This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
At above 80 degree Fahrenheit temperatures, the steering sticks on my 2003 Z4, and worsens as the heat increases. It is very hard to correct steering on the highway as it tends to stay in one position and will eventually lead to an accident. This is a serious problem on many Z4's and BMW doesn't acknowledge the problem.
Experiencing very similar issue as documented under NHTSA action number PE10020-steering/steering column/power assist system becoming difficult to steer while driving in excess of 50mph. Contacted BMW customer relations and received no assistance only recommendation to take to service dept.
My BMW Z4 2003 suddenly has a steering problem where the wheel "sticks" in place and "catches" before allowing me to steer properly. BMW dealer was notified of the problem and asked that I not drive the car but that I bring it in for a look. Obviously they know it is dangerous for me to drive!!!
2003 BMW Z4 at times the steering becomes very tight. It seems that the steering on warm days becomes very tight, when the steering wheel is in the center it takes more force then normal to turn the wheel, making you over steer the car. When this happens you feel like the car has a mind of it's own.
- Bishopville, MD, USA
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2003 BMW Z4 roadster has an intermittent sticky steering issue that adversely affects the ability to control the direction of vehicle in traffic. The condition is due to high ambient temperatures or after parking car in hot weather. The steering wheel will not allow the driver to steer a straight line without constant, sudden corrections that require use of the entire lane of traffic. A bicyclist was almost struck by vehicle which prompted this complaint. The failure happens every time the car is driven in weather above 75 degrees F and parked in sun. The condition will dissipate when car is parked in shade or temperatures fall for a prolonged period. BMW dealer servicewriter was contacted and knew nothing about other Z4 vehicles with electric steering having this issue. Dealer advises replacing the entire steering upper column assembly and the lower rack and pinion with an estimate of $4943. Owner is exploring options for repair or replacing vehicle with a newer model.
My 2003 BMW Z4's electric power steering stops working on hot days. The loss of assist get worse as speed increases. Yesterday at 97 degrees it was virtually impossible to drive the car. The steering is extremely difficult and when the steering wheel is released, the car does not return to center.
I own a 2003 BMW Z4 roadster that seems to have an intermittent steering problem. When the temperature rises, the steering feels heavy, requiring added force to return the steering to center position. The result is jerky steering and some difficulty in steering in tight circumstances. My dealer denies any knowledge of other complaints. Following internet research, I know other are having a similar problem.
On a hot day, the steering seems to stick when you turn the wheel. The steering wheel does not return to center after a turn. It makes the car want to wander all over the road, particularly on curving roads.
When my 2003 BMW Z4 is left out in the sun during the summer months, it is very hard to drive and almost non-responsive. Additionally at times the electric power steering indicator light will come on, resulting in the loss of power steering control (and the shutoff of other electrical equipment in the car). This typically is only for a few seconds, however that can be extremely dangerous.
2003 BMW Z4 - sticky steering in hot weather. This is a recurring problem. The steering seems to momentarily seize... very scary! no actual accident yet, but only a matter of time!
In hot weather the steering wheel becomes harder to turn seems to stick at times. 2003 Z4 3.0I it has been this way as long as I have owned the car. BMW refused to repair it under warranty and now the warranty has run out.
The contact owns a 2003 BMW Z4. The contact stated that the electric steering wheel was resistant when he attempted to drive the vehicle. The failure only occurred when it was extremely warm outside. BMW was not notified regarding the failure. The failure and current mileage were approximately 27,000.
The contact owns a 2003 BMW Z4. When the weather was warm the steering wheel was shaking excessively. It became difficult to keep the vehicle in the middle of the road especially while driving over 30 mph or more. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions regarding the failure. The dealer stated that nothing was wrong with the vehicle. A report was filed with the manufacturer who stated that they were not aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 10,000 and the current mileage was 18,000. Updated 10/20/10 updated 10/22/10
The steering on the vehicle sticks on hot days when the car has been left out in the sun. This makes is extremely difficult to maintain a straight line on the highway, as the steering effort become too high. It was the worst I've experienced today, as the temperature in new england reached 102 degrees F.
My 2003 BMW Z4 has a major steering problem. There is noise in the steering column area and the steering becomes very stiff and non-responsive at highway speeds. Its like driving a car with a power steering pump that is about to fail. The problem is much worse on hot days or after the car has been driven a lot. I took it to the only BMW dealership around here in indianapolis. They told me they couldn't duplicate the problem in the shop but it sounded like a defective steering column. The cost on a new column is $3500 plus many man-hours of labor charges to install it! I went on line and found out that this is a common problem with Z4S. So, here I sit with a $13,000 car that I can't afford to fix and I'm afraid to drive more than a few miles from home because the steering is so tight/questionable. This is a safety issue and BMW should be made to recall this issue!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Fenton, MO, USA