2004 BMW Z4 Steering Problems

Twice this month, while operating the vehicle, the power steering completely stopped functioning, causing the vehicle to be almost uncontrollable. No prior warning light. When I purchased the vehicle in 2018, the same problem occurred and the dealer replaced the steering column under warranty. In researching online I find that this is a common problem with this model. I am surprised to find that there is no recall notice for what is a major safety concern.

Power steering wheel went out of power during a trip at about 70mph. Yellow light at the dashboard went ON then so, car became imposible to drive or so.

Power steering stopped working.

The electric steering gets sticky when very often. It feels locked in its position and requires extra force to unstick, once its past the sticking point it over corrects and causes the vehicle to swerve. This failure seems to be quite common and is well known. It seems to be a manufacturing defect inside the electric steering column. I believe it should be investigated by NHTSA. The last time it happened my car went off onto the soft shoulder. The manufacturer should repair the steering. It’s a widely known issue.

When driving the steering is loose or sticky. The problem gets worse when the weather is warm. Sometimes it’s hard to keep the car driving in a straight path. This is scary and dangerous. His occurs whenever the car is driven. Other z4 drivers are having the same problem.

The steering sticks, in warmer weather, at freeway speeds. Continuously trying to unstick the steering wheel, with the possibility of overcorrecting, at freeway speeds, could present a safety hazard. Yes, the alignment company recognized the problem during their post-alignment test drive. The vehicle has not been inspected by "manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives." No warning lamps/lights/messages on dash. However, if you google 2004 BMW with sticky steering, you will find NUMEROUS accounts of this happening to other owners of similar vehicles (specifically 2003-2005 Z4).

The electric steering gets sticky when hot. It feels locked in its position and requires extra force to unstick, once its past the sticking point it over corrects and causes the vehicle to swerve. This failure seems to be quite common and is well known. It seems to be a manufacturing defect inside the electric steering column. I believe it has already been investigated by NHTSA but a recall has not yet been called to protect the consumer. This failure only happens when it is hot or the heater is on in the car, there is no warning before it occurs. Thank you for your attention in this matter. Please help by re-investigating this common failure.

The steering is sticky, like the steering system is locking up. It isn't smooth but instead very jerky, and requires serious effort to manage. It is becoming dangerous and is very unsafe. I have seen a lot of complaints on the internet and can not believe this isn't a recall item!

Component or system failed: Steering Column. It is available for inspection. Safety or the safety of others put at risk: When driving the steering column will lock or stick into place until it is forced back into a normal driving position. This consistently occurs when driving on a corner or making slight steering adjustments on a straight road. Has the problem been reproduced by a dealer: UNKNOWN Has the vehicle or component been inspected: UNKNOWN Were there any warning lamps: None

Steering is "sticky" with a feel of detents in the steering instead of expected smooth engagement. At highway speeds this is concerning and feels unsafe. Difficult or impossible to steer smoothly.

The contact owns a 2004 BMW Z4. The contact stated while driving at various speeds in warm weather, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road. The contact continued driving with caution to his destination. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

Mileage: 125,000

The the vehicle sits out in the sunlight or its warm outside (usually over 80F) the steering wheel will get very notchy and “stick” towards the center position at highway speeds. This makes minor steering corrections at highway speeds very difficult to make without unintentionally leaving your own lane possibly into another car. This is very much a safety issue! This has happened on multiple occasions since the week after I got it in May 2022. Tonight its only 65 degrees and it was acting up (this is 2 hours after sunset).

The steering wheel is "sticky" and has play in it when you are driving it. It appears to have steering drift. I feel this car is not safe to drive and is hard to control. No warning messages have come on. When I searched online, it appears that many others are having trouble with their 2004 z4 steering.

I own a 2004 BMW Z4 2.5i I bought it used in 2010 with 22,000 miles. It was on a cool December day when I test drove the car and I loved it. No sign of any steering problems. On a warmer day after driving for a while I suddenly experienced a unexpected binding of the steering and almost binding ended up steering into oncoming traffic. This really scared me and I started investigating. Yes, this is a known safety defect, but BMW doesn’t do anything about it. NHTSA, which supposed to protect us from unsafe vehicles, did not do their job either. I am a retired Automotive engineer with Fiat-Iveco and NHTSA made my company recall vehicles for much less. The defect gets worse in hot weather and I don’t let my son, friends or anybody else drive the vehicle, as I am afraid that they could get hurt, aside from a liability issue on my side. I can’t really sell the vehicle with a known safety defect from a moral standpoint and I definitely would be liable should the car get involved in an accident caused by a known defect. BMW and NHTSA do your job before somebody gets hurt or killed! Doing nothing, will cost you more in Settlements and Reputation in a long run…the problem will not go away by doing nothing! Following site lists 137 BMW Z4 owners reporting problems related to steering column: https://www.carproblemzoo.com/bmw/z4/steering-column-problems.php This is a major design and safety defect and justifies a safety recall!

Whenever the temperature Is above 80 degrees the steering becomes very stiff with no power assist due to a design defeat within the steering column. The vehicle because very dangerous to drive due to the lack of steering control. This problem effects all BMW Z4s from 2003 to 2006. BMW wants the owners to have the dealer replace the steering column for $6,000. Please assist us in having BMW issue a Recall for a very dangerous situation they created with a defectively designed steering column.

STEERING STICKS CAUSES EXCESSIVE FORCE TO TURN STEERING DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING

Mileage: 51,590

UNFORTUNATELY, I HAVE A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OF MY 2005 BMW Z4. IT IS COMPLETELY UNSTABLE. FOR INSTANCE: 1)IT KEEPS PULLING TO THE LEFT, OR TO THE RIGHT. IT REQUIRES CONSTANT ADJUSTMENTS SO THAT I COULD KEEP THE CAR ALIGNED, OR CENTERED. 2)I EXPERIENCE SUDDEN JERKS TO THE LEFT, OR TO THE RIGHT WHEN THE ROAD SURFACE IS SLIGHTINGLY UNEVEN. I CAN NEVER PREDICT WHICH WAY THE CAR PULLS ME. I STRUGGLE A LOT TO KEEP THE STEERING CENTERED WHEN STOPPING AT ANY RED LIGHTS. 3) SOMETIMES, THE STEERING FEELS LIKE IT IS STUCK

I HAVE A 2004 BMW Z4 WHICH I PURCHASED USED IN 2016 WITH 67000 MILES ON IT. OVER THE PAST 2 YEARS, THE STEERING HAS BECOME STICKY AND HARD TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN MY LANE WHEN TRAVELLING STRAIGHT. I HAVE TO CONSTANTLY CORRECT THE STEERING AS THE CAR TRIES TO PULL EITHER TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. ALSO, IT IS HARD TO CORRECT THE PULL, RESULTING IN JERKY DRIVING OR OVERCORRECTION. THE PROBLEM HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING BOTH STRAIGHT AND ON CURVES. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN MORE OFTEN IN WARMER WEATHER, BUT HAVE EXPERIENCED A SLIGHT PROBLEM EVEN IN COOLER WEATHER. IT HAS OCCURRED AT BOTH SLOWER SPEEDS AND HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THIS PROBLEM BEGAN AT APPROXIMATELY 80000 MILES. I HAVE OWNED THE CAR 5 YEARS AND HAVE PUT LESS THAN 20000 MILES ON IT IN THAT TIME PERIOD, SO IT IS NOT DRIVEN EXCESSIVELY OR UNDER HARSH DRIVING CONDITIONS.

Mileage: 80,000

WHEN THE TEMPERATURE REACHES APPROXIMATELY 80 DEGREES THE STEERING STARTS TO STICK AND BECOMES JERKY IN ORDER TO STAY IN THE DRIVING LANE. IT GETS INCREASINGLY WORSE AS THE TEMPERATURE RISES TO THE POINT THAT THE CAR BECOMES DIFFICULT TO HANDLE. OVER A PERIOD OF TIME, WHILE IN ROUTE TO MY DESTINATION, IT BECOMES EXHAUSTING TO DRIVE. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO BE ON THE ROAD IN THE SUMMER, WHICH IS THE BEST TIME FOR DRIVING A ROADSTER WITH THE CONVERTIBLE TOP DOWN.

Mileage: 77,400

STEERING GETS STICKY INTERMITTENTLY, MORE COMMON WHEN VEHICLE IS HOT. SEEMS LIKE A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 42K MILES. DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN LANE ESPECIALLY ON CURVES AND IN CITY TRAFFIC. VERY DANGEROUS AND UNEXPECTED.

Mileage: 42,000

THE CAR EXPERIENCES STICKY STEERING ALMOST ALL THE TIME NOW. IT IS MOST PRONOUNCED WHEN TEMPERATURES ARE HIGHER. THERE IS DIFFICULTY KEEPING THE CAR IN IT'S OWN LANE. IT HAS NOT RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT, BUT REQUIRES AN INORDINATE AMOUNT THE FOCUS AND CONTROL TO KEEP THE CAR MOVING IN THE CORRECT DIRECTION. THERE IS ONLY 47,000 MILES ON THIS CAR AND I DO NOT THINK SOMETHING LIKE THIS SHOULD BE LEFT UNREPAIRED BY BMW. IT HAS BEEN GETTING WORSE AS TIME GOES ON.

Mileage: 47,000

AS I AM DRIVING THIS CAR MY STEERING IS STICKING AND JERKING AS I TURN FROM LEFT TO RIGHT AND BACK AGAIN. IT IS HARD TO TURN AND NOT SMOOTH AS IT USED TO BE. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS AT HIGH SPEED, LOW SPEED AND ON ALL ROAD SURFACES. I CHANGED THE TIRES HOPING THAT WOULD ADDRESS THE PROBLEM, HOWEVER IT DID NOT HELP. IT SHOULD NOT OPERATE THIS WAY AND IT SEEMS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I SEE THAT MANY OWNERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS ONGOING SAFETY PROBLEM, PLEASE ADVISE. *TR

Mileage: 44,660

THE TRACKING OF THE STEERING STICKS CAR WAS SERVICE LAST FALL FULL INSPECTION. BUSHINGS WERE REPLACED. SHOP FOREMAN COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THE CAR WAS STORED ALL WINTER CLIMATE-CONTROLLED GARAGE. I TOOK THE CAR OUT YESTERDAY AND THE STICKY-NESS AND CONTROL OF THE CAR ARE DIFFICULT. I DECIDED TO SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND 355 COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE. SAW ON SOME THREADS THAT BMW IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. BUT NEVER HAS BEEN ADDRESSED. AS A CONSUMER TAXPAYER AND DOCTOR I AM AMAZED THAT THE NHTSA HAS NOT INVESTIGATED OR ISSUED A RECALL. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. THIS CAR HS LESS THAN 41,000 MILES ON IT. THIS CAUSES THE DRIVER TO CORRECT STEERING CONSTANTLY THE CAR WANTS TO PULL IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS AND VERY DIFFICULT TO CORRECT. THIS EVENT OCCURS WHILE DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT PATH. I HAVE OWNED AT LEAST 15 DIFFERENT AUTOMOBILES DRIVEN COUNTLESS OTHERS AND THIS IS NOT HOW A CAR SHOULD RESPOND. I WAS ASTOUNDED TO SEE ALL THE PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS. WHAT IS GOING TO BE DONE? I PLAN ON CONTACTING THE BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT THIS WEEK. IN THE MEANTIME I HOPE YOU TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY BEFORE SOMEONE GETS INJURED. MY GUESS IS SOMEONE ALREADY HAS. WHOEVER IS READING THIS PLEASE TAKE IT SERIOUSLY. BELOW I MARKED THE DATE OF YESTERDAY. PLEASE BE REMINDED THIS HAS HAPPENED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS LAST FALL. AS WELL AS TO 355 OTHER DRIVERS. THANK YOU, DR. [XXX] REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *CC

Mileage: 40,300

STEERING LOCKS WHILE DRIVING

Mileage: 95,000

WHEN THE CAR IS WARMED UP THE STEERING IS STICKY AND PREVENTS YOU FROM STEERING CORRECTLY AND/OR OVER-CORRECT YOUR STEERING. MULTIPLE MECHANICS HAVE LOOKED AT THIS AND THE FACTORY LUBE USED TO GREASE THE STEERING COLUMN COMPONENTS IS INADEQUATE. HOWEVER, THE ONLY WAY TO FIX IT IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN ($4-5K FOR PARTS AND LABOR). THE STEERING COLUMN COULD FAIL AT ANY TIME AND CAUSE THE CAR TO LOSE STEERING CAPABILITIES, VERY DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. APPARENTLY BMW IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND HAS RECALLED 2006-2008 MODEL YEARS BUT NOT 2003-2005.

