NHTSA investigating Bmw Z4 for steering flaws

AtoB · 07-03-2010, 09:49 AM

Not sure if this is a repost, but I stumbled on it this morning....

http://www.autospies.com/news/NHTSA-...g-flaws-55621/

Dammmittt · 07-03-2010, 10:01 AM

Don't need to worry about that on the ///Ms

WhoU4 · 07-03-2010, 10:04 AM

Will have to watch this one...

AtoB Thanks for the post.

Cruiser565 · 07-04-2010, 06:37 AM

I can't believe this is not generating more posts. This will certainly lead to a recall and the $3600 repair bill I was staring down just got wiped away! This is the best news I have heard all year

Keep filing those NHTSA complaints people!

Will

CFoote · 07-04-2010, 10:32 AM

That's great to know. I have a 2005 Z4 (prod. date Feb '05) and my steering does stick every once in a while. It's not bad, but not great either...

We'll see what NHTSA does. This stuff always moves slowly...

Chris

jra · 07-04-2010, 10:59 AM

my 2005 steering sticks. very annoying. i only drive around 6 miles a day so i have been living with it.

CFoote · 07-04-2010, 11:07 AM

I'm more worried about the technicians taking the car apart to fix this....

Huz-Z · 07-04-2010, 11:27 AM

Am I correct in concluding that this issue does not affect 2006, 2007 and 2008 model year Z4's?

Finnegan · 07-04-2010, 12:25 PM

That's my understanding Huz.

Cruiser565 · 07-04-2010, 12:50 PM

There is a guy on another forum who says that his 2006 is doing it, but I have been doing a LOT of looking into this issue and his would be the first non '03-'05 that I have ever heard of with this problem.

Also, one of the article (I think an autoblog) quoted a NHTSA source who said that they were fast tracking this probe in effort to seem more responsive to consumer complaints.

Maybe we will see some movement on this soon!

Will

16thBMW · 07-15-2010, 10:44 AM

According to the NHTSA web site, 3 '06ers have submitted complaints for steering problems. See the following thread at the end.

http://bmwcca.org/forum/showthread.php?t=7575

Anyone else with an '06 having these problems?

Freude am Fahren (bis jetzt gutes Steuern)...

m3griff · 07-30-2010, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 14th BMW

According to the NHTSA web site, 3 '06ers have submitted complaints for steering problems. See the following thread at the end.

http://bmwcca.org/forum/showthread.php?t=7575

Anyone else with an '06 having these problems?

Freude am Fahren (bis jetzt gutes Steuern)...

Update (I have also posted on BF). I filed the NHTSA complaint on my 2006 3.0si. I also took it to the dealer and they are going to replace the column. Unfortunately, the part is backordered from Germany - may take a couple of weeks. Supposedly, there are over 100 on order in the US right now.

bballgms · 07-31-2010, 01:40 PM

is this a problem at all on the z4 2007 3.0si?

m3griff · 07-31-2010, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bballgms

is this a problem at all on the z4 2007 3.0si?

I don't know. Some think it is only a problem through 2005, but I have the issue with my 06. Looking at the parts listings, it appears that BMW changed to part sometime in 2007. Only BMW knows (maybe). You will know it if the problem occurs with you.

bballgms · 08-01-2010, 01:48 AM

i am thinking about picking up a z4 3.0si, if this is a problem i might have to reconsider another car.

m3griff · 08-01-2010, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bballgms

i am thinking about picking up a z4 3.0si, if this is a problem i might have to reconsider another car.

I don't know what percentage of the cars have this problem - does not seem like many 06 and later cars (which is when the si debuted) have it. Also - the problem (for me) only occurs in very hot weather. Finally - if you buy CPO, you are covered...

Fun cars.

psygnosis · 08-01-2010, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bballgms

i am thinking about picking up a z4 3.0si, if this is a problem i might have to reconsider another car.

The issue is most prevalent in cars from 2003-2005, so if you have a 2006 si, you may not experience it. For the longest time I didn't think my 2004 had the issue. Then one hot day I was out driving and there it was. I found that if I turned the wheel lock to lock it lessened the effect. Of the not quite two years I've had the car, I've noticed it less then 5 times, then again I live near Seattle.

CalRick · 08-01-2010, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bballgms

i am thinking about picking up a z4 3.0si, if this is a problem i might have to reconsider another car.

