2003 BMW Z4: steering wheel locks up

15 of the 414 complaints about the 2003 BMW Z4 describe steering wheel locks up.

owner complaints: 15
of this car's complaints: 4%
typical mileage: 42,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 1 service bulletin covers this area of the car. See below

Steering wheel locks up by model year

2012
1
2011
2
2007
1
2005
2
2004
23
2003
15

What owners say

Filed Jul 13, 2018 · Steering · 42,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw z4. When the outside temperature was above 80 degrees, the steering wheel seized on several occasions. When the failure occurred, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, the mechanic was unable to retrieve a fault code. The dealer (the bmw store, 6131 stewart rd, cincinnati, oh 45227, (513) 271-8700) was contacted and an appointment was scheduled for diagnostic testing and repairs. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000.

Filed Mar 15, 2017 · Steering · 25,000 miles · ME

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw z4. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the steering wheel seized. The contact stated various warning indicators illuminated. The contact stated the failure was more pronounced during warm temperatures. The contact was a mechanic, who diagnosed that the steering open faced bearing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the entire steering assembly unit needed to be replaced the manufacturer was notified of the failure the failure mileage was approximately 25,000. Updated 06/02/17*lj the consumer stated the manufacturer was notified, but did not offer any assistance. Updated 08/29/2017

Filed Dec 24, 2014 · Airbags, Steering · 940,024 miles · CA

Steering locks up.. If shut off and restarted several times it releases.. Went to get gas.. Shut off.. Started.. Same thing with addition of air bag light going on.. Shut off several more times to get going but air bag light stayed on.

Filed Dec 24, 2014 · Airbags, Steering · 94,024 miles · CA

Filed Jul 12, 2012 · Steering · 87,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw z4. The contact stated that while turning at 5 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The steering wheel became stuck in the centered position and made it very difficult to change lanes on the highway. The failure occurred frequently at all speeds. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic that specialized on bmw manufactured vehicles. The mechanic diagnosed the failure and stated that the repairs would be very expensive. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 87,000 and the current mileage was 87,300.

Filed Oct 5, 2011 · Steering · 25,000 miles · NC

Bmw z4 developed a notchy or sticky feel as I was driving on the highway. It feels like the steering wheel locks in place and extra effort is required to turn the wheel. There is no warning before this occurs. Problem was very sporadic at first but seems to be getting worse as I my driving time increases.

Filed Sep 21, 2011 · Steering · 31,000 miles · LA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw z4. The contact was exiting a residential driveway when the steering wheel seized. The contact turned the vehicle off and on to get the power steering to reset. The power steering assist lasted for a few minutes before failed again. The contact stated the failure recurred sporadically and without warning. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that the entire steering column and electronic power assist system needed to be replaced. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 31,000.

Filed Aug 28, 2011 · Steering · 9,000 miles · WI

2003 bmw z4 9500 miles, when hot the steering locks in position and excessive force is needed to correct the steering, causing a jerk making the car jerk to the side and then you have to recorrect. Happens at high and low speed. Has not been repaired.

Filed Jun 9, 2011 · Steering · 70,000 miles · AL

2003 bmw 2.5l z4 steering locks and requires excessive force to move wheel while driving. Problem appears to be worse on hot days. No corrective action to date.

Filed Jun 3, 2011 · Steering · 10 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw z4. While the contact was driving approximately 65 MPH, the steering wheel locked temporarily without any prior warning. The intermittent failure would occur at various speeds whenever the vehicle was in operation. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnosis and repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 10. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed May 30, 2011 · Steering · 45,300 miles · MI

Driving my 2003 bmw z4 on a warm day and the steering locked up like it was sticky. Almost hit someone it occurs on any warm temp days and any speed I paid to have the software updated and it didn't help. My bmw repair shop thinks it the steering column. Has heard of this problem before.

Filed Apr 3, 2011 · Steering · 62,581 miles · MN

2003 bmw z4 steering issues, while on the highway I expereience issues with the steering locking up and intensity to change the wheel is greater, resulting in oversteering when it 'breaks free'. Dangerous.