Mileage: 85,000

STEERING FEELS LIKE IT LOCKS UP TEMPORARILY OR STICKS WHEN DRIVING. WHEN THE WHEELS IS IN A POSITION, LIKE NORMAL DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE, ANY MOVEMENT OF THE WHEEL IS MET WITH RESISTANCE, REQUIRING A LOT OF FORCE TO INITIATE ANY MOVEMENT. BECAUSE OF THIS I CAN'T EVEN LET MY WIFE DRIVE THE CAR ANYMORE. IT IS VERY UNSETTLING WHEN DRIVING AND I TRULY FEEL LIKE THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE. BECAUSE OF THE EXCESSIVE FOR NEEDED TO INITIATE STEERING WHEEL ROTATION, THE RESULT IS UNWANTED LANE MOVEMENT AND POTENTIALLY UNWANTED LANE DEPARTURE. MY RESEARCH INDICATES THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM. MY CAR HAS LESS THAN 85K MILES AND IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION OTHERWISE. BMW NEEDS TO STAND BEHIND THIS INCREASINGLY HAZARDOUS DESIGN FLAW AND FIX THIS CAR. I OWN THREE BMWS AND VERY PLEASED WITH THEIR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF OTHER KNOWN ISSUES. THIS STEERING ISSUE IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND CORRECTIVE ACTION IS NEEDED. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW. PLEASE MAKE YOUR BEST EFFORT TO HAVE BMW INITIATE CORRECTIVE ACTION. THANK YOU AND PLEASE KNOW YOUR WORK IS APPRECIATED. *TR

Mileage: 80,000

THE STEERING IS HARD TO CONTROL WHILE DRIVING. ALMOST LOCKING UP OR VERY STICKY SENSATION TO IT. HAPPENS VERY REGULARLY.

Mileage: 106,500

I HAD THIS CAR BUILT AND AM THE ONLY OWNER. INITIALLY, STILL UNDER WARRANTY, THE CAR NEEDED A NEW CONVERTIBLE TOP. AFTER THAT, FOR YEARS, I HAD A 'STICKING' WHEN I WOULD STEER THE CAR MAKING THE CAR VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL OR TURN. THIS DETERRED ME FROM DRIVING THE CAR AS MUCH AS I WANTED, AND CERTAINLY FROM TAKING IT ON ANY DISTANCE TRIPS....BASICALLY ENJOYING THE CAR. INITIALLY I THOUGHT THE CAR MAY NEED NEW TIRES OR AN ALIGNMENT, BUT IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN. FROM READING BMW CHATS AND FORUMS, I FOUND THIS WAS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. I TRIED TO CONTACT BMW DIRECTLY, BUT TO NO AVAIL. I FINALLY HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS MYSELF, COSTING OVER $3000. THE OTHER PROBLEM THAT HAS CONTINUED IS THE ABS BRAKE LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I HAVE HAD MY MECHANIC LOOK AT IT, BUT CAN'T SEEM TO FIND A DEFINITIVE CAUSE. OFTEN WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF, AND THEN RESTARTED, THE LIGHT GOES OFF...BUT WILL SOMETIMES, NOT ALL THE TIME, COME BACK ON AGAIN, BOTH AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND ALSO DURING CITY, LOW SPEED DRIVING. I BABY THIS CAR SO MUCH, ONLY DRIVE IT SEASONALLY, AND IT SEEMS TO SPEND MORE TIME IN THE SHOP BEING REPAIRED OR MAINTAINED. I THINK IT WAS A 'LEMON' FROM THE ONSET. BMW WAS NEGLIGENT IN HELPING COVER SOME EXPENSES THAT MANY OTHERS HAVE REPORTED!

I PREVIOUSLY FILED A REPORT ABOUT THE ELECTRONIC STEERING WHEEL COLUMN, POOR STEERING, STICKING PRIOR TO HAVING IT FIXED ON THIS DATE. I HAD NOT FOUND THE PAPERWORK FOR IT UNTIL AFTER I SUBMITTED THE REPORT. THE TRACKING # 11300634.

Mileage: 40,395

POWER STEERING IS INTERMITTENT. ALMOST NEVER WORKS WHEN FIRST STARTED BUT AFTER DRIVING FOR 20-30 MINUTES, IF I TURN THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN, IT WORKS AND THE DASH LIGHT GOES OUT. I CAN EVEN DO IT WHILE DRIVING, SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL, TURN CAR OFF AND THEN BACK ON AND THE POWER STEERING COMES BACK ON. VERY FRUSTRATING TO DRIVE LIKE THIS ... AND DANGEROUS TOO!

Mileage: 130,000

1)IT KEEPS PULLING TO THE LEFT, OR TO THE RIGHT. IT REQUIRES CONSTANT ADJUSTMENTS SO THAT I COULD KEEP THE CAR ALIGNED, OR CENTERED. 2)I EXPERIENCE SUDDEN JERKS TO THE LEFT, OR TO THE RIGHT WHEN THE ROAD SURFACE IS SLIGHTINGLY UNEVEN. I CAN NEVER PREDICT WHICH WAY THE CAR PULLS ME. I STRUGGLE A LOT TO KEEP THE STEERING CENTERED WHEN STOPPING AT ANY RED LIGHTS. 3) SOMETIMES, THE STEERING FEELS LIKE IT IS STUCK. AFTER REVIEW ONLINE, THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM.

Mileage: 50,000

THIS IS A REOCCURRING PROBLEM WHICH I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO ADDRESS THROUGH BOTH LOCAL MECHANICS AND BMW WITH NO RESULTS. ESSENTIALLY, WHILE MOVING AT SLOW SPEEDS OR STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM "SHUDDERS", ALL INSTRUMENT LIGHTS ILLUMINATE, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS TO NEUTRAL, AND THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN THEN RESTARTS. THE FAILURE OCCURS ON AN IRREGULAR BASIS, AFFECTING PRIMARILY THE EPS LIGHT, BUT MAY ALSO AFFECT ALL LIGHTS IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. LIKEWISE, IT MAY OR MAY NOT MOVE MY TRANSMISSION TO NEUTRAL AND IF THAT HAPPENS, MAY OR MAY NOT ALLOW MY TO PLACE IT BACK IN DRIVE WITHOUT SHUTTING THE VEHICLE DOWN FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. TO DATE, BOTH THE ALTERNATOR AND THE IGNITION SWITCH HAVE BEEN REPLACED, NO RESULTS. A BRIEF SEARCH OF POPULAR BMW FORUMS FINDS SIMILAR DESCRIPTIONS FROM OTHER OWNERS.

Mileage: 100,200

AFTER STARTING CAR, EPS LIGHT COMES ON AND STEERING IS VERY TIGHT, NEAR IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN OR MANEUVER IN PARKING LOTS, ETC.

Mileage: 140,000

WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND MORE SO WHEN THE TEMP IS WARM OR STEERING COLUMN HAS WARMED UP THE STEERING BECOMES "STICKY", IN THAT IT TAKES AN EFFORT TO OVERCOME THE SPOT IT IS IN AS OPPOSED TO SMOOTHLY MOVING/STEERING LEFT OR RIGHT. IT IS UNCOMFORTABLE TO STEER WITH ONE HAND (6 SPD MANUAL TRANSMISSION) AS IT FEELS LIKE YOU ARE GOING TO OVER CORRECT THE STEERING WHEN TRYING TO MAKE MINOR ADJUSTMENTS TO MAINTAIN DRIVING DOWN THE CENTER OF YOUR LANE. ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING IN HEAVY FREEWAY TRAFFIC! I35W MINNEAPOLIS, MN

Mileage: 54,000

STICKING STEERING WHEN WARM WHILE DRIVING

Mileage: 39,100

WHEN GOING STRAIGHT PARTICULARLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, BUT OTHER TIMES AS WELL, THE STEERING IS "STICKY". THE WHEEL WANTS TO REMAIN IN THE SAME POSITION AND IT REQUIRES SOME EXTRA EFFORT TO MOVE LEFT OR RIGHT.

Mileage: 67,800

THE VEHICLE HAS INTERMITTENT LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHICH MAKES IT VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE, STEER AND CONTROL WHEN IN MOTION. I WAS ABLE TO AVOID SERIOUS ACCIDENTS BY LITERALLY CRAWLING ALONG THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH FLASHERS ON SO OTHER DRIVERS WOULD STAY CLEAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION.

Mileage: 40,000

I HAVE 2004 BMW Z4 AND HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING "STICKY" STEERING. IT IS ESPECIALLY UNNERVING WHEN DRIVING ON HIGHWAYS. IT APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL. IT IS DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. I AM DEATHLY AFRAID THE STICKINESS OF THE STEERING WILL CAUSE TO TO OVER CORRECT AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

Mileage: 64,000

I HAVE A BMW 2004 Z4 WITH ONLY 21000 MILES. I STARTED TO DEVELOPER A STEERING PROBLEM,. WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING BECOMES DIFFICULT AND CHOPPY.HARD TO REMAIN CENTERED ON THE ROAD AND THE WHEEL IS UNRESPONSIVE. I LOOKED ONLINE AND FOUND MANY OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I CALLED CORPORATE BMW . THEY DO NOT ACKNOWLEDGE A PROBLEM EXISTS. ON LINE AND ON YOUR SITE IT SHOWS HUNDREDS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET HURT OR DIE. BMW SHOULD OWN UP TO THE PROBLEM AND FIX IT.

