BMW Z4 steering problems occur frequently. In the period of 2003 to 2009, BMW fitted electric power steering rack to its Z4s that is prone to failure.
We dissect how to diagnose and replace a faulty power steering column in the BMW Z4 below.
But how do you know that the problem with your BMW Z4’s steering is in the electric power steering column and not in some other place, like the torque sensor? And after you find out that the electric power steering column is the problem, what is the solution?
Don’t get overwhelmed; we’ll take you through every procedure step by step. In addition, we will advise you on how much the replacement should cost. Whether you are attempting to do the manual labor yourself, in order to avoid the steep prices of the shop on your BMW Z4 column problems; or you are just trying to find out a bit about how it’s done, we’ve got you covered!
Electric Power Steering Column Failure
![BMW Z4 Electric Power Steering Column Failure](https://automotivesblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/BMW-Z4-Electric-Power-Steering-Column-Failure-1024x768.jpg)
Regarding diagnosing a failed electric power steering column, the procedure is simple. The first thing you are going to observe is that you have no power steering. What does that mean? When you attempt to steer the wheel, the effort is going to be much greater than normal.
With the car, you can still turn it but it will become a real chore! It’s something you’ll feel, no matter how tough you are. In addition, it is not an issue that you can neglect fixing. That is because it is very difficult to turn the automobile, and you will not be able to drive safely through the traffic. In addition to the obvious loss of power steering, when you glance at the dashboard, you’re going to see that you have a power steering light on. However, the only way to be completely certain about the need to replace the entire electric power steering column will be to connect a scan tool and try to communicate with the steering system.
When you have a bad power steering column, the whole steering system will be silent. This implies that your steering angle sensor and steering torque sensors will show a reading of “-“ or null depending on the scan tool you are using.
If you are experiencing all these symptoms, your power steering column has probably failed. Although there is a slim possibility that both your torque sensor and steering angle sensor ceased to function at the same time. However, this is where the principle of Occam’s razor steps in. Or, as my old foreman used to put it, KISS it. Keep it simple, stupid. How to avoid this.
The short answer is to avoid purchasing a BMW Z4 built during 2003-2009. We could say that routine maintenance is the best way to avoid this, but the fact is, while routine maintenance prevents a lot of problems, a bad power steering column isn’t one of them.
The maximum you could do is not to use your car as if it were racing every day of the week. However, if you are driving like this, you will not lack some problems from time to time, will you? Apart from that, your hands must be crossed, and hope for luck!
How Costly is it to Repair?
![BMW Z4 Expensive Repair Power Steering Column Failure](https://automotivesblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/BMW-Z4-Expensive-Repair-Power-Steering-Column-Failure-1024x674.jpg)
The worst news is that it costs about 300 dollars if you do the entire repair yourself. The best thing you can do is to have your electric power steering column saved. It won’t be found on the market and you won’t be able to rebuild it (unless you have a fully functional machine shop, in which case you should not be reading this article).
And if you are having it taken to a shop for someone else to do the work, it will be much higher. This happens because, to reach the electric power steering column, the rack and pinion should be removed, which in turn means the entire steering assembly should be disassembled. After that, your bad electric power steering column will have to be shipped out to be rebuilt—so, all that totals about 8 hours of work.
Depending on what your area dealership charges, you can expect the entire repair to cost between $900 – $1900. Far from a cheap repair. But what else do you have when you have to choose between an expensive repair or a Z4 without power steering?
Last but not least, the repairs should not be expected to be completed overnight either. This is due to the fact that the power steering column of your vehicle will need to be replaced, even at your BMW dealership. Thus, your car will be in the garage under optimal conditions for a week.
How to Complete the Repair
We’ll guide you through the repair, however, we have to stress up front that this is NOT a small job. Additionally, if you install the part improperly, you will ruin your newly overhauled electric power steering column and your rack and pinion. However, if you’re still sure about your skills, keep scrolling, and we will tell you how to do it!
As I have mentioned before, the first thing you need to do is to take out your rack and pinion. Yes, it is doable practically to conduct the repair if the rack and pinion are still on the vehicle, but the accessibility is going to be a huge issue, and you will wind up taking even more parts off.
The rack and pinion have to be disconnected so that when they are removed, one should be careful to ensure that the steering wheel remains in the center and it shouldn’t be moved around once disconnected. If not done right, you will eventually tear lots of things apart again just to get the steering wheel straight.
