Hey guys,

I tried searching but couldn't find anything. My 05 545i sport is having a problem with the steering wheel and front end that feels like it is getting worse.

I bought the car in for service and software update (v23.x is awesome btw, fixed my transmission troubles). After the update I noticed the problem got alot worse. When I turn the steering wheel in either direction, I feel a cracking sensation going through the steering wheel and I can also hear/feel the problem coming from the front end. It seems to only happen when I turn the steering wheel.

The steering wheel and front end crack when the car is not moving and I turn the steering wheel in either direction.

I have the active steering in the car also.. Anybody else experience this problem?

Thanks,
Jon

 

I have the same problem, they changed me the steering stuff beetwen wheel and engine I don't know how it is called, and now everything is ok. Under warranty.

 

I had a similar problem with a 2005 545 sport with the active steering and run flats. The tire noise and vibration was unacceptable after just 10,000 miles.

The dealer explained that there was a problem with the original Dunlap run flats and replaced the tires free of charge. Although this made a big improvement, the steering vibration remained. After leaving the car at the dealer for about another week, they called me in and said THEY WERE GOING TO REPLACE THE CAR at no additional cost to me what-so-ever! This leads me to believe that there are more problems with active steering than they would like you to think.

I am now anxiously awaiting the arrival of my new 2007 550 sport (due in any day now). They gave me a 550 sport to drive as a loaner while they had my car, and I felt that is was a much smoother car (both drivetrain and suspension) than my 545.

I should mention that the 2005 545 was the 11th BMW in our household (all purchased at the same dealer) since 1989.

I will post some photos of the new car when it arrives.

 

Thanks for the replies. My car is just under 10000 miles on original dunflops. I also noticed with this problem that I hear something rattling when I start the car. Like something is loose or something. I will probably have to bring the car in again I just wanted to get your inputs.

As far as the actibr steering goes, I love it and don't regret getting it. I love the fact that around town I don't have to turn the steering wheel alot. I get in cars w/o AS and it just doesn't feel right when I have to go hand over hand to make a simple turn at a light.

 

My old 2005 545 had the same sound/feel in the steering wheel. They replaced the steering column. In the end they said it was a bad bearing in the column. That along with a bunch of other problems caused me to get rid of the car in favor of a 2007 550 that should arrive this next week. By the way Iceman was interested in finding all on this forum with this problem.

Good luck!

 

Just had a bearing replaced in my column and the creaks have gone...

 

I'm with BMW of North America, LLC. I've passed this message on to a BMW NA Customer Relations Representative who will be in touch with you soon.

 

Had the same problem a year ago, they greased a bearing in the column and it was fine until about 3 weeks back. Now they are going to replace the steering column.