2012 328i electric steering failure

Parry4u · 04-30-2018, 03:13 PM

This happened to me today, Exact same scenario, Started my car in morning and found screw in garage.
Did you fixed the car? Was it in warranty? and quotes.
Your help is much appreciated.

Now I am scared how safe is BMW to drive?

Shinyo · 05-01-2018, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parry4u

This happened to me today, Exact same scenario, Started my car in morning and found screw in garage.
Did you fixed the car? Was it in warranty? and quotes.
Your help is much appreciated.

Now I am scared how safe is BMW to drive?

I just started a thread on this as well : https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1489419

Good luck getting BMW to own the problem.

vjsarthy · 05-01-2018, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parry4u

This happened to me today, Exact same scenario, Started my car in morning and found screw in garage.
Did you fixed the car? Was it in warranty? and quotes.
Your help is much appreciated.

Now I am scared how safe is BMW to drive?

Can you share some pictures of the failure?

vjsarthy · 05-01-2018, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shinyo

I just started a thread on this as well : https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1489419

Good luck getting BMW to own the problem.

If you could take some pictures of the failure just like I did before a new steering motor/rack is put on, it could help to understand if you were running with just one bolt on just like mine.

As more of these cases pop up, it will get BMW's attention.

Tesla just recalled for the same exact problem involving same exact supplier.

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/29/tesl...e-reports.html

pjkbrit · 05-02-2018, 05:41 AM

X2 on the Tesla model S recall. Very similar system, same supplier, same issue!

kingmonkey8 · 05-03-2018, 10:21 AM

Wow, never seen that before.

Looks like its not something that has happened overnight looking at the amount of corrosion.

Billfitz · 05-03-2018, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vjsarthy

Yes aluminum fastener.

That's the problem. If it was stainless steel it wouldn't corrode, not to mention being far stronger.

dwisti · 09-17-2018, 09:15 AM

I had this same problem happen on my 2014 320i. Looks like only 1 bolt was holding the motor for awhile. The motor had extra threaded holes next to the ones that snapped. I just reinstalled the motor with the extra bolt holes. BMW should own up and recall this problem.

cfm56d7b · 09-17-2018, 10:32 AM

Both alarming and unsettling. Very interested in any response from BMW dealer or BMW NA about this problem.

vjsarthy · 09-18-2018, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwisti

I had this same problem happen on my 2014 320i. Looks like only 1 bolt was holding the motor for awhile. The motor had extra threaded holes next to the ones that snapped. I just reinstalled the motor with the extra bolt holes. BMW should own up and recall this problem.

I agree that BMW should do a recall just like Tesla and ford especially that this is a safety issue.

bim3 · 09-23-2018, 02:02 PM

Hi All,

I am from Europe. When I last time was at my dealership (a couple of days ago), they told me that there is a recall and changed these bolts on my BMW F30 steering motor.

I am really surprised that you still didn't get any recall in USA. Usually it is vice versa as with Timing Chain and Oil Pump Drive Chain problem. Customers in USA got extended warranty, while customers in Europe are charged for the fix

KGB_123_99 · 09-24-2018, 12:55 PM

Scary

Mech-Mart · 10-01-2018, 08:35 PM

I had the bolts snap on my 2012 320i not too long after the warranty was done. Bolts let go while it was parked in my garage. Couldn't drive like that.

I towed it to the dealer and was told the entire steering rack and motor had to be replaced because only the factory was able to assemble the two and calibrate them properly. Also any failure means contamination in the unit, even though I only drove straight about 20 feet.

I was so upset I had it towed back out of the dealer's lot and had an independent garage (BMW trained mechanic using OEM parts) fix it. BMW then offered 25% off to match the price - I said no. Cost was about $3,600 Canadian. The mechanic said he had seen this before a few times and so as a routine he actually adds steel bolts along side the aluminum ones for prevention.

I recommend that to prevent this ridiculous problem. I have read a bit about galvanic reactions if using steel bolts on the magnesium engine block, but in this case (steering) I feel safer with steel bolts in a city where road salt is used 6 months of the year.

Still hoping to hear about a recall, to get some of my money back.

victormaz · 11-02-2018, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vjsarthy

I didn't try to steer it after I got the message on the dash. since it was on the driveway I stopped right away.

Exactly same happened to me, also getting off my driveway. I found the first bolt (visually intact) 6 months ago, but was negligent and did not investigate.

The third one snapped.

vjsarthy · 12-19-2018, 12:02 PM

Received a letter from BMW yesterday to bring my car in for inspection for this exact problem. It also states that they will fix it free of charge if they find corrosion.

adhrp · 12-19-2018, 12:12 PM

I too received a letter from BMW yesterday to bring the car in for this. I immediately remembered this thread! Otherwise, based on the description alone, I would have no idea what they were talking about. Love how the various topics on this forum help people stay on top of issues.

F30RiK · 12-19-2018, 05:33 PM

to the guys that received a letter, what MY are your cars?

uncleruckus · 12-20-2018, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F30RiK

to the guys that received a letter, what MY are your cars?

I see that you're in Canada.....I checked the BMW Canada "MyBMW" site and it does not list any recalls or service bulletins for my vehicle (2013 328i xDrive). I really hope BMW CA also steps up and does the same thing as BMW NA!

sspade · 12-20-2018, 12:02 PM

Can someone PLEASE post a pic of letter?

bgalakazam · 12-21-2018, 06:49 AM

Hmm I need to make sure this doesn't happen to me. I park in a very very narrow space under the house in Italy and if this happens there is no way the car can be towed out.

PappyVR4 · 12-21-2018, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sspade

Can someone PLEASE post a pic of letter?