After that, you can lift the front of the car and remove the wheels so you can reach the outer tie rod ends easily and pull out the rack and pinion after you have disconnected all of the nuts. Then, when the wheel is off, you have to take the outer tie rod ends off from the steering knuckles. At last, the rack and pinion mounting bolts need to be removed and the electrical connecter to the electric power steering column has to be disconnected.
After getting the rack and pinion disconnected from the chassis, you will be able to remove it through any of the wheel wells that are now revealed. It would take some bone-setting to work it out, but you can do it! Once you have removed your rack and pinion, the enjoyable part of the work can start!
The subsequent action is to take away the electric steering column. You begin by taking out the five T-45 bolts from the side of the electric power steering column. With all T-45 bolts removed, the cover can be gently pried off to reveal the inside of the electric power steering motor.
While the cover is off, you have the best opportunity to see the belt and gears and make sure that everything is in working order. Note that unless you take out the complete inner tie rod end (which you actually don’t need to!), you won’t be able to remove the cover fully. But, it will be possible to shift it to a distance enough to finish the task.
From that point, you should take off the three T-40 bolts to unattach the motor from the remaining part of the assembly. Before prying it off, you MUST rotate the inner retaining ring, so that the groove behind the belt is aligned with the splines.
Using a small screwdriver, carefully pry into the grooves of the inner retaining ring to rotate to the right position. Do not forget to mark the location of the inner retaining ring groove with a paint marker to put it back in the correct way during reassembly. If so, your rack pinion and electric power steering column WILL be damaged.
In the end, detach the electrical connectors with the screwdriver before removing the electric power steering column. Let’s send it out for testing and rebuilding! The first step of the process is the reinstallation of everything, following the same directions the other way.
Are There Any Recalls About This Problem?
The last thing you need while cruising down the road is a failure of your electric power steering column. It is a safety function that is supposed to activate when you require it. Unfortunately, the electronic power steering column should have been recalled, but there isn’t one.
As for a set of vehicles that have already completed their life cycle and are aging, it may not be expected that one is ever coming. What does that mean for you? Nonetheless, the steering column going out is a recurrent problem, but the repair is on you.
Conclusion
BMW Z4 cursor problem can become your life-long enemy. However, they can sure be an expensive hassle, but with some knowledge and dedication, you can repair your BMW Z4 steering problems and get back to driving!
Write Us Your Complaints
If you experience such a steering problem, let us know about it in the comments section below, illustrating the issue and the way it has started. We are willing to complain against BMW for the beginning of recalling this generation of BMW Z4 (E85-E86). The problem is a manufacturing fault and BMW should repair it free of charge! I anticipate your complaints. Drive safe!
My BMW Z4 3.0i steering power faulty. It started when i was turning. It becomes so hard to turn.
Hi Harry,
Bad to hear, but this is the most annoying problem of the BMW Z4 of that generation.
We need many complaints, so we can forward the article to the BMW Headquarters and we hope in a recall.
Thanks!
I bought my 2003 BMW Z4 new. I only driving on beautiful weather weekends. As of now, it only has 58,000 miles. I have not taken out of the garage since April. Today I took it for a wash and the steering is hard and the steering wheel feels like it slips.
Hi William,
Thanks for your review. Very bad to hear that! Hope a recall will be available soon! I encourage all of our visitors to write a comment regarding this manufacturing problem, so we can forward the complaints to BMW A.G.
Thanks!
Great article! Hope to see a recall soon. I am very disappointed because BMW did not process a recall for the BMW Z4 steering issue yet.
I own a 2004 BMW Z4 2.5i I bought it used in 2010 with 22,000 miles. It was on a cool December day when I test drove the car and I loved it. No sign of any steering problems. On a warmer day after driving for a while I suddenly experienced a unexpected binding of the steering and almost binding ended up steering into oncoming traffic. This really scared me and I started investigating. Yes, this is a known safety defect, but BMW doesn’t do anything about it. NHTSA, which supposed to protect us from unsafe vehicles, did not do their job either. I am a retired Automotive engineer with Fiat-Iveco and NHTSA made my company recall vehicles for much less.
The defect gets worse in hot weather and I don’t let my son, friends or anybody else drive the vehicle, as I am afraid that they could get hurt, aside from a liability issue on my side. I can’t really sell the vehicle with a known safety defect from a moral standpoint and I definitely would be liable should the car get involved in an accident caused by a known defect.