If you take this approach, you will never buy another car since they all have some problem that afflicts some small percentage of their production - you will never buy a Toyota since they sludge their engines (not to mention their braking problems, well enhanced by the media), you will never buy an Acura since they munch their transmissions. Pick a car, read the relevant forums and you will find out about "all" the problems that "plague" that car (or at least that afflict some small percentage that then crop up in the online forums - owners of cars with no problems don't complain online about them). A "major" problem that you will hear about online might affect 5-10% of the cars of that model; some like the well publicised Toyota problems affect well under 1% (the similar well publicised "unintended acceleration" problems that afflicted Audis in the mid 80's affected exactly zero of their cars, but a few of their drivers.) By all means, research the different cars and get a feel for what kinds of problems you might get into with a particular model of car, and how frequent those problems might occur. But also take your research into online forums with a few kilos of salt.

MakoBimmer1 · 08-01-2010, 05:44 PM

I have previously owned a 2004 Z4 3.0i AND a 2.5i, a 2006 M Roadster, and now a 2008 M Coupe. The electronic steering on the 3.0i and 2.5i scared me many times. Both cars would shoot to the left or right for no apparent reason while cruising straight on the highway. This was NOT tramlining either. The electronic steering was sketchy with no real feel of the road to be had. The dealership said this was normal. Whatever. However, the M Roadster and Coupe have none of these characteristics. The hydraulic steering in the M is so much better.

cabro · 08-01-2010, 08:01 PM

I can't believe this. I've been fighting with BMW NA for months now regarding this issue and they have so far refused to do anything. This is a serious safety concern and i'm glad it is finally being address. I'm filing my complaint with NHTSA right now!

cabro · 08-02-2010, 07:54 PM

I've attached the document if anyone is interested in giving it a read.

INIM-PE10020-40721.pdf

Cruiser565 · 08-03-2010, 07:22 AM

I was happy to see that my complaint made it into the official list at the bottom.

Will

07-03-2010, 09:49 AM	#1
AtoB Major 112 Rep 1,262 Posts Drives: Z4M Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Boston iTrader: (3)	NHTSA investigating Bmw Z4 for steering flaws Not sure if this is a repost, but I stumbled on it this morning.... http://www.autospies.com/news/NHTSA-...g-flaws-55621/
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

