I’ve had my 2003 Z4 for 20 years. Have been to multiple mechanics and they said “nothing” is wrong. I live in Florida so the sticky steering occurs ever time I take it out except in Winter. But I love her so I live with it! I just drive her around town and when she starts to stick, I head home. Thanks so much for posting this video of your beautiful car. I’m glad I’m not the only one because the mechanics almost tried to insinuate I was crazy. 😊
If you leave the air con on with the direction of flow towards the dash vents it helps enormously. I bought a small 12 volt fan and placed it behind the column plastic trim with it pointing at the column. It works just fine and keeps the column cool enough.
i repleaced mine with an hydraulic unit with parts coming from z4m and e46, easy swap (the engine is already predispose for an hydraulic pump), amazing feel and only 300 pounds spent on used parts plus 3 hrs labour. best fix for that
Looking at getting a Z4 3.0si soon and this is the first thing I'm planning to do to it. It's cheap and seems like such an upgrade that I can't understand why someone would own a Z4 and not have it done.
Hi, can you tell me the parts needed, what from Z4M and what from E46. What is your engine code? Mine is a N52B30. Do you know if that engine is ready for hydraulic pump?
Mandatory from the Z4M is the secondary shaft, all the rest can be taken from the e46. in your case not having the m54 you have to seek for the pump coming from an e87 130i...the only hydraulic steering n52 as far as i know
I just purchased an 06 with 84k miles for $4k today. Its beautiful. I did notice the sticky steering feeling on the way home. So i guess now im diving head first into this issue.
"Sucks the fun out of driving the car." Which is why one should consider a 'fix.' One of your countrymen came up with a permanent fix that requires drilling into a column coupling, inserting a zerk fitting, and injecting some lithium grease. I did it with my Z4 almost 3 years ago and the problem has not returned. I live in California and we have long hot summers, so sucking the fun out of driving is an issue. If it does annoy you find the posted fix and obtain a reasonably handy DIY guy that is flexible and has a high pain threshold and give it a shot. The fix is benign and worse case will not further damage your steering column and it is very inexpensive. Good luck...
I live in Texas and have the same problem with my 2003 Z4 in the extreme Texas summer heat, so I just opt to drive it in the morning hours on Saturday or Sunday when it is cool. No problems in cool weather.
I have had it few times before as well and i have realised that it’s the “keeping the car parked in the sun for a longer period of time” kind of a deal. Therefore i also decided not to spend on replacement but rather to just find a shade on those 30C and above clear sky days :) nice video too👍🏻
Not only sticky steering, but after that my el. power steering motor failed, which would also be a common issue for Z4. Instead of buying a new or used set, I installed an old-school hydraulic steering, like the one on Z4-M. This might be the cheapest and by far the best solution for steering problems. What you should do is to buy used E46 steering column, pump, liquid tank, etc and install it on your Z4, really easy fix. Plastic that goes behind the steering wheel needs also to be changed with the one from E46
It's Joel entire cost was around €400-450, labor included. I don’t know about the prices in other countries though. All used parts besides belt, belt tensioner and servo pump which were bought new.
The sticky steering is a common fault of all early E85 cars. Some guys adjust the excentric ring on the column rack, but the problem comes after some time again. Here in germany there is a specialist Z4 repair shop, who can fix the problem of sticky steering finally. After 5 years, they did hundrets of zetts from several countrys, no new column necessary.
BMWModules I had my Z4 done in Moenchengladbach (Germany) and I am 100% satisfied. I live in Belgium but iT was worth the trip! No sticky steering anymore.
@@ianrjackson1 In Moenchengladbach, where I had my sticky steering fixed, the guys took out the wheelhouse (steering house?) to remove the bearing, which is an open one!! In fact it's unbelievable that BMW doesn't put closed, dust-free bearings instead. Then the the electrical power steeringbox was opened to remove the dried up grease and replaced by new grease which has a much higher temperature resistance. Reassembling and job done! No problems anymore ever since. At first I tried the same thing as a lot of other guys by turning that famous eccentric ring, but that wasn't a success. The german mechanic who fixed my Z4 told me that it is even dangerous to turn that ring... Grtz, Marc - Bree, Belgium
And how much do these overpriced monopoly sons of bitches charging for their rocketscience steering overhaul? thrice the price of the entire retail price of the car or just twice? fucking Germans.