Mileage: 20,900

BOUGHT THIS CAR IN MAY 2016 WITH 58000 MILES. ALMOST 2 YRS LATER AND LESS THEN 5000 MORE MILES, STEERING IS STICKY! WE BOUGHT AN EXTRA WARRANTY, SO WE TOOK IT TO AN AUTHORIZED BMW MECHANIC. HE TOLD US THAT THE STEERING COLUMN IS BAD. AND SINCE IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM THE WARRANTY WON'T COVER IT. THEY WANT $4000.00 TO REPAIR IT. HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS PROBLEM AND BMW WON'T ISSUE A RECALL!

Mileage: 62,000

STEERING STICKS WHILE DRIVING. HAPPENS AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. TAKES EFFORT TO "FREE UP THE STEERING WHEEL" VERY ANNOYING AND DANGEROUS.

Mileage: 38,000

WHEN DRIVING WITH AIR TEMPERATURE ABOVE 80 DEGREES THE STEERING BECOMES STICKY/NOTCHY MAKING IT DIFFICULT/DANGEROUS TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN THE TRAVEL LANE AT ANY SPEED.

Mileage: 35,000

STICKING MANLY WHEN HOT OUT SIDE BUT ALSO WITH THE HEATER ON, AT HI WAY SPEEDS IT TAKES MORE EFFORT TO MAKE SMALL CORRECTIONS NEEDED TO KEEP THE CAR IN THE LANE.

Mileage: 36,000

IN THE SPRING OF 2018 THE POWER STEERING STARTED TO FAIL BECOMING STUCK, NOTCHY AND QUICKLY TERRIFYING TO DRIVE. THE LACK OF RESPONSE, OVER CORRECTION ONCE ENGAGED, OVERALL JUMPINESS AND UNPREDICTABILITY CAUSED ME TO STOP HIGHWAY DRIVING IMMEDIATELY. NON HIGHWAY DRIVING CEASED WITHIN DAYS FOR THE SAME REASONS AND IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP SINCE WAITING FOR A USED STEERING COLUMN TO BECOME AVAILABLE FOR $800 INSTEAD OF $3500 PLUS INSTALL. I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2011 WITH 110,000 MILES AND IT FAILED AT 130,000. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THE ENGINE SHOULD BE GOOD FOR ANOTHER 100,000 EASILY. THIS STEERING FAILURE APPEARS TO BE COMMON IN THIS CAR WITH MANY GARAGE KEPT LOW MILEAGE CARS YET TO BE IMPACTED.

Mileage: 130,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE STEERING UNLOCKED ON ITS OWN AFTER FIFTEEN MINUTES OF DRIVING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM AN INDIVIDUAL BACK IN APRIL OF 2018 AND THE FAILURE OCCURRED EVER SINCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF CHATTANOOGA (6806 E BRAINERD ROAD, CHATTANOOGA, TN 37421) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Mileage: 60,000

TAKATA RECALL.....STEERING NOTCHES AND LOCKS....UNSAFE TO DRIVE....WHEN CAR IS IS IN WARM WEATHER THE STEERING IS VERY STICKY

Mileage: 113,000

MY 2004 BMW Z4 WITH FEWER THAN 50,000 ACCUMMULATED MILES HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING SIGNIFICANT "STICKING/DEDENT" STEERING PROBLEMS UNDER HIGHWAY DRIVING CONDITIONS THAT RESULT IN UNSAFE STEERING RESPONSIVENESS. THIS PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE COMMON TO US AND EUROPEAN BMW Z4 MODEL YEARS 2003 THROUGH 2005 AND HAS BEEN EXTENSIVELY REPORTED ON THE INTERNET AND TO BMW ITSELF. BMW TECHNICIANS HAVE INDICATED THAT THE PROBLEM CAN RENDER A VEHICLE "UNSAFE TO DRIVE" AND HAVE FURTHER INDICATED THAT THE PROBLEM CAN ONLY BE CORRECTED BY REPLACING THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING UNIT AT A COST OF SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS. THE PREVALENCE OF THIS IDENTICAL PROBLEM IN HUNDREDS, IF NOT THOUSANDS OF BMW Z4S CLEARLY POINTS TO AN ENGINEERING DESIGN FLAW. EVEN SO, BMW REFUSES TO TAKE RESPOSIBILITY FOR THIS PROBLEM AND HAVE REJECTED ANY ASSISTANCE TO BMW Z4 OWNERS WHO HAVE SOUGHT SUCH ASSISTANCE. CONSIDERING THE SIGNIFICANT NEGATIVE IMPACT THAT THIS STEERING CONTROL PROBLEM MAY HAVE ON SAFE VEHICLE OPERATION, THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE FORCED TO UNDERTAKE A RECALL OF ALL THE VEHICLES AFFECTED BY THIS MANUFACTURING DEFECT.

Mileage: 48,500

THE ELECTRIC STEERING IS NOTCHY- IT SEEMS TO FIXATE IN THE CENTER AND GETS HARD TO STEER FROM THE CENTER POSITION. IT HAPPENS MOSTLY WHEN WE ARE ON THE OPEN ROAD GOING OVER 35 MILES PER HOUR. IT SEEMS TO GET STUCK IN THE MIDDLE- AND YOU GET THE FEELING THAT IT IS STUCK THERE. IT IS HARD TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL AWAY FROM THE CENTER WHICH RESULTS IN OVER STEER AND OVER CORRECTION. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE SEWICKLEY PA BMW DEALER AND THEY SAID THERE IS NOTHING WRONG BUT IT SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE. THE CAR ONLY HAS 60,000 MILES ON IT. IT IS HARD TO KEEP THE WHEEL STRAIGHT WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND I HAVE READ ONLINE THAT OTHERS HAVE ALSO HAD THIS PROBLEM.

Mileage: 58,000

ELECTRICALLY ASSISTED STEERING IS VERY SLUGGISH WHEN THE AIR TEMPERATURE IS ABOVE 80 DEGREES. 2011 AND 2012 MODELS HAVE GOT THE SAME PROBLEM AND THEY HAVE A RECALL FOR THAT ISSUE

Mileage: 65,000

THE STEERING STICKS AT ALL SPEEDS AND TURNING RADIUS TO THE POINT YOU CAN BARELY CONTROL THE STEERING WITH BOTH HANDS. THE ONLY REPAIR SOLUTION IS THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN AT PARTS $3-4,000 & LABOR $1-2,000 IT'S A LIFE THREATENING HAZARD AND SHOULD BE RECALLED VS BMW WAITING FOR A HUGE CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT! THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY APPROXIMATELY 65K MILES WAY TOO SOON FOR CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF A MAJOR MECHANICAL SYSTEM WIDELY KNOWN AND SUFFERED BY BMW ENTHUSIASTS ' NOT "THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE!"

Mileage: 65,000

IF THE VEHICLE IS HOT, WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WILL HANG UP IN THE 12:00 POSITION AND YOU HAVE TO USE MORE FORCE TO GET IT THROUGH THIS POSITION, CAUSING TO VEHICLE TO OVER-STEER. IT'S BEEN GETTING WORST AND THE BMW DEALERSHIP CAN FIND THE PROBLEM, EVEN THOUGH I'VE SENT THEM COMPUTER LINKS DESCRIBING THE PROBLEM.

Mileage: 20,000

WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL STICKS IN POSITION. IT WILL BREAK LOOSE WITH VERY LITTLE FORCE. BUT VERY IRRITATING. I FEEL IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN.

WHEN TEMPERATURES ARE ABOUT 75-80 DEGREES, THE STEERING WILL "STICK" WHEN MAKING MINOR CORRECTIONS WHILE DRIVING. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS BMW MAKE AND MODEL. THERE ARE 57000 MILES ON VEHICLE. IT IS NOT NOTICEABLE IN COOLER AMBIENT TEMPERATURES.

Mileage: 57,000

STEERING ISSUE: WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND VARIOUS OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES, THE STEERING WILL STICK, AND IS NOT SMOOTH AND RESPONSIVE REGARDLESS OF THE CURVE DEGREE. THE SENSATION IS THAT THE TURNING OF THE STEERING WHEEL IS JERKY AND REQUIRES BOTH HANDS ON THE WHEEL. THIS SAFETY ISSUE HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR SEVERAL YEARS. THE CAR IS NOT DRIVEN OFTEN AS EVIDENCED BY MILEAGE, 16,000.

STEERING JERKY JUST PURCHASED A USED BMW 2004 Z4 ONLY 50,000 MILES AND DROVE FINE FOR A FEW DAYS THEN IT GOT REAL HOT OUTSIDE AND NOW THE STEERING IS JERKING ME AROUND. FEELS LIKE WHEN I TRY TO KEEP THE CAR IN THE LINES I AM HAVING TO FIGHT THE STEERING WHEEL. UPON RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM SEEMS THIS IS A VERY COMMON DANGEROUS PROBLEM AND THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. THIS IS GOING TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. VERY DANGEROUS TO HAVE TO FIGHT TO KEEP THE CAR IN THE LINES OF THE ROAD. BMW WANTS TO CHARGE TO REPLACE THE WHOLE COLUMN AT 3800.00 . APPEARS THEY RECALLED 2006-2007 BMW OTHER MODELS FOR THIS SAME THING. THE 2003-2004 Z4 SHOULD ALSO BE RECALLED.

Mileage: 52,000

STEERING IS "STICKY" AND CAN CAUSE ME TO SWERVE OUT OF MY LANE WHILE DRIVING.

Mileage: 26,442

DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 70 IN MD WENT TO GO AROUND A BEND IN ROAD STEERING WHEEL DIDN'T WANT TO TURN. I HAD TO JERK THE WHEEL TO MAKE THE BEND THUS MAKING ME ALMOST HIT CAR BESIDE ME. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM BY BMW BUT IN 14 YEARS NO RECALL IS INSANE. I AM NOW SCARED TO DRIVE THIS THING OUT ON A HIGHWAY AGAIN.HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE FOR THIS TO GET FIXED

Mileage: 82,000

WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING 'STICKS' AND REQUIRES CONSIDERABLE FORCE TO OVERCOME TO STAY ON THE ROAD. SEVERAL NEAR INCIDENTS WHEN IT FINALLY UN STICKS AND GOES TO FAR IN THE OTHER DIRECTION.. ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR QUITE SOME TIME AND JUST KEEP GETTING WORSE.

Mileage: 118,000

MY CAR HAS THE COMMONLY REPORTED PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING UNIT. I BOUGHT THE CAR USED IN APRIL 2015 FROM STEVENS CREEK BMW. THE POWER STEERING WORKED FINE. I BEGAN TO ENCOUNTER PROBLEMS IN EARLY 2016. THE STEERING BEGAN TO TIGHTEN UP AND WOULD NOT ALLOW THE WHEELS TO SELF STRAIGHTEN UPON ACCELERATION. I FIRST LEARNED OF THE PROBLEM WHEN ENTERING A FREEWAY FROM AN ON RAMP. THE STEERING, INSTEAD OF ALLOWING ME TO EASE GENTLY INTO A TRAFFIC LANE, WANTED TO CONTINUE TO PULL ME LEFT INTO THE CENTER DIVIDER. I WAS ABLE TO YANK THE WHEEL AND AVOID AN ACCIDENT. I THEN RESEARCHED AND LEARNED ABOUT THE COMMON POWER STEERING ISSUE AND LEARNED THAT A GREASE FITTING INTO THE STEERING COLUMN COULD HELP. I THEN LEARNED THAT MY VEHICLE HAD ALREADY BEEN FITTED WITH SUCH A GREASE FITTING. ADDITIONAL GREASE THEN ALLEVIATED THE PROBLEM TEMPORARILY. EVENTUALLY ADDITIONAL GREASE BECAME LESS EFFECTIVE AND I LEARNED TO DRIVE WITH STEERING THAT WAS STIFF AND PRONE TO STICKINESS. RECENTLY (DECEMBER 2017), THE POWER STEERING BEGAN TO ENTIRELY SHUT OFF INTERMITTENTLY. IT SHUTS OFF AND THEN TURNS ON AGAIN AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR. THE CAR IS THEREFORE NO LONGER DRIVABLE FOR SAFETY REASONS. I'VE LEARNED THAT THE POWER STEERING UNIT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED ENTIRELY WITH A PART COST OF $3,400. GIVEN THE BROAD BASED OCCURRENCE OF THIS ISSUE ON 2003-2005 (AND EVEN SOME 2006) CARS, THIS MUST BE SEEN AS A SERIOUS PRODUCT SAFETY DEFECT WORTHY OF A RECALL BY BMW.