BMW and NHTSA do your job before somebody gets hurt or killed! Doing nothing, will cost you more in Settlements and Reputation in a long run…the problem will not go away by doing nothing!
Erhard Kostler
Director of Engineering-Fiat/Iveco Retired
Hi Erhard,
Thanks for your comment about the steering issue you experienced with your BMW Z4 and we hope to receive comments from all the owners of the first gen BMW Z4 so we can forward this article to BMW A.G and NHTSA for an upcoming recall.
Please share this article with your friends ( Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, etc. ) to spread it worldwide, because we need many complaints about the BMW Z4 steering problems.
Please keep safe!
Thanks for initiating some action and I will try my best to spread the word to force NHTSA to recall the vehicles with this safety defect!
You’re welcome, dear Erhard Kostler. We also want to see a recall as soon as possible, because it has been a long period of time ( ~15 years ) and we see no recall yet for a safety problem with the BMW Z4. Please share the article with your friends. Thanks!
I too am suffering with the failed power steering in my 2005 Z4. The problem was intermittent when starting the car and then failed completely. Following the advice of others i have no choice but to fix it myself as the BMW dealership wants over $5000 dollars to do replace the whole column. Hopefully i can conquer this job as BMW should have addressed this safety issues years ago.
Hi Brandon,
How many mileages does your BMW Z4 have?
We also hope in a recall as soon as possible.
My 2005 Z4 power steering light just came on this afternoon 😡😡 steering is now really heavy
I have a 2006 Z4 3.0si Coupe. Steering is extremely hard to turn sometimes and completely fine others. Hit or miss, but usually a definite hit when the car has been sitting for a few days. No codes/lights at all.
Changed out the control arms, bushings, tie rods, etc. No change.
I own BMW Z4 3.0i and came across electric power steering loss after 4 months of purchase.
Exactly as described in your article it is not a cheap nor easy repair. It cost a little fortune to fix it through the BMW dealer and not much cheaper if you decide to go through private garage. I had mine column sent and rebuilt by company who gives you lifetime warranty on repair, 2 years after initial repair the power steering failed again, contacted the company in regards to lifetime warranty and, surprise surprise they can’t find any of my details in a system 🤔 nightmare!
BMW should definitely recall this very common for this car problem!
Hi Piotr,
Thanks for your complaint.
You are right, it’s a nightmare for all of the first gen Z4 owners. We all hope that BMW will start a recall for this issue as soon as possible.
Please stay tuned on Automotivesblog.com for more info.
Thanks and have a nice day ahead!
I have the same problem. BMW Z4, 2.5 2004. The steering wheel suddenly stopped working and I don’t know how to fix it. I live in Sweden.
Hi Leon,
Sorry to hear that, but all the first generation BMW Z4s are prone to fail. Please share this article on Facebook. If the article get many complaints ( comments ), we will be ready to fill a Recall Request at the BMW headquarters.
Thanks and please Stay Safe, dear Leon! 🙂
Hi,
Have you been in contact with BMW regarding this issue? Maybe we could this colectivelly in a more formal way.
Regards
León
Hi Leon,
I tried to contact BMW A.G. regarding this issue and we hope for a positive response.
Please share this article on Facebook so we can receive more complaints.
Thanks!
Hi,
Thanks, please let me know if you receive a favorable response from BMW.
All the best,
León
Hi Leon,
I will update the article when we receive a response from BMW.
All the best,
AutomotivesBlog Team
My BMW E85 steering fault appeared on the dash, no warning believe it is an electric power-steering motor expensive repair. BMW should have recalled these as there are plenty of problems with them.
I have a 2006 Z4…with 120,000 miles. I have had issues with steering, more so on hot days. The steering feels very sticky! I first noticed the problem at about 100,000 miles. And it’s very heat related!
Hi Kerry,
Thanks for your complaint. Sorry to hear that you encounter problems with your BMW Z4’s steering. Please stay tuned on AutomotivesBlog because we are waiting for a response from the BMW A.G.