Bought my Z4 with the column already having been replaced by previous owner. Wouldn't have bought it otherwise, especially because in Australia it's above 25 degrees almost all the time
The Lci version should be better they say, but after a burning day in the sun I could feel a strange resistance while steering. When it's really hot people shouldn't don't drive a convertible at all. 20 degrees is perfect :)
Hi Joel, great channel, really enjoy watching your videos. Loving my Z4 3.0i, I've only had it for 3 weeks and I've just experienced the sticky steering problem with temperature's exceeding 30 degrees + today. I've come to the same conclusion, I'm just going to live with it. Chris.
mine was acting up today, it was 90 degrees F when the humidity is high, as it was today it makes it worse. Sticky weather, sticky steering. It happens so rarely that I am not contemplating doing a fix. keeping the roof up and turning on the air does help.the money would go for another hydraulic replacement roof motor. dealer replaced it when I bought it two years ago, they used a cheapie, non oem.it lasted exactly one year.
We have an 07 E85 and the steering feels heavier than normal when turning but not sticky as such. Trying to figure out if its the same issue or something different as there are suggestions it was fixed by BMW in 06 models and above.
Have any of you seen the ECU Testing Comoany that you can send your electronic power steering ecu to and they will fix it better than factory and then you replace it? Thinking of trying this to fix my sticky steering
My 2004 steering was super sticky when it was warm - to the point you had to keep both hands on the wheel. Found instructions on the BMW forum to install the grease zerk, or alemite, and it took about 30 minutes. Dramatic improvement and very pleased.
Joel, I have 2007 BMW Z4 (E85), Roaster, Engine 2.5i automatic transmission but my Z4 didn't came with shifter pattern on the steering wheel do you think is possible to swap the steering with one that have the shifter pattern?
My 2004 steering was making a crazy noise like wale calls and was sticky took it to bmw and it was a rubber boot that had shifted, haven’t had a problem since even when it was 28c last week
I saw on a forum BMW actually fixed this problem somewhere around 2005/2006, so the 2006 models and up barely have this problem anymore. But also when you replace the steering column with the improved version this problem will most likely be fixed! Too bad they didn't do a recall on the pre-2006 models...
I'm uk (Wales) the sun was out today (its bloody rare here! ) but only about 12ish degrees. Obvs heater on high on dash(and seats on too) so i could LOOK cool and not actually BE cool! Steering awful.. Will freeze in future (both looking AND BEING cool!!! 😎 😂) cheers kiddo for your info, i can live with it lol
I do not think so the reason of this sticky steering wheel is the weather, but indeed is the quality of bmw manufacturers. Here in Cyprus we can say that the reason is the weather but not in UK.
BMW has known of this defect for years, but won't address it. In had the issue and the car was almost undriveable. It's really shameful how they treated me over it as not being "the original owner". Very disappointing.
I had the same problem with my 2004 z4 . BMW would not cover it. So much for the alternate drivers machine. I finally got rid of it and bought a C5 Corvette and even though it's a lot larger than I would like ,the car is a lot better engineered. I will never buy a BMW again.
My steering was a bit "nervous" and horrible on main roads, had a bit of a mind if it's own. I lubricated the universal joints on the steering column shaft with mountain bike chain lube - problem solved.
@@unixnerd23 what is called joints in the engine bay? you mean tierods or control arms? I am still trying hard to figure out, what part of a car is called "joints". I'll wait.
Hi I have a 2003 Z4 convertible which suddenly developed a problem with the eps. I've had a diagnostic done at my local garage but it couldn't detect a fault or speak to the ecu. It's not always a simple fix (just my luck) so if anyone can recommend a trusted specialist in london, let me know.
That’s interesting that you mention that, cos I’ve had my E85 Z4 for 9 months now and it’s been really hot here in Guernsey 🇬🇬 and not had that issue at all.
I can’t quite put my finger on when and why it happens - it’s been super hot on the mainland in the past couple of weeks, yet I haven’t had the issue ...
It is interesting as this is the first I’ve heard of it, the only annoying tiring i find with the steering (which i think is due to the run flat tires i have) that it does like to pull to the right or left. Especially if I’m on a slightly bumpy road and we have a few here in Guernsey 🇬🇬. With your comment to your other video, yeah sucks the roof doesn’t work electronically, but I’ve had the car a few months now and it’s not been that much of an issue to raise or lower it manually.
