F30 steering rack faillure

Nick340xi_qc · 02-29-2016, 02:57 PM

So my steering rack broke this week-end.
328 f30 2012 30k miles/49k KM

seems to be pretty popular because my dealership says the part is back order for at least 14days.

I started the car, tried to reverse, and bam loud noise, steering mal function in the dash and ABS/dct light on. For the past weeks I felt a very slight vibration in the steering. I thought my winter tire/wheels where responsible.

The advisor told me it's the motor that exploded.

Bmw should def make a recall on that piece. Anyone else with that issue ?
Covered I guess ? My car is a rental, wanted to buy after that (in 6 months)

Nick340xi_qc · 03-03-2016, 05:17 PM

It was covered at no cost. They changed my steering rack for a new one with a different number. So BMW know there's a design flaw with the first gen F30 steering rack.

SDH · 03-03-2016, 05:21 PM

Out of interest is it definitely the motor or do you think the dealer just made that up as the 1st thing that came into his mind?

Nick340xi_qc · 03-03-2016, 06:12 PM

They told me it was the motor and specifically it.

cryptocar · 03-03-2016, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick328i_qc

They told me it was the motor and specifically it.

A quick check on RealOEM shows that BMW has gone through 11

iterations of the steering box on standard A/T, non-VSS 328i's. Wonder which of those you were unlucky enough to have.

subrven1 · 03-05-2016, 05:14 PM

I work for a company that designs steering systems. Never heard of 1 where the motor exploded. This one is made by Thyssenkrup Presta (My companies was on the E90)

BM57 · 03-05-2016, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick328i_qc

It was covered at no cost. They changed my steering rack for a new one with a different number. So BMW know there's a design flaw with the first gen F30 steering rack.

Do you have the new part number on your receipt?

RoundelM3 · 03-06-2016, 09:35 AM

First I've heard of an F30 steering rack failure since they came out in 2012. Definitely unusual, not the norm. Parts coming over from Germany generally take 2 weeks or more for whatever reason.

Luca335 · 04-26-2019, 09:15 PM

Couple of nights ago, the TPMS warning lights shows up on the dash board, followed by Steering warning light, see pics. Did a visual lcheck, tires looked OK. At this point, the car was drive-able but NO power steering. Went home, rechecked the tires pressure, everything looked find, reset status on the car status screen, TPMS warning went away. Steering warning light still on. Shut off car restart then the Steering warning light disappeared. As soon as I touched the steering wheel, the warning light came back on, as soon as the car rolled forward, the tire pressure warning light came back as well. Took it to the dealership, $200 just to start the diagnostic, came back with some low voltage code. Service adviser then recommended the following fixes in sequence, try one after another:

1.) Change battery $475
2.) Update software $265
3.) Replace steering rack $4200

The car has been driving fine (2012 328i) with no noise or issues, 76000km.

Has anyone come across this?

They put in new battery and did not fix the problem, then said software update probably won't fix it either. Basically want me to go for the final expensive option. I did not feel or hear any issues from the steering until this happen. This happens together with the TPMS, is the dealer trying to sell me something I don't need. Any help is appreciated.

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IK6SPEED · 04-26-2019, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luca335

Couple of nights ago, the TPMS warning lights shows up on the dash board, followed by Steering warning light, see pics. Did a visual lcheck, tires looked OK. At this point, the car was drive-able but NO power steering. Went home, rechecked the tires pressure, everything looked find, reset status on the car status screen, TPMS warning went away. Steering warning light still on. Shut off car restart then the Steering warning light disappeared. As soon as I touched the steering wheel, the warning light came back on, as soon as the car rolled forward, the tire pressure warning light came back as well. Took it to the dealership, $200 just to start the diagnostic, came back with some low voltage code. Service adviser then recommended the following fixes in sequence, try one after another:

1.) Change battery $475
2.) Update software $265
3.) Replace steering rack $4200

The car has been driving fine (2012 328i) with no noise or issues, 76000km.

Has anyone come across this?