Regards,
AutomotivesBlog Team
I’m not sure if I have the “sticky steering” issue. My 2004 Z4 is not difficult or hard to turn, however it feels like when I’m driving straight I constantly have to slightly correct my steering to keep it straight and it seem like it “catchy” if that make sense. I want to get it fixed. I am concerned because when I first bought the vehicle, I took it to the BMW dealer to change all the fluids and correct a check engine light I had that came on a week on after I had it delivered ( never by a vehicle on line). The dealership supposedly ran a complete diagnostic on the vehicle. After spending $5k on repairs and fluid change I started noticing that the steering felt tight and as I said before if I make a slight correction it seems to feel like the steering “catches” I’m concerned to take it to the dealer as I know they will charge just to do a diagnostic check. I heard that repairing this issue could cost up to $5k at the dealer.
Hi Douglas,
Thanks for your complaint. All of the E85/E86 BMW Z4 have the steering issue. 🙁
Please try not to go with your car to the dealership because they will require a lot of money to repair. Try other alternatives, DIY, friends, etc.
Also, we are waiting for a response from BMW regarding a possible recall.
Stay tuned on AutomotivesBlog for more news.
Best wishes,
AutomotivesBlog Team
I have a 2003 Z4 2.5i with 74,000 miles. Today I learned about this problem after the amber warning light came on and I lost power steering. Good luck with the recall effort!
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for the complaint. Sorry to hear that you have problems with your BMW Z4 steering. Please stay tuned on AutomotivesBLOG for more info regarding the recall.
Kind Regards,
AutomotivesBLOG Staff
A friends 2003 Z4, 68k miles, just had the same failure issues, could not drive in a straight line, hard to steer, etc. BMW dealer here in North Carolina want $7.4 k to replace steering column.
Hi Neil,
Yes, it’s to expensive to fix it, and the problem will be back…
We hope in a recall from BMW. Stay tuned on AutomotivesBlog.com for more details.
Thanks!
I have a 2003 BMW Z4 with 80K miles and it has sticky steering. It is quite scary at times to drive near other cars b/c of the way it sticks. I will not let anyone else in my household drive the car as a result and I frankly do not feel it is safe. BMW will eventually have a lawsuit on their hands when a bad wreck occurs and they don’t issue a recall.
Hi Christopher,
Sorry to hear that you have problems with your BMW Z4. Please note that all the owners of that Z4 generation are experiencing the same issue.
We are waiting for an answer from BMW regarding a possible recall, so please stay tuned on AutomotivesBlog for more details.
Drive safe!
Best Regards,
AutomotivesBlog Staff
My 2003 BMW Z4 3.0i SMG power steering is functional but during hot weather, 80-90 F, the steering becomes very notchy; a known problem as reported here and elsewhere and still no recall. There is some info online with a solution which I have tried with some success. Apparently because of clearance issues, the interface between the electric motor and the steering column expands with the heat causing the binding. Loosening the 2 bolts on the motor and rotating the motor a few millimeters helps. I can’t believe there has never been a recall on this problem!
Hello Jerry,
Hope you are doing well! 🙂
Sorry to hear that you encounter problems with your 2003 BMW Z4 3.0i.
We are waiting for a response from BMW regarding a future recall…
Please stay tuned on AutomotivesBLOG.com for more info regarding the recall, and please STAY SAFE!
Thanks and Regards,
AutomotivesBLOG Staff
I have a 2004 BMW Z4 3.0 (80,000 miles) with a steering issue as well. Mine is a bit different. 4 different mechanics have said that the column needs replacing (including the BMW dealership) When I start the car up in the morning my power steering light comes on and I have no power steering. However, when the car sits outside in the hot weather for a while, I will go to start it and the power steering works fine…no indicator light all. Sometimes in the morning I will be driving around town for a while and the power steering will just kick back in on its own. There is no pulling or torquing, just just the power steering going on and off. It has been going on for over a year and is definitely related to the hot weather. Any thoughts? Thanks. Tim.
Hi Tim,
Sorry to hear that you have problems with your car, BMW Z4. Please note that all the owners of that Z4 generation are experiencing the same issue.
We are waiting for an answer from BMW regarding a possible recall, so please stay tuned on our blog more details.
Drive safe!
