Yep, had my steering rack replaced after they tried to repair it. They tried to tighten a screw which reduced the freeplay in the rack but it didn't work.

 

thanks guys.

i took it in for a vehicle check and they greased something up and said if it comes back again then column would need changing, maybe. but i think its racktoo

anyway, its been fine and theres no knocking sound. been about 2 weeks. Let's see what happens

thanks a LOT for going deep into this guys. I would be lost without this forum !!!!!!

peace

 

I had that prob when i 1st aquired my e60, did a search and found this from bmw, cant remember where i found it now. I went with cause 2. ie. a squirt of wd 40 on the telescopic spline and havnt had the prob since.

::


Complaint
An intermittent cracking or clunking noise can be heard when the steering
is turned at low speed or when manoeuvring
Production period concerned: E65/E66: Start of series production up to week
29/04.
E60/E61/E63/E64, all right-hand-drive vehicles.
The only left-hand-drive vehicles (LHD) affected are vehicles with an N62 engine:
Start of series production up to week 26/04.

Important:The E60,E61, E63 and E64 are only affected by cause 2. Thus only measure 2 provides a solution. Carry out measures 1 and 3 only on the E65/E66.

Causes:
1. The tightening torque of the bolt securing the bottom of the steering spindle to the universal joint with corrugated tube has changed.
2. A gentle cracking noise from the telescopic toothing at the bottom of the steering spindle may be produced when the steering wheel is turned or when the steering column height is adjusted. This noise is caused by a slip-stick effect.
3. Burring can be detected on plastic bearing rings manufactured between 12/03 and 04/04. This burring can result in a cracking or grinding noise in individual cases.

Service measures:
Concerning cause 1: Replace the Torx bolt securing the bottom of the steering spindle to the universal joint with corrugated tube and tighten it to a torque of 28 Nm (refer to current EPC for Torx bolt). The torques in TIS are being updated accordingly.
Concerning cause 2: Treat the telescopic toothing on the steering spindle with a lubricant spray. BMW part number: 83 22 0 397
761
Concerning cause 3: Fit a new plastic bearing ring, BMW part
number 32 30 6 756 512 (see Repair Instructions 32 31
102).

 

At what milage are you all starting to feel this? I'm at 26K for my 3/04 545 and I can just barely feel it but appears to worsen each time I drive. I't still so slight I think I would have a hard time convincing them there is a problem.

 

... bay area, ca. What should i expect to pay for a steering rack repl (04 545/ Sport / Active Steering) ?
What is the cost of the steering rack ? 4 hour job ?

And, is a re-program necessary ? if not, doubt i will go to dealer, i have a very qualified foreign car auto service owner in mind.

thanks, mike

 

Will this be repaired free of charge as its a 'known issue'? My car is Jan 05 so therefore our of warranty, but does haev an aftermarket warranty

 

I had this problem too. Mine was more of a knock/creak in the drivers side dashboard area. When I took it into the dealer to get it fixed they told me that some bracket or strut bar or something was look and was causing the noise. I'm apologize ahead of time if this isn't descriptive enough. Hit me back and I'll try to get specific details. Hope this helps.

 

I should have searched before I posted but I just put up a post for the very same thing. Good to know I'm not the only one. Let's keep this topic current.

 

First post, so hello...

I am taking my E60 530D into the dealer in Glasgow on Wednesday for them to have a look at it, I am also getting a knocking noise at low speeds, and you can feel it come up through the steering..

Also had the "drive control system failure, drive moderately" message appear on the I-Drive, so going in before the car is out of warranty in Feb 09..

I will update as soon as I have anything back from the Stealership

 

I am getting this also. Only very slight and only noticeable when parking etc. I suspect the lubrication may do the job. Can this be done as DIY or is it a real pain in the arse to get to