Mileage: 82,000

STEERING FEELS DETENTED, WON'T RETURN TO CENTER AND IS DIFFICULT TO MANAGE ON A CURVING ROAD. VERY "STICKY". MANY TESTIMONIALS ON THE INTERNET RELATING TO THIS ISSUE. MUST BE A KNOWN PROBLEM.

Mileage: 12,200

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED AND BECAME STUCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (BMW OF SAN DIEGO, AR 5090 KEARNY MESA RD, SAN DIEGO, CA 92111) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.

Mileage: 92,000

STEERING VEHICLE IS NOT EASY TO STAY STRAIGHT AND IN LANE. DOES NOT FEEL LIKE IN CONTROL OF CAR. TIRES ARE OK AND HAD ALIGNMENT. VERY NOTICEABLE ON HIGHWAY.

Mileage: 34,500

STICKY STEERING AT HIGHER STRAIGHT-LINE SPEEDS UNSAFE TO DRIVE!

Mileage: 43,000

THE VEHICLE HAS 62,000 MILES. THE STEERING IS VERY STICKY. IT SEEMS TO "NOTCH" MAKING IT HARDER TO MOVE THE WHEEL. THIS PROBLEM IS WORSE IN WARMER TEMPERATURES.

Mileage: 62,000

ANYTIME AMBIENT TEMPERATURE IS OVER 80 DEGREES. EXCESSIVE FORCE IS REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN STEERING CONTROL OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

Mileage: 45,042

STEERING BECOMES VERY "STICKY" DURING WARMER WEATHER. THIS MAKES THE CAR HARD TO DRIVE AND EVEN HARDER TO SELL. THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM BY SEARCHING THE INTERNET. WE DON'T DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE OF THIS.

Mileage: 19,000

STEERING IS STICKY AND NOTCHY AT HIDHWAY SPEEDS. UNNOTICEABLE AT LOW SPEEDS, BUT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, IT HARD TO KEEP THE CAR IN YOUR LANE. STICKS,THEN OVER TURNS BAIT , CAUSING AN OVER CORRECTION TO RETURN. TURNING FEEL NO HAY AS IF IT WAS CLICKING FROM ONE NOTCH TO ANOTHER. I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR ON THE HIGHWAY. THE DEALER HAS DIAGNOSED THIS TO BE THE STEERING COLUMN, WHICH NEEDS TO BE REPLACE AT THE COST OF $4600.00. I FEEL THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHICH NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.

Mileage: 37,500

IN WARMER WEATHER, THE STEERING BECOMES "STICKY". IT SEEMS TO BE MORE PREVALENT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. VERY DIFFICULT TO CORRECT THE STEERING WHILE DRIVING. IT'S NOT SMOOTH AS IT SHOULD BE. VERY DANGEROUS AND NOT FUN TO DRIVE! I'VE READ A LOT OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS SAME ISSUE. JUST GOOGLE IT! SOUNDS LIKE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 40,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STUCK IN THE MIDDLE. THE CONTACT OVERPOWERED THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT LANE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED WHEN THE WEATHER WAS REALLY HOT IN THE SUMMER MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000.

Mileage: 104,000

STEERING IS UNSTABLE. CAR KEEPS PULLING TO THE LEFT OR TO THE RIGHT. IT REQUIRES CONSTANT ADJUSTMENTS SO THAT I COULD KEEP THE CAR ALIGNED, OR CENTERED ON THE ROAD, ESPECIALLY ON THE HIGHWAY.

Mileage: 56,000

THE STEERING GETS JERKY IN WARMER WEATHER MAKING THE CAR EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO HANDLE. THE STEERING ALMOST APPEARS TO HAVE GOTTEN STUCK IN A NOTCH ON THE COLUMN AND FORCES THE DRIVER TO PUT EXTRA FORCE INTO TURNING THE WHEEL TO CORRECT IT. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO OCCUR WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND WHEN THE TEMPS ARE ABOVE 80. WHEN DRIVING AT SLOWER SPEEDS THIS DOESN'T APPEAR TO HAPPEN. IN DOING SOME RESEARCH ONLINE THIS ISSUE APPEARS TO HAPPEN WITH MOST 2003-2005 Z4S WITHOUT ANY RESOLUTION. THE CARS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND FIXED.

Mileage: 30,000

THE STEERING STICKS LEFT THEN TO THE RIGHT. CAR IS VERY HARD TO DRIVE SAFELY. THE CAR SITS IN THE GARAGE MOST OF TIME BECAUSE OF THIS. HELP!!

THE STEERING WHEEL STICKS WHILE DRIVING. TAKES A LOT OF FORCE TO ALIGN THE CAR WITH THE ROAD. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. THE DEALER QUOTED 4000 TO FIX

Mileage: 47,000

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE STEERING BECOMES STIFF AND STICKY CAUSING DECREASED RESPONSIVENESS ON CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT IT TAKES EXTRA EFFORT ON TRAVELING IN A STRAIGHT LINE. ONCE THE STICKING IS RELEASED COULD CAUSE THE DRIVER TO OVERCOMPENSATE THE STEERING IN ONE DIRECTION OR ANOTHER. I FEEL THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN THAT NEEDS IMMEDIATE ATTENTION.

Mileage: 51,000

IN HOT WEATHER, THE CAR STEERING GETS "STICKY" OR HARD TO MAKE SMOOTH LITTLE ADJUSTMENTS WHEN TRAVELLING ON HIGHWAYS GOING STRAIGHT. IT'S MOSTLY NOTICEABLE WHEN TRAVELLING ON 55MPH OR HIGHER ROADS, BUT SOMEWHAT IN TOWN TOO. IT MAKES TRAVELLING IN THE MIDDLE OF YOUR OWN LANE HARDER, MORE LIKELY TO WANDER BEFORE YOU INCREASE YOUR EFFORT ON THE STEERING WHEEL. WHEN IN COLD WEATHER, THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING IS EXCELLENT AND VERY EASY TO KEEP THE CAR EXACTLY ON TRACK WITH EASE. WHEN I READ THE REPORTS ON THE BMW CLUB SITES AND FORUMS, I FIND THAT THIS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH BMW Z4'S OF THE 2003 TO LATER VERSIONS. PLEASE INSTITUTE A RECALL BEFORE PEOPLE GET HURT OF KILLED, THANKS.

Mileage: 112,200

IN HOT TEMPERATURES OR AFTER DRIVING CONTINUOUS FOR AWHILE, THE STEERING BECOMES HARD TO STEER LIKE THEIR IS A HITCH WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL OR A FORCE WORKING AGAINST YOU. CAR ONLY HAS 40000 MILES AND WAS SERVICED EVERY 5000 MILES. TOOK TO LOCAL BMW DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE RACK WITH REPAIR BEING $1500. WAS NOT TOLD THIS WAS UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR A RECALL. IN MOTION WHEN HAPPENS AND APPEARS TO BE DANGEROUS. HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES

Mileage: 40,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000.

Mileage: 111,000

THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMS TO HAVE A CATCH IN IT WHEN DRIVING AND YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL EITHER RIGHT OR LEFT. WHEN YOU DRIVING AND ARE GOING FROM LANE TO LANE OR AROUND A CURVE IT WILL STICK. THIS COULD CAUSE THE DRIVER TO JERK THE STEERING WHEEL AND CAUSE THE CAR TO GO OFF THE ROAD OR INTO THE PATH OF ANOTHER VEHICLE .LOOKED THE PROBLEM UP ON THE BMW FORM AND THERE WERE OVER 120 OTHER STEERING COMPLAINTS ON THIS SAME YEAR AND MODEL OF CAR. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM BEFORE THERE IS A BAD ACCIDENT.

Mileage: 64,000

STEERING STICKS AND REQUIRES FORCE TO ALTER STEERING PATH. THIS PROBLEM IS MOST NOTICEABLE IN WARMER CONDITIONS. I PURCHASED MY Z4 WITH ONLY 64,000 MILES FROM A PRIVATE SELLER. ISSUE WITH STEERING WAS NOT DISCLOSED AND WAS NOT NOTICED DURING TEST DRIVE. HOWEVER, I HAVE SINCE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ON LINE AND HAVE LEARNED THAT THIS PROBLEM IS WELL KNOWN AND AN ISSUED FOR MANY BMW Z4 OWNERS PRIOR TO 2006. THIS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME, AND SHOULD BE FOR BMW AS WELL. I AM FAIRLY CERTAIN THAT I AM NOT THE FIRST PERSON TO REPORT THIS ISSUE BUT TO MY KNOWLEDGE, NOT MUCH HAS BEEN DONE TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE. PLEASE ADVISE AS TO WHAT HAS BEEN DONE TO DATE TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE, AND WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS TO GET THIS RESOLVED FOR ME PERSONALLY. SINCERELY, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 64,800

THE STEERING IS VERY STICKY AND BINDS UP FREQUENTLY, ESPECIALLY IN WARM WEATHER. IT CAN BE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL IN LOW AND HIGH SPEEDS AND COULD PUT YOU IN ANOTHER LANE AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS A KNOWN MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND THE ONLY RESOLUTION IS TO CHANGE THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN IN WHICH BMW DOES NOT WANT TO PAY FOR. THIS IS A HIGHWAY SAFELY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE FIXED BY DOING A RECALL. MOST Z4S HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE CONTACTED BMW ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT WHEN THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED.

Mileage: 102,500

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRICAL STEERING COLUMN FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

STICKY STEERING DURING WARM WEATHER. CAN EITHER STICK WHERE YOU HAVE TO FORCE IT TO TURN AND FOLLOW HIGHWAY ROAD OR BECOMES SLOPPY AND WEAVES FROM SIDE TO SIDE WITHIN LANE. NEITHER SHOULD BE HAPPENING WITH THIS EXPENSIVE CAR. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH MANY COMPLAINTS, BMW NEEDS TO STEP UP AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY BEFORE DEATHS AND DAMAGE OCCUR. THIS PROBLEM STARTED IN 2011,INTERMITTENT PROBLEM, GRANTED THERE ARE MORE MILES ON THIS CAR AND FIVE YEARS, THE PROBLEM HAS NOT GONE ANYWHERE, IT'S STILL HERE.RECALL THESE CARS

Mileage: 160,000

WHEN DRIVING IN WARM WEATHER, THE STEERING BECOMES STIFF. WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE WHEEL STICKS IN THE CENTER. YOU HAVE TO FORCE THE WHEEL TO TURN. THEN AFTER YOU TURN THE WHEEL YOU HAVE TO FORCE THE WHEEL BACK TO CENTER, HAVING TO BE CAREFUL NOT TO OVER CORRECT AND ENTERING THE LANE NEXT YOU. I AM UNDERSTANDING THAT MANY OTHER BMW CONSUMERS ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS.