Best Regards,
AutomotivesBlog Staff
They all have this issue and my local dealer wants 6000 to fix my 04 with 70k miles on it. Was even able to get a used functional one from a 2008 with 30k and they where able to program it but it fails the second you turn the wheel and it comes back saying you need to replace it all. I have been driving the car for 2 years without it not big of a deal but my wife can not. I did file a federal complaint and one with bmw directly with the reply being well guess you should have purchased a bmw. Have owned several bmw over the years but this is the only one i have kept outside of the warranty. Every time I consider getting a new one i just think about how crappy their customer service was and i end up with an Acura. Which is sad because the car has been a tank besides this issue and never had any other problems. My neighbors 2016 steering failed and they covered is outside of warranty.
Hi Chris,
Sorry to hear that you have problems with the steering wheel of your BMW Z4… The fixing cost is very expensive…
We filed a complaint against BMW regarding this, so please stay tuned for news.
Thanks,
AutomotivesBlog Staff
Hi Peter,
Thanks for your comment.
We are still waiting for an answer from BMW AG regarding a possible recall for this issue.
Please stay tuned on AutomotivesBLOG.com for future updates.
Thanks,
AutomotivesBLOG Staff
2004 2.5 BMW Z4: Had the car for about 7 or 8 years, 2nd owner, less than 60,000 miles.
Power steering constantly going off and on. BMW quotes £2500 to fix something they made faulty, which has drastic safety issues. A piss take, and a disgrace from a company regarded for quality.
Hi Jonathan,
Thanks for your comment.
The repairing of the BMW Z4 steering column is very expensive.
We filled a complaint about a possible recall, so please stay tuned on Automotivesblog for more info.
Stay safe!
Thanks,
Automotivesblog Staff
I bought a 2003 BMW Z4, test driving it had no idea the steering was going to be a problem, but after buying it private sale, after a few hours of driving home with it, it felt like the steering wanted to lock up, causing me to drive pretty erratic going from one side of the lane to the other. Looking into why this happened I find it is a common problem. Hope BMW does a recall to fix this problem before someone is hurt bad or even killed from this problem.
Hi Richard,
You’re not the only one.
The problem is present to all the owner of that generation BMW Z4.
We hope BMW will start a recall to fix this problem as soon as possible.
Thanks for reading our publication!
Stay tuned on Automotivesblog for more news and updates regarding this issue.
Please stay safe!
Best Regards,
Automotivesblog Staff
My 2005 Z4 manual doesn’t mention electric power steering unless I’m over looking it. And it seems that everything in the manual mentions the 3.0 and not my 2.5. But the power steering went out at night in the rain and I couldn’t get a tow till the morning. It was IMPOSSIBLE to steer and a plastic sound was in the dash sounding as if plastic was rubbing and cracking. There should have been a recall on these and the repair should be free instead of $ 2089.87 and a $150.00 tow.
Hi Milan,
Thanks for your great comment.
Yes, you’re right! BMW should recall these cars.
Let’s see what they will say about this big issue.
Until then, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to your and your family, dear Milan!
2004 Z4 2.5 manual – 72,000 miles – I bought this car two years ago from a local dealership. It drove fine at first, but developed the sticky steering soon after. In the past few months, it has started the random pull to the left or right (‘darty’). I can have a drive where it doesn’t happen at all, but the next drive on the same road is terrifying. I have read so many comments on the internet with similar experiences but no real solutions. Do we think this will be resolved at some point or should I get rid of the car?
Hi Keith,
We hope that BMW will start a recall program for this issue… because we have so many complaints.
I will update the article if something comes up.
Stay tuned on Automotivesblog.com for more info.
Best Regards,
AutomotivesBlog Staff
I have a 2003 bmw z4 2.5i and I bought the car with it like this. It’s a hit or miss. Some days it does it some days it doesn’t. I start the car and it works for like 5 seconds then hard to steer for 30 seconds then good for the rest of the drive.. other times it will work perfectly!. Makes me wonder on why bmw never fixed this. Please send this out
Hi Josiah,
Thanks for your complaint about the steering problem of your 2003 BMW Z4 2.5i.
We are waiting for the BMW’s answer, but until now, we haven’t received anything.
They know about the issue, and I think that they don’t want to claim a recall to fix the issue.
Please stay connected to AutomotivesBlog for new updates regarding this issue.
Thanks a lot! Please stay safe and healthy!
My 2004 Z4 2.5i steering gets sticky when the car is left out in the heat. It scared me so much I don’t leave it in the heat anymore. I find it hard to understand how BMW isn’t fixing this dangerous condition!
Hi Elizabeth,
Thanks for your comment regarding the steering issue of your 2004 BMW Z4 2.5i.
