boosted5

Hi,

My car has 66,000 miles and has active steering. I have tried resetting active steering using my indy shop( where the car is at now) but no use. They are still looking and think it might be steering rack, what do you guys think?

1 inch "play" when the steeringwheel is centered( steeringwheel moves an 1.5 inches but tires do not. It gets a bit worse when over 60>mph and by 80mph I can't believe I'm drivng a 5 series but rather a Camry because it has such a "loose" feeling. It does not feel like a sports car basically.

HELP

boosted5

They think it's the rack I think its the U joint, can anyone confirm? No one with the same issue? Handling is still there but steering-wheel lacks feel and is numb in comparison to before.

SilverBullet17

I purchased my '08 550 three weeks ago and noticed it had the same exact issue you're describing. I took it to my trusted BMW shop and they confirmed a crack in my active steering module and rack assembly. They don't make any aftermarket parts (OEM #32-10-6-794-411), so price ranges between $2,700 and $3,100 unless you happen to run across a used one. Also, there aren't any currently in the US so mine's coming from Germany. About 8 hours of labor and other fluids/fees, I was looking at a little over $4,000 in repair costs. Fortunately I have an extended warranty and they covered the repair...but not until after their adjustor verified the problem, which he agreed with my guy right away. BMW specs also recommend replacing the lower joint assembly (OEM #32-30-6-780-893), but the adjustor and my BMW guy said mine looked good so no need in my case. Mine should be all fixed by the end of next week... Best of luck with yours - it sounds like you're in for the same repair as me (hope you have an extended warranty)

SilverBullet17

BTW, if you're brave enough to attempt the repair on your own, here's a forum discussion about it. It's not a full DIY, but it gives you an idea of what has to happen. E60 STEERING REPAIR

boosted5

Fuck... I am selling this car lol nothing but issues. 3000$ ?? GULP! I would rather get some upgraded turbos. Any possibility it will get worse? I can deal with it for another year and just get rid of it.

SilverBullet17

I hear ya - it's an expensive problem to have for sure. It's BMW's "most sophisticated steering system" so it obviously doesn't come cheap. I don't know if it gets worse - but I have gotten used to it now. I have a feeling the previous owner just ignored it due to the cost and passed it along to someone else to fix - fortunately my warranty covered it. It does suck that it doesn't drive like a BMW should, but I'm sure you could get away with it until you're ready to shell out the $$$ or get rid of it; just know your car's value will go down significantly once they notice the whacky steering, lol.

boosted5

lol did you notice the issue when you bought it? Its not crazy to the point where non-enthusiasts will know the problem is there, it just drives me crazy because I love to 120mph+ sprints on the hwy and I don't feel to confident with that steering. My tech assures me its all in my head and that handling has not changed.. but still I bought this car part of the driving experience it's suppose to give.

SilverBullet17

Yes I noticed it immediately. That's why the dealer offered to take care of it and the only reason I moved forward with the purchase; otherwise I would've walked. It knocks when you turn it while parked, then exhibits the dead spot while driving. Quite annoying but you get 'used' to it. Can't wait for it to be fixed this week!

SilverBullet17

Got my car back from the shop on Monday and it drives like new again!!! Fortunately I didn't have to pay anything for the repair, but feeling the great improvement I can't say that I would be opposed to paying for the repair if I were planning to keep the car for a long time. Good luck!