They put in new battery and did not fix the problem, then said software update probably won't fix it either. Basically want me to go for the final expensive option. I did not feel or hear any issues from the steering until this happen. This happens together with the TPMS, is the dealer trying to sell me something I don't need. Any help is appreciated.

Attachment 2040508

Attachment 2040509

Model Year and F3?

Luca335 · 04-27-2019, 01:53 AM

It was in the post, 2012 F30 328i Sport Sedan

IAmATeaf · 04-27-2019, 02:12 PM

I had the steering rack on my 2015 replaced under warranty last year, my advisor did say off the record that there were problems that they were aware of. When mine was changed the entire car had to be decided to accept the new rack.

Mr Podman · 04-27-2019, 06:49 PM

Did they read codes again after the new battery was installed?
What was the result, specifically, of that second code read?

podman

Luca335 · 04-27-2019, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Podman

Did they read codes again after the new battery was installed?
What was the result, specifically, of that second code read?

podman

They just said the steering error is still there. I asked if the TPMS error went away and he couldn't tell me because they didn't do a road test. I found on YouTube of another bimmer and it shows all the same warning lights on my dash and apparently the missing/loose ground wire of the EPS motor caused the communication error and lost of power steering. That's my super simplified version, I provided the link below. I am out of warranty and I push the dealership to talk to BMW to fix this as a good will gesture. For anyone out there that was in the same situation as me and got BMW to fix this issue for free, could you post supporting document, if there's any.

Billfitz · 04-27-2019, 09:53 PM

Steering rack failure due to corroded bolts that attach the electric motor to the rack is well known and an extended warranty has been issued for it. Do a forum search for 'steering rack'.

Luca335 · 04-27-2019, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfitz

Steering rack failure due to corroded bolts that attach the electric motor to the rack is well known and an extended warranty has been issued for it. Do a forum search for 'steering rack'.

I have seen that but mine is a different issue.

Luca335 · 05-10-2019, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luca335

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfitz

Steering rack failure due to corroded bolts that attach the electric motor to the rack is well known and an extended warranty has been issued for it. Do a forum search for 'steering rack'.

I have seen that but mine is a different issue.

Just an update to my situation. EPS motor failed, dealership quoted me $4200 to replace steering rack. I freaked out on them and told them that there was no way in hell I would pay for that for a 6 years old car (no more warranty). They contacted BMW Canada and came back that BMW would take care part of the cost. I ended up paying $730 plus tax for the steering rack which was much more reasonable. Somehow I feel BMW knows about this issue and is willing to deal with it if you " ask".

Mr Podman · 05-11-2019, 03:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luca335

Just an update to my situation. EPS motor failed, dealership quoted me $4200 to replace steering rack. I freaked out on them and told them that there was no way in hell I would pay for that for a 6 years old car (no more warranty). They contacted BMW Canada and came back that BMW would take care part of the cost. I ended up paying $730 plus tax for the steering rack which was much more reasonable. Somehow I feel BMW knows about this issue and is willing to deal with it if you " ask".

Good to know.
Glad they helped you out.

podman

JPL90 · 04-01-2020, 12:04 PM

Kinda ressucitating this thread but I figured my problem could possibly be answered here:

BMW 328xi 2013

I've had a message popping while I was driving saying that there was a steering malfunction and I had to drive carefully.

Car was still driveable but power steering was definitely not operationnal.

Took the car to the dealer and I've been told that the electronic module that controls the power steering stopped working and needed to be changed.

However, the module alone cannot be changed so I had to change the entire steering rack, for 5800$ canadian dollars.

Is this an issue that is known to happen?

BMW gladly forwarded me the error codes if this may help

Billfitz · 04-01-2020, 02:47 PM

The EPS control unit is part of the rack, not sold separately. With a seven year old car I'd get a used unit from a junkyard.

JPL90 · 04-01-2020, 04:43 PM

Thanks Billfitz for the quick answer.

The whole steering rack has already been changed for a new OEM one but I'm trying to see my possibilities here...