We are waiting for the BMW’s answer, but until now, we haven’t received anything.
They know about the issue, and I think that they don’t want to claim a recall to fix the issue.
Please stay connected to AutomotivesBlog for new updates regarding this issue.
Thanks a lot! Please stay safe and healthy!
I have a 2011 z4 with 42000 miles. The power steering does not work when the engine is cold. After a few minutes of driving, it goes on. The engine light is ahead on. Is there anything new concerning a recall? Thanks.
Hi Tammie,
Welcome to the Automotives blog! and thanks for the complaint. Please note that almost all the BMW Z4s from that generation suffer from this annoying steering problem.
We’re waiting for a recall from the BMW, so please stay connected to the Automotives blog for more details.
Please stay safe and healthy!
I have a 2004 Z4 and I am having the same problem. BMW needs to recall this and fix it!
Hi Joe,
Thanks for your complaint. It will help a lot to achieve a recall from BMW.
Sure, they should fix it, but we are waiting for a recall. Please stay connected to Automotives Blog for more updates regarding this.
Please stay safe and healthy!
We need more and more complaints from other BMW Z4 owners because it will help us a lot.
Best Regards,
Automotivesblog
I purchased this 2003 Z4 from a private seller on Thursday (3/10/22) located in Myrtle Beach, SC. On the way home (187 mile trip), about ¾ of the trip, I was driving about 55 mph on 701 North and the steering felt as if it was sticking to the point where moving the wheel took a slight effort to unstick it which put me into oncoming traffic in the other lane. I almost had a head-on collision with an 18-wheeler but he swerved and I was able to get the Z4 back into my lane without incident (other than what seemed like a mild heart attack on my part!).
This sticking feeling continued while at speed. When I arrived home, I started researching the problem and found many owners of Z4s had this issue. The vehicle has only 39K miles on it.
The previous owner had this issue in April of 2008 and took it to a BMW dealer who advised them that the repair would cost $2,950.00. The previous owner declined the repair because they couldn’t afford it. The vehicle also drifts to the left and attempts by the previous owner to have the vehicle aligned to correct this, have failed.
The vehicle had only 13K on the odometer at the time BMW advised of the faulty steering column. I have the service record receipt. I suspect the reason the vehicle has only 39K on it now is because the previous owner is elderly and felt afraid to drive the vehicle.
I also researched this issue and found hundreds of Z4 owners had this exact issue I am having. NHTSA complaints were filed by hundreds of owners (including myself) but it appears BMW has yet to issue a recall. This makes absolutely no sense to me considering the safety of this vehicle and issues all these owners have had with the faulty steering column.
I opened a case with BMW corporate and they said they would do nothing even though the issue was reported back in 2008, so I’m on my own here to get it repaired. BMW also states that parts needed aren’t available. They say the problem is in the steering column.
What’s needed here is a class action lawsuit.
Hi Rick,
Thanks for your complaint. It will help a lot to achieve a recall from BMW.
Sorry to hear that you were almost to doing an accident because of the steering column issue.
Sure, they should fix it, but we are waiting for a recall. Please stay connected to Automotives Blog for more updates regarding this.
Please stay safe and healthy! Also, please drive safe!
We need more and more complaints from other BMW Z4 owners because it will help us a lot.
Best Regards,
Automotivesblog
Hi William,
I have a 2007 Z4 with only 19K. at 18 k the power soft top failed, soon after the ABS light came on, next was the crank shaft position sensor failure and just the other day the power steering failed.
I was driving along and the steering became stiffer and stiffer, nearly impossible to turn. The car has always been meticulously cared for, garaged and maintained. Shame on BMW for never recalling the power steering issue as I can live with all the other issues, but the steering problem is an extremely dangerous problem.
Thanks,
Vincent.
Hi Vincent,
Thanks for your complaint. It will help a lot to achieve a recall from BMW.
Sure, they should fix it, but we are waiting for a recall. Please stay connected to Automotives Blog for more updates regarding this.
Please stay safe and healthy! Also, please drive safe!
We need more and more complaints from other BMW Z4 owners because it will help us a lot.
Best Regards,
Automotivesblog
14,000 miles on a 2003 Z4. Climate controlled garage since new. Power steering failed after a 1 mile drive yesterday.
Hi Arthur,
Sorry to hear that you are another customer with issues regarding the power steering of a 2003 BMW Z4.
