I have been experiencing steering problems with the 2005 bmw z4 since july 2007. At speeds over 50 MPH and while the outside temperature is over 75 degrees, the steering becomes very stiff. It is almost as if I am driving on train tracks and have difficulty steering right or left. I brought the vehicle to the dealership and was told there was no steering problem.
2005 BMW Z4 steering complaints
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On june 28, 2010 I learnt that the federal safety agency odi opened investigation pe10020 into safety issues with 2003 to 2005 bmw z4 power steering systems. The description of the problem exactly describes the characteristics of the recurring problem I have been experiencing with my 2005 z4, in that the steering wheel sticks, binds or locks up, and requires increased steering effort resulting in difficulty controlling the vehicle such as the potential to over-steer when making hard and abrupt steering wheel movements. The failures typically occur at higher vehicle speeds (45 MPH or greater) and in warm/hot weather (75 f or higher). In my case, this has not resulted in an accident yet, but I) averts driver attention from focusing on the road and surroundings to consciously think about and physically overcome the steering mechanism resistance, and ii) having to over-correct sharply on turns to avoid other vehicles. I have correlated this mostly with driving in higher temperature, where on days over 85f the steering is very stiff, however I would say that as a five time bmw owner, it is stiff/notchy even at 68f.
While driving, the steering wheel will "set" in a spot - does not matter if you are in a turn, or in a straight line, the effort to move the wheel from the spot is very difficult. Like trying to pull two magnets apart - that kind of effort - strong magnets. This a safety hazard as the steering does not function in a linear predictable manner.
I have a 2005 bmw 3.0 w/auto transmission. My car has had two recurring issues from time to time starting with the electric power steering light engaging with the power steering going dead at idle or at corners. The other problem is that my car has stalled with the car shutting down thrice on I-95 and on local roads. Needless to say, it was a life and death situation twice with my girlfriend swearing never to drive the car again. How it happens? At speeds of 40mph or less, eps, ABS, brake, dtc comes on and off with the navigation screen opening and closing. Then abuptly at slow speeds, the car just shuts off. Remedy: pull over, off the car and on it back again and go.
On warm days (> 75 degrees) and when sitting in hot sun for period of time, steering will stick or feel notchy when driving. While gently turning it feels as if the steering goes through gates and gets hung up when turning. Steering input feels mushy in comparison to cooler days. I have taken to dealer on two occasions and they cannot duplicate. I do not like driving my car on warmer days even though that is when the car is meant to be driven.
The steering on my bmw z4 2005 model sticks to the point of being unsafe on warm days. It is very sluggish to respond followed by erratic overcompensation. If the temperature is cool (<80-85 degrees) there is no detected problem. We can leave in the morning after the car being garage and it handles like a dream- 2 hours later after being driven in or sitting in the hot sun the steering is like its in mud. Whether taking an exit or simply changing lanes on the interstate. It is unsafe and should require immediate investigation.
Steering on my vehicle becomes "stuck" and unresponsive in heat above approx 85 degrees. It overcompensates in corners regardless of how sharp, a simple on/off ramp becomes a "tightwalk". It is very scary and unnerving to the point of not wanting to drive on what would otherwise be a perfect "top down" day. Even changing lanes on the interstate is fearful as it acts as if the tires are in mud and then quickly overcorrection. It is very dangerous.
Recently purchased 2005 bmw z4, 40800 miles, exhibits erratic steering control when outside temp exceeds 85 degrees. The steering wheel responds as if its last position has a grove or notch requiring excessive force to correct or set a new direction. The result is the car lurches down the road from side to side. The worst is in gradual turns, the steering wheel does not feed back to straight as the car continues any arc once set ... The car tries to drive itself off the road. Discovery or this "feature" is very disappointing and can be quite scary. The dealers refusal to address the problem is proving very disappointing also. There should be a mandatory recall and correction of this obvious safety defect common to '03-'05 z4's.
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 bmw z4. While driving between 40-65 MPH, the steering wheel would not turn right or left. When the wheel is released, it overturns and forces the driver to struggle to maintain control of the vehicle. The failure has occurred approximately 7-8 times. The dealer could not duplicate the failure. The failure only occurs at high temperatures, such as 80's and 90's. They dealer stated that the updated software program failed. The program was installed and the vehicle rebooted. The failure recurred on another hot day. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they replaced the electronic power steering at the contact's expense. The failure mileage was 18,490 and current mileage was 23,177. Updated 09/23/09 *bf the consumer stated the steering binds on days when temperatures exceed 85 degrees. When the steering does release, it comes with excessive force. It was difficult to keep the vehicle in the lane. The steering wheel does not return to the center position without additional effort. Updated 09/29/09.
My bmw z4 2005 2.5 automatic has developed a sticky steering when is hot. It is very dangerous, over-correcting and under-correcting .the steering act like if don't have a dead center.you feel like something is tearing the car. When you make a very wide curve the steering stay put in that particular direction. It feel very unsafe and is very exhausting in long trips.
Bmw 2005 z4 3.0 - sticky electronic steering that causes steering over reaction when it unsticks. Occurs after vehicle is sitting the sun on a hot day during the summer. Almost caused a crash during the last occurrence. Bmw just advised there was noting wrong with the steering as there were no faults. This is the third time it has happened.
Steering sticks at times when driving on the highway.
Sticky steering on warm days or cooler days with the heater on. I need to use more force than usual to move steering wheel to negotiate lane changes or curves on highway. I need to steer the car straight after turning off center. The problem is intermittent but still unnerving.
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