 has been punched out, the campaign has already been performed. If code number 622 has not been punched out, it will be necessary to utilize the "Service Menu" of DCSnet (Dealer Communication System) or the Key Reader. Based on the response of the system, either proceed with the corrective action or take no further action.

CORRECTION
The repair consists of replacing the electronic power steering gear (EPS).

PROCEDURE
For Z4 models, refer to Repair Instruction 32 13 070, "Removing and installing (replacing) electric steering box (EPS)."

ActiveE vehicles DO NOT require a prior PuMA case for this repair.

For ActiveE models, refer to Repair Instruction 32 13 572, "Replacing electrical steering gear (EPS) (eDrive 1)."

PARTS INFORMATION
Part Number Description Quantity
32 10 6 855 880 Steering Gear (E82E) 1
32 10 6 855 888 Steering Gear (E89) 1
Performing a Steering Gear part number look-up in ETK by VIN or model will result with the wrong Steering Gear part being invoiced.

Note: The part number(s) listed for this vehicle in ETK are not the correct part(s) for this repair, request and invoice the part number(s) specified and listed in this Service Information bulletin. Performing a part number look-up in ETK by VIN or model will result with the wrong part(s) being invoiced and installed.

The following components are required for replacement of the steering gear, regardless of model.

Part Number Description Quantity
32 10 6 773 068 ASA bolt 2
33 32 6 768 884 Hex nut 2
32 30 6 778 609 Torx bolt 2
33 30 6 787 062 Combination nut 2

Thanks!