Please stay tuned to Automotivesblog.com for more information regarding a possible recall in the near future.
Drive safe!
I have a 2003 Z4 2.5. The power steering has been erratic for some time. The light would stay on but the steering was OK after a short startup period with stiff steering. My code reader could access and clear the codes. Then yesterday it wouldn’t clear and the code reader can no longer access the module. Additionally the Sport button is now always on and can’t be deselected. Please add me to your list of disgruntled owners.
Hi Brian,
Thanks a lot for your complaint. We hope you are doing well!
We have added you to the list of complaints, so it will help us reach a recall from BMW.
It’s annoying that a big brand like BMW is not talking about anything in regard to this big issue of the first-generation BMW Z4.
Please stay tuned on Automotivesblog for more info regarding a recall from BMW A.G.
More complaints from our readers, more chances to win a recall for your BMW Z4!
Stay safe and healthy!
Thanks a lot,
Automotivesblog.com Staff
year ago
I bought my 2011 BMW Z4 I only driving on beautiful weather weekends. As of now, it only has 70,000 miles. I have not taken out of the garage since April. Today I took it for a wash and the steering is hard and the steering wheel 🙁
Hi Carlo,
Thanks a lot for your complaint. We hope you are doing well!
Your car has low mileage, it’s almost new… We’re very sad about your issue! 🙁
We have added you to the list of complaints, so it will help us reach a recall from BMW.
It’s annoying that a big brand like BMW is not talking about anything in regard to this big issue of the first-generation BMW Z4.
Please stay tuned on Automotivesblog.com for more info regarding a recall from BMW A.G.
More complaints from our readers, more chances to win a recall for your BMW Z4!
Stay safe and healthy, dear Carlo!
Thanks a lot,
Automotivesblog.com Staff
I just bought my wife a 2004 z4 2.5 with 54k miles, we test drove the car on a 80 degree day, a few days later it was 90+ degrees and the steering “catches” when you try to make small corrections going straight down the highway, especially if it was in the sun at all before driving.
BMW ’06 3.0 Z4 coupe
Power steering started failing a couple months ago, usually at low speed in car parks on full lock or if I hit a small bump.
Then last week it failed me while going round a long sweeping corner coming off a dual carriageway, let’s just say, I wasn’t travelling slowly. Gone from being a trivial annoyance to something I’d like to get fixed sharpish.
Thanks for your article,
Mike
Hi Mike,
Thanks for your comment and for the appreciation of the article.
We’re really sad to hear a lot of complaints about the power steering that fails on the first generation of the BMW Z4.
Please be assured that we contacted BMW A.G. regarding this “miserable” issue, and we’re waiting for a response regarding a recall.
I recommend you to stay connected to Automotivesblog.com for more information regarding a possible recall from BMW.
Until then, please stay safe & healthy, and… drive safe!
Warm regards,
Automotivesblog Staff
Hello….just purchased my 2006 BMW Z4 3.osi with 92k miles. All maintenance performed by BMW. This vehicle is mint and has obviously been well cared for.
Although I noticed some squirrely handling issues I bought the car anyway. In searching for answers I have found I am not alone. The car drifts, having checked alignment the technician verified the car is perfectly set and all steering components are tight. It seems to me there is a defect in design and would agree there must be a recall. Feel free to contact for any further details.
Hello Tracey,
Thanks for your comment and welcome to AutomotivesBLOG.com!
It’s a common issue with the steering of the first-generation BMW Z4 ( E85 / E86 )… and BMW should start a recall because it’s a big issue that may cause accidents. Please stay tuned on Automotivesblog.com for more details about this issue and if BMW will proceed a recall, or not, I will keep you updated soon.
Drive safe! Cheers!
I just purchased a 2005 Z4 in January of 2023. The car has 45,000 miles on it and was a one owner car. I bought it from the dealer that originally sold and maintained the vehicle. Today was the first day of warm weather, and the car is having the “sticky” steering issues that others have described. It will not track correctly, and needs constant steering input to keep it going in a straight line. There are no warning lights lit up. Up until today, the car drove fine, however, today was close to 80 degrees. This really takes the fun out of owning this car.