WHEN THE WEATHER GETS WARM AROUND AT LEAST 80'S, THE STEERING BECOMES VERY STICKY. IT CAN BE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL IN LOW AND HIGH SPEEDS AND CAN DEFINITELY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS A KNOWN MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND THE ONLY FIX IS TO CHANGE THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN IN WHICH BMW DOES NOT WANT TO PAY FOR. THIS IS A HIGHWAY SAFELY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE FIXED BY DOING A RECALL. A LOT OF Z4 HAS THESE PROBLEM IT JUST IN DIFFERENT SEVERITY. I HAVE CONTACTED BMW SEVERAL TIMES ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT WHEN THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED.

Mileage: 34,000

WHEN THE WEATHER GETS WARM SAY AROUND 80 DEGREES DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD SAY 45 MPH THE STEERING STICKS VERY BAD TO THE POINT YOU CAN KILL YOURSELF.

Mileage: 45,000

STEERING WHEEL BINDS AND IS DIFFICULT TO TURN WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. IT HAPPENS MOSTLY WHEN THE CAR IS WARM FROM THE SUN OR AFTER IT WARMS UP FROM DRIVING. THE STEERING WHEEL HAS TO BE FORCED TO TURN TO OVERCOME THE NOTCHY LOCKUP CONDITION. THE CAR THEN VEERS OFF TRACK. THE STEERING NEVER RETURNS TO CENTER SO THE CAR CONTINUOUSLY WANDERS BACK AND FORTH. INTERNET SEARCHES PRODUCE MANY VEHICLES WITH THIS ISSUE, BUT NO RECALL HAS BEEN PERFORMED. THIS IS A GROSS SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE CORRECTED BY THE MANUFACTURER PRIOR TO DEATHS CAUSED BY THIS SAFETY ISSUE.

Mileage: 78,000

WITH LESS THAN 75000 MILES THE POWER STEERING IS COMPLETELY GONE AND THE DEALER SAYS OVER 5000 DOLLARS TO REPAIR.

Mileage: 75,000

STEERING WHEEL BINDS AND IS DIFFICULT TO TURN WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. IT HAPPENS MOSTLY WHEN THE CAR IS WARM FROM THE SUN OR AFTER IT WARMS UP FROM DRIVING. THE STEERING WHEEL HAS TO BE FORCED TO TURN TO OVERCOME THE NOTCHY LOCKUP CONDITION. THE CAR THEN VEERS OFF TRACK. THE STEERING NEVER RETURNS TO CENTER SO THE CAR CONTINUOUSLY WANDERS BACK AND FORTH. INTERNET SEARCHES PRODUCE MANY VEHICLES WITH THIS ISSUE, BUT NO RECALL HAS BEEN PERFORMED. THIS IS A GROSS SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE CORRECTED BY THE MANUFACTURER PRIOR TO DEATHS CAUSED BY THIS SAFETY ISSUE.

Mileage: 33,000

I HAVE A 2004 BMW Z4 2.51 VIN NUMBER [XXX] - THE ELECTRONIC STEERING EPS HAS COMPLETELY FAILED, AND IS INOPERABLE. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE, ON MANY MANY CARS, AND AFTER CONTACTING BMW NORTH AMERICA, THEY SAID THE ONLY SOLUTION IS TO HAVE A BMW DEALER REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN (THEIR ENGINEERING PROBLEM) AT A COST OF $4000. I TOLD THEM THIS WAS UNACCEPTABLE. I HAVE BEEN TO MANY MECHANICS AND THEY HAVE NO ANSWERS FOR THIS PROBLEM OTHER THEN GOING TO BMW IT IS FAILED 90% OF THE TIME, AND IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER AT TIMES MY ODB2 READER READS THE SYSTEM INFORMATION AS SW-V5.2 SS200381 PART NUMBER 6763764 CODING INDEX 03 DIAGNOSIS INDEX 04E1 VARIANT INDEX 474A HARDWARE NUMBER 01 DATE DD.MM.YYYY 10.12.2003 ERROR 610FEEPROM, NO RISK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 80,000

STEERING STICKS NORMALLY IN A STRAIGHT LINE DRIVING SITUATION. ONE HAS TO APPLY FORCE TO UNSTICK STEERING.

Mileage: 36,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE EPS LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000. UPDATED 02/26/16*LJ UPDATED 02/29/16.*JB

Mileage: 88,000

THE CAR HAS A DANGEROUS STICKY STEERING PROBLEM. VERY NOTCHY STEERING, DIFFICULT TO KEEP ON THE ROAD. MANY COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN FILED.

Mileage: 52,000

FOR ABOUT THE LAST FIVE THOUSAND MILES, MY STEERING HAS DEVELOPED THE DANGEROUS STEERING CONDITION( DESCRIBED BY LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF OWNERS IN BLOGS AND VARIOUS POSTINGS-JUST DO A SEARCH FOR "Z4 STEERING PROBLEM") THAT EXISTS IN 2003-2005 BMW Z4 ROADSTERS. AT FIRST, THE PROBLEM OCCURRED ONLY ON VERY HOT DAYS (AS DESCRIBED MY MANY OTHERS). NOW, IT AFFECTS ALL ASPECTS OF DRIVING, MAKING THE VEHICLE VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. STEERING REQUIRES CONSTANT CORRECTION FROM LEFT TO RIGHT AND DOES NOT RETURN TO CENTER. I HAVE REPLACED TIRES TWICE AND HAD SEVERAL ALIGNMENTS WITH NO EFFECT. IF EVER THERE WAS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT WOULD WARRANT A RECALL THIS IS IT. THE DEAD STEERING DESCRIBED IS MOST EVIDENT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (50-70MPH)

Mileage: 28,000

REPORTED THIS PROBLEM TO YOU IN 2006--ODI 10496814- STICKY STEERING-WHICH CAN CAUSE THE DRIVER TO JERK THE WHEEL HARD AND LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE- I HAVE READ THERE ARE WELL OVER 100 COMPLAINTS ON THIS PROBLEM- BMW HAS, SOME AT MY COST, REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN TWICE AND NOW WHAT TO DO THE 3RD TIME, AT MY COST. THIS WOULD MAKE FOUR COLUMNS, COUNTING THE ORIGINAL ONE, AND THIS CAR ONLY HAS 14,000 MILES. THERE A BIG PROBLEM WITH THERE ENGINEERING ON THIS PROBLEM. MY UNDERSTANDING, THERE IS A UNSEALED BEARING INSIDE THE COLUMN THAT FAILS. YOU CANNOT REPLACE THE BEARING-BMW DOES NOT LIST THIS AS A PART. IT IS ABOUT TIME THAT NHTSA FIND A FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEBODY IS HURT OR KILLED. IN 2010 THE USA REPORTED OVER 107 COMPLAINTS AND ONE CRASH.

Mileage: 13,992

THE STEERING SYSTEM (EPS) IS MAKING THE STEERING VERY "NOTCHY" "STICKING" AND MAKES THE CAR VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. I'VE READ FORUMS THAT SAY THE PROBLEM YEARS ARE FROM 2003 - 2005 BUT BMW WILL NOT ADMIT THERE IS A PROBLEM THEREFORE NO RECALLS WERE MADE. NOW I CAN'T EVEN SELL THE CAR BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM

Mileage: 73,000

STEERING STICKS AND ALMOST CAUSE ACCIDENT. CAR IS LIKE NEW AND IT A SHAME I CANT ENJOY CAR BECAUSE STEERING ISSUE WITH BMW Z4 STEERING. I CANT AFFORD THE DEALER PRICE TO FIX A CAR DEFECT.

Mileage: 49,250

THE STEERING HAS BECOME STICKY OR NOTCHY AND OVER TIME HAS GOTTEN WORSE. IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, AND AS A RESULT I WAS FORCED TO EITHER SELL THE CAR ON TO AN UNSUSPECTING BUYER, OR FIX IT. I CHOSE THE LATER AS I DIDN'T WANT TO PUT SOMEBODY ELSE'S FAMILY IN DANGER. THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE IN HEAT OVER 80 DEGREE'S AS THE STEERING WAS TIGHT, AND WOULD STICK IN POSITION CAUSING EXCESS FORCE TO MOVE IT, AND CAUSE SEVERE OVERSTEER SITUATIONS. AFTER HAVING TO COMPLAIN TO BMW FOR WEEKS, THEY DIRECTED ME TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSED (FOR $180) AND THEN DECIDED THEY WOULD PAY HALF OF THE COST TO REPAIR THEIR ENGINEERING ISSUE. WHILE I FOUND THEIR WILLINGNESS TO ADMIT A MISTAKE AND COVER HALF THE REPAIR A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION, I JUST DON'T THINK ITS ENOUGH. A NEW STEERING COLUMN WAS QUOTED AT $3750, AND I PAID ALMOST $1800 PLUS DIAGNOSTICS FEES. I WASN'T GOING TO BOTHER WITH THIS COMPLAINT, AS THE NHTSA HAS SHOWN IT IS NOT INTERESTED IN HOLDING BMW ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS WIDE SPREAD ISSUE (UNLIKE TOYOTAS STICKY GAS PEDALS), BUT AN INCIDENT ON THE FREEWAY THIS WEEK CHANGED MY MIND. I WAS TRAVELING IN THE LEFT LANE CROSSING A MAJOR RIVER, AND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME SUDDENLY SWERVED TOWARD THE GUARD BARRIER. I HAD MILLISECONDS TO REACT TO THE STEEL GARBAGE CAN SET IN THE CENTER OF THE LEFT LANE, WITH A 18 WHEELER TO MY RIGHT. I SWERVED AS THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME DID, TOWARD THE GUARD BARRIER INTO THE BREAKDOWN LANE AND SAFELY NEGOTIATED THE CAN. THANK GOD I HAD THE STEERING FIXED, AS IT STUCK WORSE TURNING RIGHT, AND I AM CERTAIN MY LIFE WOULD HAVE ENDED ON THE BRIDGE AS I WOULD HAVE OVERSTEERED, LOST CONTROL, AND WENT UNDER THE 18 WHEELER. FIX THIS ISSUE BEFORE ITS TOO LATE FOR US CITIZENS WHO ARE STUCK RIDING IN, AND AROUND THESE VEHICLES. I CERTAINLY HOPE IF YOU DO, PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN FORCED TO PAY FOR BMW'S MISTAKES HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE REIMBURSED.