Perhaps it’s not an issue with all Z4s! I’d love to drive my Z4 up the Val des terres some day (I visit guernsey a lot, but fly!) yeah, guess it’s not a big deal - my dad’s Z4’s motor packed up, think he managed to sort it for £300
Another great video! I love your angles and shots you use to make the video (& others). I have yet to experience this but I wonder since I am in Scotland if it will ever be an issue :)
I had the same issue on my 04 Z4 3.0se but all the time and I did the eccentric ring fix. It has made it less sticky but I think I need to do some fine tuning. Shame BMW went for the electric option rather than hydraulic, although I believe the facelift E85 got a hydraulic system.
Bmw has made the ecentric ring adjustement a official repair fix in TIS. www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e85-z4-3.0i-roa_200403/repair-manuals/32-steering-wheel-alignment/32-31-steering-column/FA4qjk9W
I've had 2 first generation Z4s and one second generation. All 3 had awful steering issues. My current 2004 example has vague wandering steering and is in no way relaxing on a long drive, bordering on dangerous. It needs constant correction and over correction. I live with it, but it.'s absolutely the worst aspect of these otherwise fab little cars.
Well done! I discover some Ryan Nangle effects in there! The sticky steering is a very sad topic, especially from a company like bmw.. My 3,5 Yr old X5 has the same issue..... I wont do anything about it, only when BMW replaces it in warranty..
Thanks for watching mate! Who’s this Ryan Nangle? Sounds like I should check him out. Sticky steering is a nightmare, I’ve just learned to deal with it!
So, you suggest we hit the store shelves and grab anything that says "Sonax" and nothing specific, just see Sonax, grab it any start spraying away right? smh.
had the sticky steering too, only once on a really hot day, also CHANGE YOUR WHEELS FOR GODS SAKE, I had the same 17" things, now have 18" mv2 so much better..
What difference do you feel between the 17" and the 18"? what tire brand and model do you use, plus what width? 225 in the front and 255 in the rear or 225 Square or 255 square. Don't be vague, go into details. What' your geographic location? what's the average temp.
+It's Joel It is independent of the gearbox, manual and automatic cars have it. I have a 2016 F20 LCI Advantage with Manual Gearbox and have hill assist, however my previous cars had it as well (2013 and 2015 models) To figure it out, you can see if you can turn it on/off the settings via bmw radio unit. Alternative via the VIN/Car Manual or Google search
You're trying hard to be sarcastic. Never heard anyone ask such questions before. If you can't start and drive a car uphill you need a personal chafeur and not hill assist.
Nice video! Does the sticky steering make any sort of a squeaking/high pitched noise when you turn the wheel while the car is moving slowly (like when parking or pulling out of a driveway)?
My z4 has been doing the same. When stationary and turning the wheel it's making a horrible whining/groaning sound plus there's some twitching/resistance about about 70-80mph. Is this symptoms of sticky steering and would adjusting the worm gear in the column fix this?
Wow, I just had this problem not long ago, I parked my car under hot sun and when I started the car, the steering wheel yellow waring sign was on and turned ‘sticky'. Then I restarted my car and the issue gone, Hopefully this will never happen.
Hi, thanks for giving me the incentive to have a go at fixing this. After following a couple of links in the comments and reading up a bit, I adjusted the ring between the column and motor. Video here ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-gWIuYpXCLjI.html
Park in a shade if you don't have a garage. By the way, I've heard folks including you say, this very car 3.0 costs only 3500 pounds/$, I do not believe it. If yes, can I send you money to help me get one?I smell bs.
@@NathanWoollaston Wow, just wow! you British folks are lucky bastards. It's around 8-10k euros in other parts of Europe that's over twice the amount. Can I ask how you got that aftermarket radio fix way. The original panel it rests on was tossed as I can see and replaced with another panel that can accommodate it. and it worked just fine and flush, how did you do it though? was it cut so that the radio can fit in or the panel came with the radio or what?
@@oliverbuckley5374 You know most folks who won this car or looking to buy one are most likely going to get the pre 2006 one right? so telling us to get the 2006 is really dumb because they aren't available like that.
@@kay19833 tbh mine was a 2003 and I never had a problem with the steering, I was not telling anyone to get a post 06 model. I was just stating fact, they updated it in the face lift model. Also if someone was to ask me what model to get I would say pre 06 as it has the better lights on the rear and I prefer the M52 engine.