I'm wondering if the EPS control unit malfunctionning is a known and common issue from BMW users and dealers or if it is a pretty rare situation.

Thing is that the EPS stopped functionning after I hit a pothole so I'm kind fighting with insurance company at the same time.

They are pretending that hitting a pothole at 90 km/h cannot have possibly damaged the EPS control unit.

Billfitz · 04-01-2020, 05:30 PM

There's no such thing as coincidence.

02-29-2016, 02:57 PM	#1
Nick340xi_qc EMT - Firefighter 86 Rep 418 Posts Drives: BMW f30 340xi mppsk Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Sainte-Julie, Qc , Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 328i [10.00] 2006 325I [0.00] 1988 ranger [0.00]	F30 steering rack faillure So my steering rack broke this week-end. 328 f30 2012 30k miles/49k KM seems to be pretty popular because my dealership says the part is back order for at least 14days. I started the car, tried to reverse, and bam loud noise, steering mal function in the dash and ABS/dct light on. For the past weeks I felt a very slight vibration in the steering. I thought my winter tire/wheels where responsible. The advisor told me it's the motor that exploded. Bmw should def make a recall on that piece. Anyone else with that issue ? Covered I guess ? My car is a rental, wanted to buy after that (in 6 months) __________________ BMW 2012 328i F30 Sport / Ext black / Mperf Front and Rear bumper / Front lip and rear diffusor Mperf / Oem Yellow BBK / Low kick carbon spoiler / Varrstoen ES1 / H&R coilover / 335i MPE / AA flash tune + burble / ER downpipe
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03-03-2016, 05:17 PM	#2
Nick340xi_qc EMT - Firefighter 86 Rep 418 Posts Drives: BMW f30 340xi mppsk Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Sainte-Julie, Qc , Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 328i [10.00] 2006 325I [0.00] 1988 ranger [0.00]	It was covered at no cost. They changed my steering rack for a new one with a different number. So BMW know there's a design flaw with the first gen F30 steering rack. __________________ BMW 2012 328i F30 Sport / Ext black / Mperf Front and Rear bumper / Front lip and rear diffusor Mperf / Oem Yellow BBK / Low kick carbon spoiler / Varrstoen ES1 / H&R coilover / 335i MPE / AA flash tune + burble / ER downpipe
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03-03-2016, 05:21 PM	#3
SDH Captain 409 Rep 903 Posts Drives: . Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Out of interest is it definitely the motor or do you think the dealer just made that up as the 1st thing that came into his mind?
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03-03-2016, 06:12 PM	#4
Nick340xi_qc EMT - Firefighter 86 Rep 418 Posts Drives: BMW f30 340xi mppsk Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Sainte-Julie, Qc , Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 328i [10.00] 2006 325I [0.00] 1988 ranger [0.00]	They told me it was the motor and specifically it. __________________ BMW 2012 328i F30 Sport / Ext black / Mperf Front and Rear bumper / Front lip and rear diffusor Mperf / Oem Yellow BBK / Low kick carbon spoiler / Varrstoen ES1 / H&R coilover / 335i MPE / AA flash tune + burble / ER downpipe
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03-05-2016, 05:14 PM	#6
subrven1 Enlisted Member 8 Rep 37 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW 328 i xDrive M Sport Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Detroit, MI iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW 328i xDrive [10.00]	Oh Wow I work for a company that designs steering systems. Never heard of 1 where the motor exploded. This one is made by Thyssenkrup Presta (My companies was on the E90) __________________ My Garage 2015 BMW 328 i xDrive http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/bpg...=view&id=17687
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03-06-2016, 09:35 AM	#8
RoundelM3 Major General 1835 Rep 6,990 Posts Drives: 15 F80 M3, 22 G01 X3 30i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Clayton, NC iTrader: (2) Garage List 2022 BMW X3 [9.83] 2015 BMW M3 [6.50]	First I've heard of an F30 steering rack failure since they came out in 2012. Definitely unusual, not the norm. Parts coming over from Germany generally take 2 weeks or more for whatever reason. __________________ 2015 F80 ///M3 Sedan 7DCT Tanzanite, 2022 X3 sDrive30i 8AT Brooklyn Grey
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04-26-2019, 09:15 PM	#9
