Very Stiff Steering,

P

Paul Morgan

Member
My 2013 Z4 has developed very stiff steering so much so that at very low speed it is almost imposable to steer, the problem is not present all of the time but it can be alarming when it happens while driving. Please can anyone advise me on what is causing this problem and how I can remedy it? I know that it is probably a fault with the electric power steering motor, if so can this be repaired or must it be replaced? Thanks.
 
I had a problem with the steering being heavy and not by, it turned out to be the universal joint on the steering Column where it runs inside the engine bay close to the exhaust (N54 engine)
I applied liberal amounts of penetrating oil which rectified the problem
 
As well as Chippie’s suggestion you could get it plugged into a code reader to see if that throws anything up. MR2’s for eg, can have problems with their power steering ECU’s. Hope you get sorted without too much expanse.
 
If it's intermittent then probably a duff EPS system, there was a recall on certain Z4s for exactly that problem, not sure if it was US only though. If that's the case it'll show up on a code scanner. New rack costs about £2k!
 
I've heard of early Zeds having steering issues, didn't realise the E89 suffered too. This is a 2013 and not a 2003 model ?
Welcome to the forum by the way
Got any photos :thumbsup:
 
E89 steering failures seem very uncommon..maybe its a mechanical issue as Chippie suggests?
 
It's all over other Z4 forums. The recall was only for US vehicles so probably why it's not talked about here.

https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=631481

I'm not saying that this is the fault but more than the mode of failure is identical to what the OP is describing. I've spent more time that I'd like to admit messing around with the EPS system and its software, this recall was just something that came up when I was doing some reading.
 
R.E92 said:
It's all over other Z4 forums. The recall was only for US vehicles so probably why it's not talked about here.

https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=631481

I'm not saying that this is the fault but more than the mode of failure is identical to what the OP is describing. I've spent more time that I'd like to admit messing around with the EPS system and its software, this recall was just something that came up when I was doing some reading.
Click to expand...


They said 162 US uniits out of 118,000 production run..unlucky for a few..
 
Hi, Thanks to everyone who replied, all vey helpful.

I have now had the car tested at an independent here in Cambridge and the fault code D516 has shown up, he wants to change the whole steering rack at a cost of just over £2000. My research tells me that the fault is with ECU of the power steering motor but this part is not available separately from the rack (how stupid is that). However a company called ECU Testing will fully test, overhaul and and re-program the motor if it is removed from the car and posted to them for £255 +vat in a three day turnaround. They say the the finished motor is better than the original as the is an upgrade installed, also that if the complete replacement rack was fitted this would be the same as the original as the manufactures (I guess BMW) still supply it as the original without upgrade.
Off to my brothers tomorrow (20 miles away) he's a motorcycle engineer and together we will remove the steering motor, perhaps I should say I am 70 and he's nearly 80, so wish us luck.
 
Sounds like a cogent plan..good luck..let us know how it goes pls..

Useful to have a repertoire of relatively low cost solutions to keep the fleet going? :thumbsup:
 
Hi,
Just to let you know that I received the electric steering motor back from ECU Testing today, they say that they have found and repaired a fault that was conducive with the steering problems I was having. This is good news as there was always a worry that it wasn't faulty and I would have to start to look for something else. I will be fitting the motor tomorrow and will keep you informed on progress.

Some Newbee questions.
While the car has been off the road in the last week and a half I have taken the opportunity to refurb my wheels and have some pics should I post them here in the wheels and tyres section?

Similarly, I want to ask about best tyres to buy for my car shall i put that under Tyres and wheels, it now seems obvious doesn't it..
 
Put both in the tyres section...be prepared for a multitude of opinionated comments.. :rofl: :thumbsup:
 
Paul Morgan said:
Just to let you know that I received the electric steering motor back from ECU Testing today, they say that they have found and repaired a fault that was conducive with the steering problems I was having. This is good news as there was always a worry that it wasn't faulty and I would have to start to look for something else. I will be fitting the motor tomorrow and will keep you informed on progress.
Click to expand...

That's great news - much cheaper than a new rack! :thumbsup:
 
Hello again,

The repaired steering motor was fitted today, it went back on without any difficulty. I have only done about 30 miles so far but the steering feels good and there's no warning light so hopefully its sorted. I will of course monitor it for longer but hopefully I won't have to be back on this thread again. If anyone has the same problem I would highly recommend ECU Testing they helpful, quick and efficient with their service.
 
The plan has come together. I’ll bet that came as a relief!
It would be good if you could post the repairers web address :thumbsup:
 
Paul Morgan said:
Hello again,

The repaired steering motor was fitted today, it went back on without any difficulty. I have only done about 30 miles so far but the steering feels good and there's no warning light so hopefully its sorted. I will of course monitor it for longer but hopefully I won't have to be back on this thread again. If anyone has the same problem I would highly recommend ECU Testing they helpful, quick and efficient with their service.
Click to expand...

Good news thanks for keeping us updated on this.. :thumbsup:
 
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