Z4 steering goosed

[Blown2CV]

asking for a friend but he's just been unlucky/naive and bought a 2006 Z4 3.0 which has development what appears to be a catastrophic steering fault. I don't have all the details but I think the power steering has failed and he has been told because of the electronic nature of the components it might need a whole new rack which is £2400 in parts alone. He has said it is as small a root cause as one electronic plug connector which has just become corroded, but isn't designed to be replaced on its own. I guess what i am asking is is there anyone who knows what this might be (I believe common fault) and an innovative and more cost effective way to rectify please? Maybe a specialist skilled in this particular thing? Thanks

[Sardonicus]

Speak to these guys http://www.ecutesting.com/common-faults/bmw/bmw-z4... just returned my daughters 7 speed DSG ecu/mechatronic unit after they carried out a repair for failure (known fault) with a Lifetime unlimited mileage warranty thus saving a fortune over a new unit that will succumb to the same failure, they will be getting all my repairs in future

Edited by Sardonicus on Thursday 29th June 00:05

[Mr Tidy]

Useful reply already OP!

It seems to be quite a common issue with these EPAS racks, but as has been said they can be refurbished.

If you are miles from the place suggested, try searching on Z4 Forum.

[Sticks.]

What are the symptoms of the fault OP?

[Sardonicus]

Sticks. said:

What are the symptoms of the fault OP?

I would presume no assistance

[Sticks.]

Sardonicus said:

Sticks. said:

What are the symptoms of the fault OP?

I would presume no assistance

Possibly Although mine has recently lit 4 amber warning lights which, as far as I can see, mean a steering alignment sensor issue, which should be repairable.

[Blown2CV]

Sardonicus said:

Speak to these guys http://www.ecutesting.com/common-faults/bmw/bmw-z4... just returned my daughters 7 speed DSG ecu/mechatronic unit after they carried out a repair for failure (known fault) with a Lifetime unlimited mileage warranty thus saving a fortune over a new unit that will succumb to the same failure, they will be getting all my repairs in future

Edited by Sardonicus on Thursday 29th June 00:05

great thanks! I will find out symptoms but i reckon this is very much the sort of thing he was referring to.

cheers!

[johnfm]

Surely a corroded connector can be replaced/spliced in by any competent auto electrician.

[SebringMan]

johnfm said:

Surely a corroded connector can be replaced/spliced in by any competent auto electrician.

It depends on how unfriendly BMW have made it. It could be sealed with tamperproof paste etc. It could be a case of trial and error.

If it were me I'd be tempted with a secondhand steering rack TBH. It will be more reliable than most of the cheap refurbished parts for starters.

[Blown2CV]

as i said i don't have all the info but from what he's said they have made this particular one incredibly unfriendly