I just purchased my 2006 530i 10 days ago and I just noticed that there is a slight rubbing/grinding noise and vibration in the steering wheel when I turn the car to the right. It's a faint noise/vibration, but it is definately there. When I turn the car to the left, it's very clean and easy feeling. Could it be the power steering fluid or maybe something more serious? I want to be armed with some info if I go to the dealer to complain. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

This could be completely useless, but I'll throw it out there...

I just got a 2008 535i and I noticed on the Carfax that relatively early on (sometime below 25k miles, I don't have the Carfax in front of me), something called the power steering pump was replaced.

Not sure if that is a known problem or issue.

Do you have Active Steering? Have you had fault messages in your iDrive? I would check the thrust arm bushings first. Assuming that you have never had them done, or the previous owner hasn't, you're at the time when you'll need replacements. BMW's have various suspension components. The engineering is top notch, that is why they're world famous for their handling capabilities. However, they're also something you have to keep an eye out for and check otherwise they'll create a "domino effect" on the vehicle.

I do have active steering. I haven't had any fault messages or warnings on idrive. I'll get it into the dealership to see if they can shed any light on it. The car has 100k miles on it. It drives beautifully. The sound / vibration is very faint. Maybe I'm just being picky.

Left front wheel bearing may be cause of the noise. Check the front lower ball joints (especially left side one) at the bottom of the wheel hub. Raise front wheel(s) and turn the steering to right and go to the left wheel and grab the wheel at top and bottom and try to rock the wheel and see if there is any play; do the same by holding the wheel at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock position and try to move.

Worn Tie-rod-ends can also cause those symptoms.

Sorry to revive this, but did you ever figure out the cause?

My '08 550 has the same thing. slight rubbing/grinding feel when turning right.

I'm also interested to find out what was the outcome or fix to this.