Mileage: 47,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

Mileage: 85,000

CAR HAS BEEN HAVING STICKY STEERING PROBLEMS FOR AWHILE NOW. IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE THIS SUMMER . WHEN THE WEATHER IS ABOVE 70 OR THE LONGER I DRIVE THE WORSE IT GETS. PROBLEM HAS GOTTEN SO BAD THAT IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE ANY LONGER. STEERING WHEEL SEEMS TO HAVE A FLAT SPOT IN THE MIDDLE AND CAUSES YOU TO OVER STEER WHEN THIS HAPPENS. VERY DANGEROUS. WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE AROUND 3000 DOLLARS TO FIX?? IT IS A GREAT CAR BESIDES THAT!! TO BAD IT CANNOT BE DRIVEN AT THIS TIME. JUST SITTING IN GARAGE. WOULD LOVE TO HAVE ANOTHER ONE BUT NOT AT THE EXPENSE OF A NEW STEERING COLUMN.

Mileage: 90,000

THE STEERING COLUMN FREEZES IN POSITION AND HOLDING THE STEERING IT WHEEL FEELS LIKE IT'S BEING HELD BY A MAGNET MUCH LIKE A DC MOTOR FEELS IF YOU TRY TO ROTATE IT. FOR EXAMPLE AFTER ROUNDING THE BEND OR TAKING THE CORNER THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD STAY IN POSITION AND YOU HAVE TO PHYSICALLY TURN THE STEERING WHEEL BACK TO CENTER IT'S LIKE IT'S STUCK THERE BY MAGNETIC FORCE. I CALLED MY BMW DEALERSHIP AND ASKED THE SERVICE ADVISOR ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. HE HAD NO IDEA WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT THEN HE ASKED THE SERVICE FORMAN AND WAS TOLD IT'S A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM AND THE ONLY FIX IS TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN AT $3600-4000. IF THIS IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM THEN WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL. AND WHY ISN'T BMW TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR A DESIGN FLAW.

Mileage: 34,000

THE DAY I PURCHASED MY USED 2004 BMW Z4, I NOTICED A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING WHEEL "STICKING". I CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT WAS NORMAL WITH THAT PARTICULAR CAR. OVER THE YEARS, THERE ARE DAYS THAT IT DRIVES NORMALLY WITH NO STEERING PROBLEMS, BUT FOR THE MOST PART, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTS REALLY STICKING WHEN THE CAR IS GOING OVER 20 MPH OR I SHOULD SAY, IT'S HARDER TO CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL AT A SPEED IN EXCESS OF 20-25 MPH. THE BMW DEALER WHERE I LIVE NOW TOLD ME THAT IT WAS HAPPENING BECAUSE I DON'T DRIVE THE CAR OFTEN ENOUGH. AND IT'S TRUE THAT I DON'T DRIVE VERY OFTEN - I JUST ROLLED OVER 50,000 MILES AND THE CAR IS 14 YEARS OLD. I HAVE MANY TIMES HAD TO PULL OFF OF THE HIGHWAY OR DRIVE WITH MY HAZARD LIGHTS ON BECAUSE I WASN'T ABLE TO STAY WITHIN MY LANE DUE TO THE STEERING PROBLEM. I GET FRIGHTENED TO DRIVE ANYWHERE EXCEPT THE CITY STREETS NEAR MY HOME WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT IS UNDER 40 MPH. I AM GOING TO CONTACT THE DEALER HERE IN OK AGAIN AND SEE WHAT THEY CAN DO TO FIX THIS ISSUE ONCE AND FOR ALL BECAUSE MY CAR HAS BECOME UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN A NORMAL FASHION.

Mileage: 20,000

I HAVE NOTICED ON WARM DAYS THE STEERING BECOMES STICKY AS IF THE POWER STEERING IS COMING ON AND OFF. THIS CAUSES A OVER CONTROLLING OF THE CAR AND MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. I FELT VERY UNSAFE. I TOOK THE CAR TO BMW ROADSHOW AT MEMPHIS AND WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM WAS THE ELECTRIC STEERING UNIT AND WILL COST $4000 TO REPAIR. I RESEARCHED THE INTERNET AND WAS SHOCKED AT THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS GOING BACK AS FAR AS 2009. I CALLED BMW CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NOT THEIR PROBLEM. SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET HURT IF IT HAS NOT ALREADY HAPPENED. BMW KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM AND HAS CORRECT IT IN LATER MODELS AND THEY KNOW HOW IT FIX THE ISSUE. IT APPEARS THIS IS AN AGE RELATE ISSUE, NOT MILEAGE, AND THESE CARS,2003-2005 ARE OUT OF WARRANTY. IN MY RESEARCH I SEE THAT NHTSA IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BUT HAS CLOSED THE ISSUE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND THIS INVESTIGATION NEEDS TO BE REOPENED.

Mileage: 33,000

THIS HAS BEEN A CONTINUOUS PROBLEM. I JUST HAD THE FRONT STRUTS AND OTHER FRONT END WORK DONE FIGURING IT WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM, IT DIDN'T. IN RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM AND TALKING WITH OTHER BMW Z4 OWNERS, THIS HAPPENS ON ALL 2003-2005 BMW Z4. THERE IS A PROBLEM IN THE STEERING COLUMN. IT WILL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT HAPPENS A HIGH SPEED. WHEN THE CAR HAS BEEN RUNNING AWHILE (LONGER THAN 1 HOUR, MOST LIKELY HEAT RELATED), THE STEERING BECOMES VERY, VERY STIFF AND FEELS LIKE THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED, AND TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL YOU MUST EXERT AN EXTRAORDINARY FORCE TO MAKE IT MOVE. THE PROBLEM CONTINUES TO HAPPENS AT ALL SPEEDS UNTIL THE CAR SITS AWHILE (COOLS OFF). AT HIGH SPEEDS THIS CAN MAKE YOU OVER CORRECT AND FORCE YOU OUT OF YOUR LANE. IF I EVER COME UP AND AN OBJECT IN MY LANE (I.E. TIRE FRAGMENT FROM A TRUCK) AND I HAVE TO MOVE OUT THE WAY AND THERE IS ANOTHER VEHICLE IN THE NEXT LANE, IT IS VERY POSSIBLE I COULD SIDESWIPE THAT VEHICLE AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THE DEFECT HAS BEEN CORRECTED IN OTHER VEHICLES BY INSTALLING A NEW STEERING COLUMN FROM EARLIER YEAR BMW Z4 (2008 OR EARLIER), SO IT SEEMS THAT BMW KNOWS OF THE PROBLEM AND HAS CORRECTED THE DEFECT. BMW JUST NEEDS TO MAKE IT RIGHT WITH ALL THE VEHICLES EFFECTED. I KNOW FROM RESEARCH THAT THIS HAS BEEN LOOKED AT BEFORE (2010 OR 2011) BY THE NHTSA, BUT NO RECALL WAS ISSUED. THIS NEEDS TO BE REOPENED AND A RECALL IMPLEMENTED. THESE ARE LOW MILEAGE AND WELL MAINTAINED CARS, AND WILL STILL BE ON THE ROAD FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS. IF THIS WAS ON ANY OTHER MASSED PRODUCED CAR (GM, FAULTY IGNITION), THERE WOULD HAVE DEFINITELY BEEN A RECALL BY NOW. I DON'T KNOW HOW TO TELL YOU HOW SERIOUS THIS DEFECT IS, BUT IT IS DANGEROUS! I WILL NOT ALLOW ANYONE ELSE DRIVE THIS VEHICLE. THANK YOU!

Mileage: 20,000

STEERING WAS NOTICED TO BE "NOTCHY" WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. SEEMS LIKE STEERING IS CAUGHT ON SOMETHING THEN BREAKS FREE. INITIALLY THOUGHT IS WAS LOW POWER STEERING FLUID, BUT DISCOVERED THIS VEHICLE HAS ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING. FURTHER TESTING SHOWED IT HAPPENS AT ALL SPEEDS. THE STEERING CAN BECOME DIFFICULT TO MOVE AND OVER-CORRECTIONS OCCUR WHEN IT BREAKS FREE. FORTUNATELY NO ACCIDENTS OCCURRED, ALTHOUGH IT IS VERY POSSIBLE THAT IT COULD EASILY HAPPEN.

Mileage: 106,321

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH IN WARM WEATHER, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STICKY AND DIFFICULT TO TURN INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 09/14/15*LJ UPDATED 10/26/2017*CN

Mileage: 30,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.

Mileage: 94,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,352. UPDATED 09/01/15*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 10/27/2015*JS

Mileage: 140,352

MY WIFE TOOK THE CAR FOR A DRIVE AND RIGHT IN FRONT OF OUR HOUSE LUCKILY WITH NO WARN THE STEERING ELECTIC MOTOR FAILED. THE BMW DEALER SAYS THE EPS IS BAD BUT THE ONLY WAY TO FIX THE PROBLEM IS TO REPLACE THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN AT A LOW DISCOUNTED PRICE OF 3750. NOT SURE WHY BMW CAN'T JUST REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PART. MY WIFE COULD HAVE BEEN IN VERY BAD ACCIDENT IF THIS EVENT HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY OR EVEN ON THE REGULAR ROADS.

Mileage: 70,400

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED IN BOTH DIRECTIONS INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO CONSTANTLY MANEUVER THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING SERVO COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,500.

Mileage: 27,500

I PURCHASED A 2004 BMW Z4 CONVERTIBLE 2 MONTHS AGO. FOR THE FIRST MONTH, THE CAR DROVE PERFECTLY. THE LAST MONTH, THE CAR HAS BECOME UNDRIVEABLE DUE TO A "STICKY STEERING WHEEL" AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKING (THE STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT MOVE). I HAVE TAKEN IT TO 2 SEPARATE DEALERSHIPS AND THEY HAVE TOLD ME THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE CAR IS QUITE DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AT THE MOMENT AND AFTER READING ABOUT THIS ISSUE ONLINE, IT APPEARS TO BE AN ISSUE IN WHICH A FACTORY RECALL WAS SET TO BE RELEASED.

Mileage: 130,048

WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE STEERING CONSTANTLY GETS STUCK ON THE LEFT SIDE AND YOU HAVE TO STRAIGHTEN THE CAR BY PULLING THE WHEEL FIRMLY TO THE RIGHT CAUSING OVER CORRECTION. YOU HAVE TO CONSTANTLY FIGHT THE STEERING WHEEL TO KEEP THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT. VERY DANGEROUS AND IRRITATING.