07-03-2010, 10:01 AM	#2
Dammmittt My favorite sign. 167 Rep 4,333 Posts Drives: 2007 M Coupe Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Der Autobahnen iTrader: (0)	Don't need to worry about that on the ///Ms __________________ 07 ///M Coupe (Premium Package) Black Saphire Ext. Imola Red Int. Best Website EVER!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-03-2010, 10:04 AM	#3
WhoU4 First Lieutenant 21 Rep 352 Posts Drives: '05 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Madison, WI iTrader: (0)	Will have to watch this one... AtoB Thanks for the post. __________________ OEM Strut Brace / UUC SSK / Zeck CDV / Clutch Stop / ZHP Shift Knob / Stubby Ant / Top Covers / Dinan K&N / M Seats / SP / PP
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-04-2010, 06:37 AM	#4
Cruiser565 Enlisted Member 4 Rep 38 Posts Drives: 2004 Z4, 2004 545i SMG Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: No. Virginia iTrader: (0)	I can't believe this is not generating more posts. This will certainly lead to a recall and the $3600 repair bill I was staring down just got wiped away! This is the best news I have heard all year Keep filing those NHTSA complaints people! Will
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-04-2010, 10:32 AM	#5
CFoote Captain 180 Rep 659 Posts Drives: '22 M5CS, '00 M5, '06 Z4M Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Northeast iTrader: (1) Garage List 2022 M5CS [0.00] 2001 BMW 740i [0.00] 2006 BMW M Roadster [0.00] 2012 BMW X6 3.5i [0.00] 2006 BMW 325xi [0.00] 2017 BMW 540xi [0.00] 2000 BMW M5 [0.00] 2001 BMW X5 4.4i [0.00]	That's great to know. I have a 2005 Z4 (prod. date Feb '05) and my steering does stick every once in a while. It's not bad, but not great either... We'll see what NHTSA does. This stuff always moves slowly... Chris __________________ '22 M5CS, '06 Z4M, '01 X5 4.4i, '00 M5, '05 Acura RL, '12 X6 3.5, '01 740, 08 335xi, '17 540xi (yes they all are still with me)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-04-2010, 10:59 AM	#6
jra Captain 38 Rep 879 Posts Drives: 2005 z4 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Texas iTrader: (3)	my 2005 steering sticks. very annoying. i only drive around 6 miles a day so i have been living with it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-04-2010, 11:07 AM	#7
CFoote Captain 180 Rep 659 Posts Drives: '22 M5CS, '00 M5, '06 Z4M Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Northeast iTrader: (1) Garage List 2022 M5CS [0.00] 2001 BMW 740i [0.00] 2006 BMW M Roadster [0.00] 2012 BMW X6 3.5i [0.00] 2006 BMW 325xi [0.00] 2017 BMW 540xi [0.00] 2000 BMW M5 [0.00] 2001 BMW X5 4.4i [0.00]	I'm more worried about the technicians taking the car apart to fix this.... __________________ '22 M5CS, '06 Z4M, '01 X5 4.4i, '00 M5, '05 Acura RL, '12 X6 3.5, '01 740, 08 335xi, '17 540xi (yes they all are still with me)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-04-2010, 11:27 AM	#8
Huz-Z Brigadier General 846 Rep 4,057 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0si, 328 XDrive, X5 35i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Am I correct in concluding that this issue does not affect 2006, 2007 and 2008 model year Z4's? __________________ Huz-Z BMW Z4 3.0si Roadster. Montego Blue Metallic. Premium and Sport Package.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-04-2010, 12:25 PM	#9
Finnegan Dog Listener 701 Rep 7,850 Posts Drives: Z4M/. Z3M, E36/46 M3 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Teaching the dog to slalom iTrader: (22)	That's my understanding Huz.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-04-2010, 12:50 PM	#10
Cruiser565 Enlisted Member 4 Rep 38 Posts Drives: 2004 Z4, 2004 545i SMG Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: No. Virginia iTrader: (0)	There is a guy on another forum who says that his 2006 is doing it, but I have been doing a LOT of looking into this issue and his would be the first non '03-'05 that I have ever heard of with this problem. Also, one of the article (I think an autoblog) quoted a NHTSA source who said that they were fast tracking this probe in effort to seem more responsive to consumer complaints. Maybe we will see some movement on this soon! Will
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-15-2010, 10:44 AM	#11
16thBMW Enlisted Member 0 Rep 44 Posts Drives: 2006 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 Z4 35is [7.00]	2006 with Steering Problems According to the NHTSA web site, 3 '06ers have submitted complaints for steering problems. See the following thread at the end. http://bmwcca.org/forum/showthread.php?t=7575 Anyone else with an '06 having these problems? Freude am Fahren (bis jetzt gutes Steuern)... __________________ Driving: 15th(F25/2017 X3); 16th(E89/2016 35is) BMW's Retired: 14 BMW's (1968 1600-02, 1972 2002, E30x3, E34, E36x2, E39x2, E46, E83x2, E85) Current: 8 BMW's in Family
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-31-2010, 01:40 PM	#13
bballgms Private 5 Rep 84 Posts Drives: 128i Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: la iTrader: (1)	is this a problem at all on the z4 2007 3.0si?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-01-2010, 01:48 AM	#15
bballgms Private 5 Rep 84 Posts Drives: 128i Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: la iTrader: (1)	i am thinking about picking up a z4 3.0si, if this is a problem i might have to reconsider another car.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-01-2010, 05:44 PM	#19
MakoBimmer1 Booyakasha! 40 Rep 413 Posts Drives: '13 Mini Cooper S Coupe' Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Kihei, HI iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 Mini Cooper S ... [0.00]	I have previously owned a 2004 Z4 3.0i AND a 2.5i, a 2006 M Roadster, and now a 2008 M Coupe. The electronic steering on the 3.0i and 2.5i scared me many times. Both cars would shoot to the left or right for no apparent reason while cruising straight on the highway. This was NOT tramlining either. The electronic steering was sketchy with no real feel of the road to be had. The dealership said this was normal. Whatever. However, the M Roadster and Coupe have none of these characteristics. The hydraulic steering in the M is so much better. __________________ '08 M Coupe--AW/IR--SOLD!--My M Coupe Obsession '13 Mini Cooper S Coupe - My Maui Mobile '13 Mini Cooper S Paceman- My Maui 'Stuff Hauler'
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-01-2010, 08:01 PM	#20
cabro Private 3 Rep 57 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW Z4 SDrive35is Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	I can't believe this. I've been fighting with BMW NA for months now regarding this issue and they have so far refused to do anything. This is a serious safety concern and i'm glad it is finally being address. I'm filing my complaint with NHTSA right now!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-02-2010, 07:54 PM	#21
cabro Private 3 Rep 57 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW Z4 SDrive35is Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	I've attached the document if anyone is interested in giving it a read. INIM-PE10020-40721.pdf
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-03-2010, 07:22 AM	#22
Cruiser565 Enlisted Member 4 Rep 38 Posts Drives: 2004 Z4, 2004 545i SMG Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: No. Virginia iTrader: (0)	I was happy to see that my complaint made it into the official list at the bottom. Will
	Appreciate 0 Quote

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search