2003 BMW Z4: jerking or lurching

Filed Jun 16, 2022 · Steering · 24,000 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2003 BMW Z4. The contact stated while driving at various speeds in hot weather, the steering wheel became difficult to turn and would also jerk the vehicle into the next lane. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the battery to be replaced. The dealer replaced the battery however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.

Filed Jul 19, 2019 · Steering · 57,000 miles · NY

I just purchased this 2003 z4 from a dealer about a month ago. When I test drove it, it drove fine and the steering was smooth as you'd expect. It was a little chilly as it was still in the morning. By afternoon, during my 6hr drive home from the dealer, it got hot outside, as it is summer and all, and the steering started to become very jerky, causing me to swerve back and forth in the lanes. It has now become a dangerous car. The initial dealer from whom I purchased from played dumb and said they were unaware of any problems. Before buying this car, which has 57k mi on it, I did my research. Seemed like no major problems with it. Not until after I purchased it, and specifically searched 'steering problems' did I discover this had been a bmw design flaw from the beginning and countless people have been dealing with this almost from the get go. No recall had been made, and now I'm stuck with a dangerous car. Going forward, I have notified friends and family, that should I get killed because of this defect, start litigation against bmw, as this is now documented by myself, as well as countless others.

Filed May 10, 2019 · Steering · 65,000 miles · TX

Steering jerks to the left or right while driving on city street or on hi way.

Filed Mar 6, 2019 · Steering · 110,000 miles · TN

2003 bmw z4 steering I experience sudden jerks in the steering wheel, more so at higher speeds, around 60mph and above.the jerks are unpredictable and can be either to the right or the left. It makes the car really unsafe to be driven at these higher speeds! I believe this is a known problem by bmw and should be a recall issued to correct it! From what I understand it requires a complete steering column replacement and is very costly. Bmw should step up and cover this very dangerous steering situation.

Filed Mar 1, 2019 · Steering · 99,900 miles · WA

I experience sudden jerks to the left, ot to the right when the road surface is sleghtingly uneven. I can never predict which way the car pulls me. I struggle a lot to keep the steering centered when stopping at any red light. Also make a weird sound when a try to turn right

Filed Feb 4, 2019 · Steering · 44,000 miles · FL

Sticky steering issue. Known issue among countless other bmw z4 owners. Presents considerable danger as steering will jerk either left or right for no apparent reason and without warning. Unbelievable that no recall exists for this known defect as it clearly puts drivers and those around them in constant danger.

Filed Jul 9, 2018 · Steering · 21,000 miles · KY

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw z4. While driving at any speed in hot weather, approximately 85 degrees and over, the steering wheel failed to turn. When it finally turned, it jerked without warning. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to luxury imports of bowling green (325 three springs rd, bowling green, ky 42104, 270‑745‑0001) where it was diagnosed that a new battery was needed for the electric steering. The technician replaced the battery, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The failure was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.

Filed May 24, 2018 · Steering · 33,000 miles · WI

Steering wheel is very stiff and jerky and does not want to return to center. Making it difficult to control the vehicle. This only happens on hot days above 80 f, especially if the car is parked in the sun for a few hours.

Filed May 15, 2018 · Steering · 107,000 miles · WA

I have owned this car since 2003. When the weather warms up, the steering gets stiff and jerky. This car has quick steering and making it jerky increases the risk of running into something or somebody. I have always known this to be a problem and mentioned it to the dealer when the car was under warranty with no help. As the years have gone by, the problem has gotten worse. We had a warm day over the weekend and I took the car to work. When leaving, the car felt downright dangerous during the first few miles of driving on a warm day, the steering wheel feels stiff like the power steering isn't working. When you apply more steering force, the steering suddenly jerks quickly and you feel like you are out of control with the car, you oversteer.

Filed Jun 13, 2017 · Steering · 14,000 miles · NY

While driving the steering sticks and is very stiff. Not fluid steering but jerking and is uncomfortable to drive. This is a danger on road.

Filed Sep 5, 2015 · Steering · 56,000 miles · MN

Steering becomes very sticky and jerky in hot weather. Steering is so bad it is not safe to drive when weather is hot. This is been an on going issue and reported before but nothing gets done about a recall. I don't understand when steering isn't a factor for recall by nthsa. Bmw lawyers apparently out smarted the nthsa. I invited any hthsa official to come drive my 2003 z4 and put his life at risk. Bmw north america will not do anything about the issue until nthsa issue a recall.

Filed Aug 2, 2015 · Steering · 27,756 miles · NY

Sticky or jerking steering while driving bmw 2003 z4, first attempt was to take the car to authorized bmw dealer in july 2013 , mileage 27,756. Suggested result was to replace entire steering column. 2nd attempt to resolve problem, april 2014 mileage 28,844. Lubricate upper steering wheel bearing. 3rd attempt, may2015, mileage 31,098. Installed grease fitting into steering column. Now at 32,000 miles car is unsafe to drive. Bmw needs to recognize this issue with z4 models from 2003 -june 2006 production.