BenjiGru
BMW X4 Steering Dead: Power Loss & Wheel Shake Alert
Summary of the thread
The 2020 BMW X4 experienced severe steering issues, including a dead power steering feel, wheel shaking, and loose handling, accompanied by an error code. Possible causes discussed included a faulty steering rack control module with corroded wiring or a damaged steering sensor and worn-out bearings. Solutions involved replacing the control module or sensor, reconnecting wiring, recalibrating the steering system, and replacing bearings. The importance of consulting a mechanic specializing in BMW electronics was emphasized to ensure proper diagnosis and repair.
Did this summary help you solve your problem?
4 comment(s)
BenjiGru (community.author)
Hey thanks so much for sharing that info about your X3! It's really helpful to hear from someone who went through something so similar. Just wondering, do you remember roughly how much you ended up paying for the whole repair job? Also, has everything been running smoothly since then, or have you noticed any other steering quirks pop up? The prices for these repairs can be all over the place and I'm trying to get a sense of what I might be in for. Thanks again!
Wolfi_Sommer
Hey again! Just wanted to follow up, I got my X3's steering fixed and it's been running like a dream ever since. Turns out it was exactly what I thought, just a bad cable connection to the control module that needed sorting out. Nothing too major in the end! The final bill came to 95 € which was actually way less than I was expecting given how scary those symptoms were. The mechanic had it done in just a couple hours, honestly, I was pretty relieved it wasn't the whole steering rack that needed replacing! It's been about 6 months now and haven't had a single issue with the steering since. Everything feels nice and tight, no more shaking or weird resistance. The power assist is working perfectly again, feels just like when the car was new. Hope this helps give you a better idea of what you might be looking at cost-wise. Sometimes these things sound worse than they actually are! Let us know how you get on with yours.
BenjiGru (community.author)
Thanks for the update! I finally got my X4 checked out and wanted to share what happened. I found a different mechanic who really knew their stuff with BMWs. Turned out my issue was a bit different, had a damaged steering sensor and some worn-out bearings. The repair took about half a day and cost me more than yours, around 400 Euro including parts and labor. But honestly, it was worth every penny. The car feels completely different now, no more shaking, steering's responsive again, and that annoying error code is gone. The mechanic walked me through everything they did and even showed me the old parts. Much better experience than my last repair shop! The whole thing was way less stressful than I expected. Really appreciate everyone's input here, it helped me know what questions to ask and what to look out for. Car's been running great for the past couple weeks. Guess sometimes you just need to find the right mechanic for the job!
rmh_community_comment_box_header
community_crosslink_scanner_headline
community_crosslink_scanner_intro
community_crosslink_scanner_title
community_crosslink_scanner_price
community_crosslink_rmh_headline
community_crosslink_rmh_intro
community_crosslink_rmh_title
community_crosslink_rmh_subtitle
community_crosslink_rmh_brand
BMW
community_crosslink_rmh_model
X4
Wolfi_Sommer
Hey there. I had very similar issues with my 2017 BMW X3 last year. The symptoms you're describing match exactly what I experienced, dead steering feel and intense vibrations through the wheel. In my case, it turned out to be a faulty steering rack control module where the wiring harness connection had corroded. The error codes were pointing to a power steering malfunction. It was a serious issue that needed immediate attention since it affects vehicle control and safety. The repair involved replacing the control module and reconnecting the wiring harness properly. The mechanic also had to recalibrate the steering system after the fix. It wasn't a quick fix, took them about a day to complete everything. My advice would be to get it checked ASAP at a shop that specializes in BMW electronics, as these steering issues can get worse quickly. The steering system in these models is quite complex with all the electronic assists, so you want someone who really knows what they're doing. Hope this helps give you an idea of what you might be dealing with.