Mileage: 32,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS UNSTABLE WHILE DRIVING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

Mileage: 125,000

STEERING GOT STICKY IN A MIDDLE OF A 90 DEGREE TURN NEARLY RESULTING IN A CRASH AS POWER STEERING MOTOR FAILED TEMPORARILY. WE UNDERSTAND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS PARTICULAR BMW VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY ON HOT DAYS. TODAY IT WAS AROUND 85 DEGREES F. WE HAVE OWNED THE CAR FOR 5 MONTHS AND THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED, LIKELY BECAUSE THIS IS THE HOTTEST DAY SINCE THE DAY WE BOUGHT IT IN SEPTEMBER OF LAST YEAR. WE UNDERSTAND THAT BMW HAS RECEIVED ALMOST 50,000 COMPLAINTS RELATED TO THIS ISSUE AND WE ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT NHTSA HAS SEEN IT FIT TO CLOSE THEIR INVESTIGATION. WE ARE BAFFLED BY THIS DECISION AS STEERING PROBLEMS CAN BE FATAL AND OBVIOUSLY THE DEFECT LIES IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS AND SHOULD BE CORRECTED BY BMW BEFORE FATALITIES START TO OCCUR. *TR

Mileage: 92,000

STEERING BECOMES TIGHT AND STICKY ,HARD TO MAKE IT TRACK STRAIGHT. WILL NOT RETURN TO CENTER AFTER MAKING A TURN. *TR

Mileage: 52,000

STEERING IS STICKY, MEANING EXTRA ENERGY IS NEEDED TO STEER THE CAR AT SPEEDS ABOVE 35 MPH. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT TRACK DOWN THE HIGH WAY IN A NORMAL MANNER... *TR

Mileage: 87,280

VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS. DRIVING ON HIGHWAY MAKES DRIVING VERY STRESSFUL. CALLED BMW AND THEY HAVE NO RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 76,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN SHOULD BE REPLACED, HOWEVER, THE REPAIRS SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A PERMANENT FIX SINCE THE FAILURE OCCURS DURING WARM WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Mileage: 68,000

ON WARM DAYS, VEHICLE STEERING IS STICKY, HARD TO TURN. FEELS LIKE LOSE OF POWER STEERING. VEHICLE ALSO PULLS EITHER RIGHT OR LEFT DEPENDING ON LAST MOVEMENT. HARD TO STEER BACK TO CENTER. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH, PROBLEM HAS BEEN FOUND TO BE THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN, BUT NO ACTION OR RECALL HAS BEEN TAKEN. IT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. *TR

Mileage: 100,000

ON A WARM DAY STEERING IS STICKY, NEEDS A LOT OF EFFORT AND CAR FEELS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR

Mileage: 63,000

WHEN TURNING STEERING, THE STEERING STACKS. NOT ALL THE TIME BUT IT GOT WORSE RECENTLY SO THAT IT BECOME VERY DANGEROUS. *TR

Mileage: 59,188

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000.

Mileage: 43,000

THE VEHICLE STEERING DEVELOPED A STICKY AREA THAT WAS VERY HARD TO GET PAST. THE STEERING WAS VERY HARD TO TURN TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. IT CONTINUED AND I SLOWED SO ANOTHER ACCIDENT DOES NOT OCCUR. THE PROBLEM HAS CONTINUED AT LOW SPEEDS ,BUT NOT AS BAD. I JUST GOT THE CAR AND WAS DRIVING HOME. *TR

Mileage: 87,620

THE STEERING HAS A HESITATION. I HAVE NOTICED IT THIS SUMMER AROUND TOWN, THINKING THE STEERING IS JUST VERY TIGHT SINCE IT IS A SPORTS CAR. BMW DID SOME REBUILDING OF THE FRONT END LAST FALL AND THERE WAS NO ISSUE IN THE STEERING AT THAT TIME. ON 9/06/14 I REALIZED AT HIGHWAY SPEED I WAS PUSHING HARD OCCASIONALLY IN A CURVE TO ACTIVATE THE STEERING. BMW GAVE THE DIAGNOSIS ON 9/24/14 THAT THE STEERING COLUMN/ELECTRIC MOTOR R&R PROGRAM EPS (STEERING UNIT) -ALL, FOR AN ESTIMATED FEE OF 3551.63. SO BMW TELLS ME THEY ARE SORRY THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MY CAR AND THEY OFFER ME NO ASSISTANCE THROUGH THE BMW COMPANY. I AM NOT READY TO PAY THIS EXPENSE AT THIS POINT. IF THE PROBLEM GETS WORSE OR TO THE POINT I FEAR FOR MY SAFETY, THEN I WILL HAVE A REPAIR MADE, AT LEAST AT THIS POINT, I KNOW I NEED TO BE PREPARED FOR HARD STEERING ON OCCASION. *TR

Mileage: 82,000

THE STEERING ON THIS VEHICLE SEEMS TO STICK AT TIMES AND YOU HAVE TO JERK IT BACK TO CENTER TO KEEP IT IN LINE ON THE ROAD. ONCE IT STARTS, IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. I AM REAL CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF DRIVING SINCE IT IS HARD SOMETIMES TO JERK IT BACK IN LINE OR STRAIGHT. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR MANY MONTHS NOW AND I AM VERY CONCERNED AND DON'T DRIVE IT AS MUCH NOW. *TR

Mileage: 105,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. UPDATED 10/07/14*LJ UPDATED 3/23/2015 *JS

Mileage: 20,000

STEERING STICKS WHEN TEMPERATURE IS WARM. WHEN DRIVING HAVE TO PULL STEERING BACK TO CENTER WHEN STEERING EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT. USUALLY OCCURS ONCE TEMP IS ABOVE 75 DEGREES. DIFFICULT TO KEEP CAR ON ROAD, HAVE HAD MULTIPLE INSTANCES WHEN ALMOST WENT OFF THE ROAD. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND HAVE LIMITED MY DRIVING OF THIS VEHICLE DUE TO THE DANGER. *TR

Mileage: 19,000

WHILE DRIVING MY CAR I LOST CONTROL OF THE POWER STEERING AND IT FELT LIKE MY STEERING LOCKED. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND WAITED A BIT AFTER CHECKING UNDER THE HOOD TO SEE THAT I HAD GOOD POWER STEERING FLUID AND THE BELTS WERE GOOD. I TURNED ON THE CAR AGAIN AND STILL HAD NO POWER STEERING. SINCE I WAS NOT FAR FROM HOME I CAREFULLY DROVE HOME FIGHTING MY STEERING ALL THE WAY. I CALLED MY LOCAL BMW DEALER THE FOLLOWING DAY AND THEY SAID THEY WERE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND THE REPAIR WAS EXTREMELY COSTLY. I DID NOT REALIZE HOW AWARE THEY WERE UNTIL I FURTHER RESEARCHED THE ISSUE ON THE INTERNET AND WAS TOTALLY SHOCKED TO SEE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE SAME EXACT ISSUE. COMPLAINTS THAT HAVE BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS. I SAW REPORTS OF MULTIPLE ACCIDENTS. I CAN NOT BELIEVE THAT A RECALL WAS NEVER ISSUED ON THIS ITEM. IT IS ABSOLUTELY MIND BOGGLING THAT SUCH A DEFECT IS LEFT TO THE CONSUMER TO PAY WHEN IT IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. DOES A DEATH HAVE TO INCUR FOR A RECALL? AREN'T PREVENTATIVE MEASURES JUST AS IMPORTANT FROM THE NHTSA TO HELP AVOID FUTURE ACCIDENTS AND POSSIBLE INJURIES? *TR

Mileage: 125,000

THE STEERING WHEEL "STICKS" AT VARIOUS AND UNPREDICTABLE TIMES. IT WILL STICK AND RESIST GOING INTO A CURVE, THEN HOLD THE CAR IN THE CURVE AND NEED TO BE UNSTUCK TO BRING THE CAR OUT OF THE CURVE. THE STICKING IS NOT EXAGGERATED OR IMPOSSIBLE TO CORRECT, BUT SOME SMALL AMOUNT OF PRESSURE IS REQUIRED TO UNSTICK THE WHEEL FROM ITS DIRECTIONAL COURSE. BECAUSE IT HAPPENS AT UNPREDICTABLE TIMES IT IS UNSETTLING AND FEELS VERY UNSAFE ON CURVES OR WHEN MAKING LANE CHANGES. I'VE BROUGHT THE PROBLEM TO THE ATTENTION OF THE BMW DEALERSHIP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS BUT THEY CLAIMED THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM ON SEVERAL VISITS. ON THE MOST RECENT VISIT THE DEALERSHIP CONCEDED THE FAULTY STEERING COLUMN, BUT ARGUES THAT THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE MAKES IT INELIGIBLE FOR WARRANTY COVERAGE. I BELIEVE THAT FAULTY STEERING COLUMNS ARE A DOCUMENTED PROBLEM ON Z4 ROADSTERS FROM 2003 - 2005. THE CAR CURRENTLY HAS 22,500 MILES ON IT. CLASSIFYING THE PROBLEM AS RESULTING FROM AGE OR WEAR IS IRRESPONSIBLE. THE STEERING COLUMN WAS DESIGNED OR MANUFACTURED WITH THIS FAULT, AND BMW SHOULD CORRECT THE PROBLEM AT ITS EXPENSE BEFORE NEEDING TO RECORD ACCIDENTS OR INJURIES. *JS

Mileage: 14,000

ON DAYS OVER 75 DEGREES F, DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING, IF I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL SLIGHTLY AND RELEASE IT, STEERING DOES NOT RETURN TO TOP DEAD CENTER. INSTEAD, THE Z4 CONTINUES TO TURN ON IT'S OWN UNTIL I STEER THE CAR BACK TO A STRAIGHT LINE. THE STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT RETURN TO THE STRAIGHT-AHEAD POSITION WHEN I RELEASE IT. A GREAT DEAL OF STRENGTH IS REQUIRED TO STEER AT ALL WHEN THIS HAPPENS. POWER ASSIST DOES NOT SEEM TO WORK OVER 75F AND THE STEERING FEEL IS NOTCHY. ON COOL DAYS, THE STEERING IS FINE. THIS STEERING FAILURE HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR SEVERAL YEARS, IT IS GETTING WORSE AND IS NO LONGER SAFE. THE DEALER IS NOT HELPFUL. IT IS A US CAR AND I LIVE IN CANADA. I THOUGHT YOU WOULD WANT TO KNOW BECAUSE THERE IS A LOT OF DISCUSSION ABOUT THIS IN FORUMS. THE CARS ARE NOT SAFE TO DRIVE ON HOT DAYS. INTERIM SOLUTION IS: DON'T DRIVE MY Z4 ROADSTER ON HOT DAYS?! SO MUCH FOR THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE. *TR

Mileage: 25,000

IN WARM WEATHER HAS A STICKY STEERING PROBLEM AS IT SEEMS TO STICK WHEN YOU TRY AND TURN THE WHEEL. AND THAN RELEASES WITH PRESSURE AND THAN YOU OVER STEER. HAVE SEEN MANY PEOPLE HAVING SAME PROBLEM. ONLY TIME BEFORE THIS CAUSES AND ACCIDENT. *TR

Mileage: 71,500

THE VEHICLE HAS A SERIOUS STEERING PROBLEM. THE STEERING STICKS AND REQUIRES CONSTANT ADJUSTMENT FROM THE DRIVER TO CORRECT WHILE DRIVING. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT AND MAY APPEAR AT ANY TIME. THE TIME IT APPEARED, I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CONDITION DID NOT EXIST AT FIRST BUT SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING THE STEERING WAS STUCK AS IF THE STEERING HAD A "DETENT". THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DRIFT OUT OF LANE AND INTO THE LANE NEXT TO ME. THIS REQUIRED ME TO ABRUPTLY APPLY MORE FORCE TO THE STEERING WHEEL. EVENTUALLY THE STEERING BROKE FREE AND THE VEHICLE OVER COMPENSATED AND DRIFTED TO THE OTHER SIDE LANE. I IMMEDIATELY REDUCED SPEED TO THE MINIMUM ALLOWED ON THE HIGHWAY AND WAS ABLE TO SAFELY GET THE VEHICLE BACK HOME. I WAS FORTUNATE THAT NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE ON EITHER SIDE OF ME WHEN THIS OCCURRED, ELSE I WOULD HAVE SURELY COLLIDED WITH THEM BOTH. *TR

