2011 BMW Z4: loss of power steering

Filed Apr 7, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · NC

On 3 april 2026 I was driving my 2011 bmw z4 sdrive 30i e89 n52k (manual transmission) that has 31,000 miles on it, suddenly a steering assistance malfunction trouble light appeared and I lost all electronic power steering. This sudden loss of steering control almost caused an accident!! Then shortly thereafter the electronic power steering control returned. On april 4 I lost the steering control again and took it to a bmw repair shop. They confirmed that the problem was with the eps (electric power steering control). Upon investigation, a specific recall exists for 2012 bmw z4 regarding the electric power steering (eps) system. (the federal safety agency recall campaign #12v302000: electric power steering control module.) the recall campaign notes that, after the engine is shut off and then restarted, the eps module may function properly. In that case, the warning symbol in the instrument cluster will no longer appear, and the audible warning will not activate. However the condition may occur again. This is exactly what is occurring with my car and you never know when it will occur. The campaign covers 2012 z4's and covered some cars manufactured in late 2011. However, the VIN for my 2011 bmw z4 sdrive 30i e89 n52k (manual transmission) is wbalm5c58be162421 and it was manufactured in 04/2010. The eps in my 2011 bmw z4 is exactly the same as the eps that is covered in the federal safety agency recall campaign #12v302000: electric power steering control module.) clearly my 2011 bmw z4 should be included in this campaign which requires a 4 hr repair by a certified bmw dealer and replacement of the eps unit. For z4 models the technicians are to refer to repair instruction 32 13 370, "removing and installing (replacing) electric steering box (eps)." e89 steering gear part # 32 10 6 855 888. Plus following parts: asa bolt (#32 10 6 773 068); hex nut (#33 32 6 768 884); torx bolt (#32 30 6 778 609); combination nut (#33 30 6 787 062). All above referenced parts were listed in the recall campaign. !

Filed Apr 25, 2022 · Steering · 70,000 miles · RI

The contact owns a 2011 BMW Z4. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the steering was locked in a slight left turn and he had to apply the brakes to keep the vehicle on the road. The contact was able to pull off to the left side of the highway. The contact stated that a yellow steering wheel warning light was illuminated, and a warning bell was chiming. The contact turned the vehicle off and upon restarting the power steering functionality returned. The contact stated that as soon as he exited the highway, the failure occurred again and has persisted. The contact researched and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 12V302000 (Steering) however, the model year was not included. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Filed Feb 15, 2020 · Steering · 41,000 miles · NC

Electronic power steering has intermittent faults/errors due to a manufacturing defect, resulting in complete loss of power steering. Bmw acknowledged this issue and did a recall in 2012 for 2012 model year z4's - the federal safety agency campaign id number: 12v302000. The scope of the problem is well beyond the 162 vehicles that were addressed with the recall in 2012.

Filed Dec 19, 2018 · Steering · 73,000 miles · FL

Eps failed while driving on state highway. Power steering alarm came on and steering became very stiff and hard to steer. Pulled off the road and turned car off and back on. Fault reset but the alarm ocassionally still sounded. Took to bmw service, checked out and said the eps box needed replaced. Dealer serviced car and continued to drive car for five months. This time steering failed again while driving , but the steering returned. Headed to home and steering again failed and alarm came on. Steering now is stiff and cannot drive. There was a recall (12v3002000) nov 2011 through 2012 was recalled. My car mfg in oct. 2011. So bmw said our car was not covered. I feel bmw should look at earlier cars as this is very dangerous. If my wife would have been driving the car when this failed she would not have been able to overcome the steering failure. First failure at 74,000 miles.

Filed Oct 28, 2016 · Steering · 32,000 miles · VT

Electric power steering failed. Steering system failure warning light came on. The steering wheel began to shake, and the steering wheel would turn a few degrees with power assistance and as I continued to turn the wheel power assist went away requiring excessive effort to turn. This first appeared on start up as I was driving out of my driveway.

Filed Feb 24, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 12,997 miles · CA

My bmw z4 2011 stalled for the third time. This happened in a parking lot as my car was slowing down. The engine shut down completely and I had no power steering. I took my vehicle into the dealership the next day for service and contacted bmw USA. I purchased and installed a dash camera and captured the stalling on the third incident and provided them the footage. Bmw USA did a visual inspection and claimed that my after-market LED light bulb in my daytime running lights was the cause of my stalling without providing any documentation or testing. Based on their conclusions, they voided my electrical and powertrain warranty and denied any repairs to be made by any bmw dealership per bmw USA. There is a definite issue with this vehicle stalling that bmw cannot resolve and they have resorted to blaming the consumer without proper testing or documentation.