I purchased a 2004 BMW Z4 3.0I last winter.The car was a 1 owner with 70K miles on it.The car drove fine in cold weather. When the temperature warmed up, I cannot keep the car in the road. I am constantly correcting the steering as it pulls to the left. If I drive the car in warm weather, shut it off and restart it shortly afterwards, I cannot steer the car at all. The issue appears to be related to warm or hot weather. I dare not let my kids drive this car. BMW North America states to me they are unaware of any issues with the electric steering and no recalls. This was the first website of several that speaks of this problem. It is not a question of “if” someone gets killed, but “when.” No lights on the display come on and there are no codes popping up to check. There is a local mechanic that works on German cars. I began to describe the issue and he informs me that he has worked on no less than 10 of these cars in the last few years with the same issue. I filed a complaint with the BBB and I am also filing one (with my VIN number) to the NHTSA this afternoon. Are there any more suggestions of what i can do? I have this beautiful convertible I cannot drive in the spring or summer in the south.
Hello Chris!
Many thanks for your complaint, and thanks for visiting AUTOMOTIVESBLOG. We’re sad to hear you are currently having issues with your beautiful 2004 BMW Z4 3.0i. This is a common issue and BMW MUST recall this first generation BMW Z4 ( E85 / E86 ), because it has a BIG safety problem with the steering. You cannot drive it safe… it’s very risky for you and for other traffic participants.
This is the most important and the most-read article regarding the steering problem of the first gen BMW Z4. Our article received a lot of complaints.
I would kindly ask each one who reads this to fill a complaint with the NHTSA and share this article with them, so they can read all the complaints here: https://automotivesblog.com/e85-e86-bmw-z4-steering-problems-how-to-fix/
I hope in a recall soon, but please fill out the complaint at NHTSA and share this article everywhere, so they can read all the complaints ( so many complaints here! ).
Many thanks for your complaint, Chris, and I hope all the first gen Z4 owners will benefit from a recall soon ( hope God will listen to you all ).
Please take care & drive safe!
Best wishes,
AutomotivesBLOG Staff
I filed a complaint with the NHTSA a few moments ago. All I needed was the VIN to proceed. I would kindly ask each and every one who reads this to do the same.
http://www.nhtsa.gov is the website.
This may bring more attention to the issue. I gave them very detailed issues of the steering.
Hello Chris!
Many thanks for your complaint, and thanks for visiting AUTOMOTIVESBLOG. We’re sad to hear you are currently having issues with your beautiful 2004 BMW Z4 3.0i. This is a common issue and BMW MUST recall this first generation BMW Z4 ( E85 / E86 ), because it has a BIG safety problem with the steering. You cannot drive it safe… it’s very risky for you and for other traffic participants.
This is the most important and the most-read article regarding the steering problem of the first gen BMW Z4. Our article received a lot of complaints.
I would kindly ask each one who reads this to fill a complaint with the NHTSA and share this article with them, so they can read all the complaints here: https://automotivesblog.com/e85-e86-bmw-z4-steering-problems-how-to-fix/
I hope in a recall soon, but please fill out the complaint at NHTSA and share this article everywhere, so they can read all the complaints ( so many complaints here! ).
Many thanks for your complaint, Chris, and I hope all the first gen Z4 owners will benefit from a recall soon ( hope God will listen to you all ).
Please take care & drive safe!
Best wishes,
AutomotivesBLOG Staff
I have the same sticky steering wheel problem. Because of this issue, I will no longer entertain in buying any more BMW cars. I have had a few (2 M3’s, M2, M6, X5 and a couple of 3 series). I have switched to Porsche and Audi, Lexus or Toyota. Very disappointed with the BMW people.
We have a 2003 Z4 with 64,000 miles on it. The power steering is gone on it. It is very hard to steer. We have a garage looking for the part to replace but has not been able to find one for the past 2 months. Very frustrating! We just want the car to be fixed so we can drive it safely. It’s been sitting in our garage all summer.
Hello Steve!
Thanks for your complaint. We hope that BMW A.G. will hear, and a recall will be done soon.
Best Regards,
Automotivesblog Staff
Hi
Same issue as other people: BMW Z4 2.5L 2006 RWD – steering issue with light, hard reaction when turning, and orange light on. Impossible and dangerous to drive.
2004 Z4 2.5 has had sticky steering since I got it three years ago. Happens when hot out or heater is on. Car becomes difficult to drive in a straight line and feels dangerous. Hoping NHTSA does their job and protects consumers.