[smarm]

So today I had a complete failure of the power steering system in my 10 day old X3. Bit disappointing to say the least. This is apparently an issue on X5 that have come from the same factory, but this is the first my dealership has seen with the X3s.

Has anyone else experienced this?

[Barbera335]

Your car has electric power steering with no fluids whatsoever, therefore you do not have a power steering pump at all. Completely different system from an X5. Which by the way was a supplier issue with a belt tensioner on diesels only. There have been a few cases of X3 electric power steering racks failing but it isn't common. This is why the manufacturer provides a warranty.

[Lotus7]

Another Forum member had a bad steering rack on delivery. Seems like a random component defect.
see:
http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showth...=steering+rack

Should be a relatively easy fix once they get a replacement rack (the power assist is provided by a small electric motor built into the steering rack).

Obviously, check for basic steering alignment once the rack is replaced. The steering wheel should be perfectly centered when driving straight ahead, and there should be no "pull" to either side when driving on a flat road.

[andrewbmw]

There is a recall on 2011 X3 steering last month and I think you car might suffer the same problem. Surprised that dealer didn't mention it to you.

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/pr...type=DrillDown

"
Summary:
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 27, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 8, 2011. A CONTROL MODULE IN THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING (EPS) UNIT MAY MALFUNCTION, RESULTING IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE.
"

Originally Posted by smarm

So today I had a complete failure of the power steering system in my 10 day old X3. Bit disappointing to say the least. This is apparently an issue on X5 that have come from the same factory, but this is the first my dealership has seen with the X3s.

Has anyone else experienced this?

[smarm]

Originally Posted by andrewbmw

There is a recall on 2011 X3 steering last month and I think you car might suffer the same problem. Surprised that dealer didn't mention it to you.

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/pr...type=DrillDown

"
Summary:
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 27, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 8, 2011. A CONTROL MODULE IN THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING (EPS) UNIT MAY MALFUNCTION, RESULTING IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE.
"

Thanks for all the advice. Clearly this must be the issue. Wasn't made aware of this as I'm not in the USA and the recall isn't listed in australia

http://www.recalls.gov.au/content/in.../itemId/952885

[Powerrunner]

You would think thet BMW could get this right, at least they are addressing the problem!

[Lotus7]

smarm,

Here's a pic of what your power steering system looks like.
Nice and neat - only electrons and a little grease. No hydraulics - no hoses - no pumps - no belts.

Unfortunately, in your case, no steering boost!