Luca335 First Lieutenant 56 Rep 370 Posts Drives: AW 1M Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada iTrader: (0)	Couple of nights ago, the TPMS warning lights shows up on the dash board, followed by Steering warning light, see pics. Did a visual lcheck, tires looked OK. At this point, the car was drive-able but NO power steering. Went home, rechecked the tires pressure, everything looked find, reset status on the car status screen, TPMS warning went away. Steering warning light still on. Shut off car restart then the Steering warning light disappeared. As soon as I touched the steering wheel, the warning light came back on, as soon as the car rolled forward, the tire pressure warning light came back as well. Took it to the dealership, $200 just to start the diagnostic, came back with some low voltage code. Service adviser then recommended the following fixes in sequence, try one after another: 1.) Change battery $475 2.) Update software $265 3.) Replace steering rack $4200 The car has been driving fine (2012 328i) with no noise or issues, 76000km. Has anyone come across this? They put in new battery and did not fix the problem, then said software update probably won't fix it either. Basically want me to go for the final expensive option. I did not feel or hear any issues from the steering until this happen. This happens together with the TPMS, is the dealer trying to sell me something I don't need. Any help is appreciated.
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04-27-2019, 01:53 AM	#11
Luca335 First Lieutenant 56 Rep 370 Posts Drives: AW 1M Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada iTrader: (0)	It was in the post, 2012 F30 328i Sport Sedan
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04-27-2019, 02:12 PM	#12
IAmATeaf Captain 238 Rep 878 Posts Drives: 2015 F30 335i Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW 335i [0.00]	I had the steering rack on my 2015 replaced under warranty last year, my advisor did say off the record that there were problems that they were aware of. When mine was changed the entire car had to be decided to accept the new rack.
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04-27-2019, 06:49 PM	#13
Mr Podman Banned 221 Rep 529 Posts Drives: 3 Series GT Stage 0.5 Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: North America iTrader: (0)	Did they read codes again after the new battery was installed? What was the result, specifically, of that second code read? podman
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04-27-2019, 09:53 PM	#15
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8243 Rep 16,079 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	Steering rack failure due to corroded bolts that attach the electric motor to the rack is well known and an extended warranty has been issued for it. Do a forum search for 'steering rack'.
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04-01-2020, 12:04 PM	#19
JPL90 Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: BMW 328 xi 2013 Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: Montreal, Canada iTrader: (0)	Kinda ressucitating this thread but I figured my problem could possibly be answered here: BMW 328xi 2013 I've had a message popping while I was driving saying that there was a steering malfunction and I had to drive carefully. Car was still driveable but power steering was definitely not operationnal. Took the car to the dealer and I've been told that the electronic module that controls the power steering stopped working and needed to be changed. However, the module alone cannot be changed so I had to change the entire steering rack, for 5800$ canadian dollars. Is this an issue that is known to happen? BMW gladly forwarded me the error codes if this may help
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04-01-2020, 02:47 PM	#20
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8243 Rep 16,079 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	The EPS control unit is part of the rack, not sold separately. With a seven year old car I'd get a used unit from a junkyard.
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04-01-2020, 04:43 PM	#21
JPL90 Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: BMW 328 xi 2013 Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: Montreal, Canada iTrader: (0)	Thanks Billfitz for the quick answer. The whole steering rack has already been changed for a new OEM one but I'm trying to see my possibilities here... I'm wondering if the EPS control unit malfunctionning is a known and common issue from BMW users and dealers or if it is a pretty rare situation. Thing is that the EPS stopped functionning after I hit a pothole so I'm kind fighting with insurance company at the same time. They are pretending that hitting a pothole at 90 km/h cannot have possibly damaged the EPS control unit.
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04-01-2020, 05:30 PM	#22
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8243 Rep 16,079 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	There's no such thing as coincidence.
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