And.. a day after the letter, I lose power steering. [s]And all the local service centers are booked up until a couple weeks into January.[/s]

Edit: They ended up finding some room for me the day after Christmas.

Further edit: it was actually a rabbit that ate my power steering wires.

CleanKM · 12-27-2018, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F30RiK

to the guys that received a letter, what MY are your cars?

Just got my letter. 2014 328D

04-30-2018, 03:13 PM	#23
Parry4u Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 2012 320i Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Same Problem f30 320i 2012 This happened to me today, Exact same scenario, Started my car in morning and found screw in garage. Did you fixed the car? Was it in warranty? and quotes. Your help is much appreciated. Now I am scared how safe is BMW to drive?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-02-2018, 05:41 AM	#27
pjkbrit Second Lieutenant 128 Rep 262 Posts Drives: 2018 340i 6MT ZHP Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	X2 on the Tesla model S recall. Very similar system, same supplier, same issue!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-03-2018, 10:21 AM	#28
kingmonkey8 Lieutenant 81 Rep 552 Posts Drives: BMW 428i Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Wow, never seen that before. Looks like its not something that has happened overnight looking at the amount of corrosion.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-17-2018, 09:15 AM	#30
dwisti Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: 2014 320i MT Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Voluntown CT iTrader: (0)	I had this same problem happen on my 2014 320i. Looks like only 1 bolt was holding the motor for awhile. The motor had extra threaded holes next to the ones that snapped. I just reinstalled the motor with the extra bolt holes. BMW should own up and recall this problem. Attached Images Last edited by dwisti; 09-17-2018 at 09:16 AM.. Reason: typo
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-17-2018, 10:32 AM	#31
cfm56d7b Lieutenant General 5876 Rep 10,249 Posts Drives: 2017 440i Gran Coupe & 2015 X5 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (2)	Both alarming and unsettling. Very interested in any response from BMW dealer or BMW NA about this problem.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-23-2018, 02:02 PM	#33
bim3 New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: BMW 328i F30 Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Europe iTrader: (0)	Steering Motor Recall Hi All, I am from Europe. When I last time was at my dealership (a couple of days ago), they told me that there is a recall and changed these bolts on my BMW F30 steering motor. I am really surprised that you still didn't get any recall in USA. Usually it is vice versa as with Timing Chain and Oil Pump Drive Chain problem. Customers in USA got extended warranty, while customers in Europe are charged for the fix
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-24-2018, 12:55 PM	#34
KGB_123_99 Captain 404 Rep 962 Posts Drives: '17 330ix M-Sport, '09 528ix Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Montreal, QC iTrader: (0)	Scary
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-01-2018, 08:35 PM	#35
Mech-Mart New Member 2 Rep 9 Posts Drives: 320i 2012 Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Montreal iTrader: (0)	Same Issue I had the bolts snap on my 2012 320i not too long after the warranty was done. Bolts let go while it was parked in my garage. Couldn't drive like that. I towed it to the dealer and was told the entire steering rack and motor had to be replaced because only the factory was able to assemble the two and calibrate them properly. Also any failure means contamination in the unit, even though I only drove straight about 20 feet. I was so upset I had it towed back out of the dealer's lot and had an independent garage (BMW trained mechanic using OEM parts) fix it. BMW then offered 25% off to match the price - I said no. Cost was about $3,600 Canadian. The mechanic said he had seen this before a few times and so as a routine he actually adds steel bolts along side the aluminum ones for prevention. I recommend that to prevent this ridiculous problem. I have read a bit about galvanic reactions if using steel bolts on the magnesium engine block, but in this case (steering) I feel safer with steel bolts in a city where road salt is used 6 months of the year. Still hoping to hear about a recall, to get some of my money back.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-19-2018, 12:02 PM	#37
vjsarthy Private 18 Rep 53 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW 328i Sportline Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	Received a letter from BMW yesterday to bring my car in for inspection for this exact problem. It also states that they will fix it free of charge if they find corrosion.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-19-2018, 12:12 PM	#38
adhrp Lieutenant Colonel 1266 Rep 1,590 Posts Drives: 2020 M550i (G30)/2021 X3 (G02) Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	I too received a letter from BMW yesterday to bring the car in for this. I immediately remembered this thread! Otherwise, based on the description alone, I would have no idea what they were talking about. Love how the various topics on this forum help people stay on top of issues. __________________ 2020 M550i (G30) \| Carbon Black/Black Nappa \| DHP \| DAP \| Executive \| Luxury Seating \| Park Asst \| Ceramic Controls \| Front/Rear Heated Seats \| 20" 668M wheels 2021 X3 (G02) \| Dark Graphite Metallic/Cognac \| Premium \| DAP \| Front/Rear Heated Seats Sold/Retired: 2012 328i (F30)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-19-2018, 05:33 PM	#39
F30RiK Lieutenant 128 Rep 403 Posts Drives: 13' 335 xdrive M-sport 6 Speed Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: QC, LAval iTrader: (1)	to the guys that received a letter, what MY are your cars?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-20-2018, 12:02 PM	#41
sspade Major General 2465 Rep 5,457 Posts Drives: F30 Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Stevenson, WA iTrader: (3) Garage List 2016 BMW 320i [7.87] 2014 BMW 328i [6.83]	Can someone PLEASE post a pic of letter?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-21-2018, 06:49 AM	#42
bgalakazam Private First Class 94 Rep 172 Posts Drives: 2015 328i Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Germany iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW 328i [0.00]	Hmm I need to make sure this doesn't happen to me. I park in a very very narrow space under the house in Italy and if this happens there is no way the car can be towed out.
	Appreciate 0 Quote