BMW steering issue (excessive movement when locked)

[scuderia430]

I got my car (1 series BMW) aligned because it was wandering big time, it definitely helped but now the steering is coming loose again, although doesn't seem unstable like before, it just feels very... untossable. I feel I need to turn the steering wheel more than I should have to to get the same result, so the car feels very wide.

It is not the rack that dynamically tightens itself up (no green cap!) can't remember the name of that feature.

The garage says there was nothing else that could be causing it but I notice that my steering wheel seems to be able to move a lot when it is locked. Other BMW owners says theirs only moves a few mm, but I have a few good inches.

Not sure if this is abnormal, but certainly seems excessive - would this throw the steering out?

There is also a phantom rubbing noise coming from one wheel that no-one can solve..

I don't want to slowly swap out all the steering components one by one and maybe not getting a satisfactory result, been down that road.

What do you think? cheers!

[scuderia430]

thanks. it is going in next week for the battery recall anyway, so going to get it seen to...

so is the excessive movement in the steering wheel when locked nothing to do with it at all? if not i wont mention it (don't want to confuse them or give me a higher bill!)