Mileage: 84,200

AFTER DRIVING MY Z4 ON A HOT AFTERNOON I NOTICE THE STEERING FEELING VERY NOTCHY. YOU HAD TO PUT IN A LOT OF FORCE TO GET THE WHEEL BACK TO WHERE YOU WANTED IT. THE NEXT MORNING IT WAS FINE. BUT I HAVE NOTICE ANY TIME THE CABIN TEMP GETS ABOVE 88 THE PROBLEM COMES BACK. IT PRODUCES A REAL JERKY FEELING IN THE WHEEL AND ITS VERY UNNERVING TO DRIVE. *TR

Mileage: 44,000

DRIVING ON CURVY MOUNTAIN ROADS STEERING STICKS REQUIRING EXTRA FORCE TO STEER RESULTING IN OVER CORRECTION AND RUNNING OFF ONTO SHOULDER. WITHOUT A SHOULDER IN THE MOUNTAINS THIS IS A POTENTIAL SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *TR

Mileage: 25,460

WHEN I AM DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, MY STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT FEEL AS THOUGH IT IS MOVING SMOOTHLY, AS I WOULD EXPECT FROM A PRECISION-ENGINEERED BMW. IN FACT, IT STICKS TO THE POINT THAT IT WILL NOT MOVE UNLESS IT IS JERKED FORCEFULLY TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. THIS JERKING IS NOT A BIG PROBLEM WHEN I AM DRIVING AT 20 TO 30 MILES PER HOUR. HOWEVER, WHEN I AM DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT 40 OR MORE MILES PER HOUR, THE STICKING OF THE STEERING WHEEL BECOMES A SERIOUS PROBLEM BECAUSE WHEN I JERK THE WHEEL AS HARD AS I HAVE TO IN ORDER TO UNSTICK THE STEERING, THE CAR SWERVES SO DRAMATICALLY THAT I COULD EASILY LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR AND HIT ANOTHER CAR, ESPECIALLY IN RAIN OR OTHER PRECIPITATION, AND CAUSE PROPERTY, OR WORSE BODILY, DAMAGE TO OTHERS OR MYSELF. WHAT I FIND RIDICULOUS ABOUT THIS IS THAT I AM EXPECTED TO PAY $5K TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN WITHOUT ANY GUARANTEE THAT THE REPLACEMENT PART WILL LAST ANY LONGER THAN THE ORIGINAL PART, AT WHICH TIME I WILL HAVE TO PAY $5K YET AGAIN. *TR

Mileage: 35,000

HAVE HAD THE CAR ABOUT 8 MONTHS. HAVE DRIVEN IT 268 MILES. TOOK THE CAR TO WORK 5/30/14. IT WAS FINE DRIVING IN THE MORNING. AFTER SITTING IN THE SUN ALL DAY, THE STEERING STUCK BADLY ON THE WAY HOME.IT FEELS LIKE YOU ARE RIDING ON A RAIL.HAVE TO KEEP MOVING STEERING WHEEL TO KEEP CAR GOING STRAIGHT. FEEL RESISTANCE IN STEERING. I LOOKED ONLINE AND FOUND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR 2003-2005 Z4'S. I WISH I KNEW THAT BEFORE I BOUGHT THE CAR. IT IS DANGEROUS. *TR

Mileage: 49,281

STEERING IS VERY STICKY AND HARD TO STEER IN WARM WEATHER. *TR

THE STEERING BECOMES "STICKY" WHEN THE WEATHER IS WARM. WHEN DRIVING STRAIGHT IT RESISTS TURNING AND ONCE TURNED TRIES TO STAY TURNED AND THE CAR TENDS TO VEER UNINTENTIONALLY. THE STEERING WILL NOT RETURN TO CENTER WHEN THE WHEEL IS RELEASED AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO STEER SMOOTHLY ON THE FREEWAY AND REQUIRES CONSTANT CORRECTION. WHEN IT IS COLD IT STEERS FINE AND TRAVELS DOWN THE FREEWAY PERFECTLY WITH NO HANDS ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND CORRECTIONS CAN BE MADE WITH ONLY TINY EFFORT. WHEN IT IS HOT AND STICKY IT TAKES BOTH HANDS AND A FAIR AMOUNT OF EFFORT TO STEER. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW RESULTING IN A SAFETY ISSUE THAT BMW SHOULD FIX UNDER WARRANTY REGARDLESS OF AGE. *TR

Mileage: 67,926

I OWN A SUSPECTED Z4 WITH A NHTSA REPORTED "STICKY STEERING" ISSUE I CAN TELL YOU A LITTLE MORE ABOUT IT. THE PROBLEM HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE BOOST. WHEN THE CAR GETS HOT (SUMMER HOT) THE STEERING GETS NOTCHY IN THAT WHEN YOU PUT THE CAR IN A SLIGHT TURN, LIKE CHANGING LANES OR GOING AROUND A SLIGHT CORNER, THE STEERING LITERALLY STICKS IN THAT POSITION CAUSING THE DRIVER TO APPLY OPPOSITE PRESSURE TO "BREAK" THE WHEEL LOOSE FROM THE TURN FOLLOWED BY ANOTHER STICK WHEREVER THE WHEEL IS BROUGHT BACK TO. PROBLEM IS THAT IT CAUSES MASSIVE OVER STEERING ISSUES AT HIGH SPEED UNLESS YOU ARE LOOKING FOR IT. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS! BMW KNEW ABOUT IT AND RELEASED MULTIPLE PUMAS (THEIR EQUIVALENT OF A TSB) AND EVEN REDESIGNED THE SUSPECT COLUMN, BUT REFUSED TO REPLACE THE OLDER ONES OUT OF WARRANTY. THESE ARE $3000 BEFORE LABOR AND BMW HAS FLAT OUT TOLD ME THAT THEY WON'T COVER A SINGLE DOLLAR OF IT. I GUESS WE WILL SEE NHTSA FORCES THEIR HAND! I AM SCARED TO DEATH TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE I HAD TO JERK TO OUT OF ANOTHER LANE SEVERAL TIMES AND YOU MUST WORK EXTREMELY HARD TO KEEP IT STRAIGHT. PLEASE DO SOMETHING BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT. *TR

Mileage: 50,000

THIS PROBLEM APPEARS WHEN THE OUTDOOR TEMPERATURE GETS ABOVE 70, OR MY VEHICLE SITS IN THE SUN ALL DAY. THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING AT ALL SPEEDS - THE STEERING WHEEL FEELS LIKE IT "STICKS" IN ONE POSITION AND I HAVE TO FORCE IT BACK IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION TO CORRECT THE COURSE I'M ON. THEN IT "STICKS" IN THAT POSITION AND I HAVE TO BE VERY VIGILANT WITH EVERY CURVE IN THE ROAD. IT SCARED ME LAST WEEK BECAUSE IT WAS THE WORST IT HAD BEEN SINCE IT FIRST BEGAN DOING THIS LAST YEAR. I LIVE IN THE FOOTHILLS OF CALIFORNIA AND CURVY ROADS ARE THE REASON I LOVE DRIVING MY Z4. LAST WEEK, THE STEERING PROBLEM SEEMED TO TAKE MORE ENERGY AND MORE CORRECTIONS TO FORCE THE WHEEL BACK IN THE DIRECTION I NEEDED THE CAR TO BE MOVING. WHEN THE WEATHER IS COOLER, THE STEERING IS PRECISE AND EFFORTLESS. I WAS SHOCKED TO HAVE TO DEAL WITH CORRECTING THE PATH OF THE VEHICLE NUMEROUS TIMES FOR EACH CURVE! IT WAS AN EXHAUSTING RIDE HOME; I DON'T FEEL SAFE WHEN THE CAR PERFORMS LIKE THIS. *TR

Mileage: 90,000

STEERING STICKS WHEN VEHICLE GETS HOT OR SITS IN THE SUN. *TR

Mileage: 51,000

AS I BEGAN TO PULL OUT FROM PARKING LOT ONTO ROADWAY, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY LOCKED UP. I MANAGED TO BACK STRAIGHT DOWN THE HILL AND READ ABOUT THE ISSUE (IT WAS VERY EARLY IN THE MORNING). I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED. IT WORKED FINE. I'VE SINCE READ ABOUT THIS ISSUE ON SEVERAL BLOGS AND HAVE DISCOVERED THAT IS A REPEATING ISSUE. THANKFULLY I WASN'T IN THE MIDDLE OF RUSH-HOUR TRAFFIC. *TR

Mileage: 64,000

STEERING BECOMES DANGEROUSLY SLOPPY AND TWITCHY AT SPEEDS OVER 35MPH. CORRECTING THE STICKY STEERING CAUSES AN OVER-CORRECTION AND WEAVING ON THE HIGHWAY MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM BY THOUSANDS OF BMW OWNERS, YET NOTHING SEEMS TO BE IN THE WORKS TO ADDRESS. *TR

Mileage: 29,900

AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN I HAD TO TURN DUE TO A CURVE IN THE ROAD, THE STEERING WOULD NOT RETURN TO CENTER. I HAD TO FORCE THE STEERING BACK TO CENTER. THIS ALMOST RESULTED IN A CRASH WITH ANOTHER CAR. THE STEERING IS VERY JERKY,, IT STICKS IN ONE SPOT. UNTIL YOU FORCE IT WHERE YOU NEED IT TO BE. THIS SAME PROBLEM HAS NOW HAPPENED MANY TIMES AND IS GETTING WORSE. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN MORE, THE HOTTER THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS. *TR

Mileage: 23,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 222,000.

Mileage: 222,000

SINCE I PURCHASED MY 2004 BMW Z4 ON MARCH 13, 2013 I HAVE EXPERIENCE VERY ANNOYING AND MORE IMPORTANTLY UNSAFE ISSUES WITH MY VEHICLES STEERING ESPECIALLY AT HIGH SPEEDS. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT COULD HAVE BEEN THE ALIGNMENT BUT AFTER DOING EXTENSIVE RESEARCH ONLINE AND BMW FORUMS IT APPEARS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THE E85 (2003-2005) BMW Z4 ROADSTERS. "NEED A NEW STEERING COLUMN TO FIX "STICKY STEERING" PROB WITH THE EPS @ $3,300. MY 2004 Z4 IS A "PLEASURE" CAR WITH 17,000 MILES. NOT A PLEASURE TO FIGHT THE STEERING ON THE ROAD." -TAKEN FROM ONE OF THE FORUMS. FORTUNATELY I HAVE ANOTHER VEHICLE I DRIVE DAILY AND DON'T HAVE TO COMMUTE DAILY IN THIS VEHICLE. HOWEVER WHEN I DO DRIVE IT IT'S DEFINITELY NOTICEABLE NOT ONLY BY ME BUT MY PASSENGERS, IT'S SCARY EVEN. I PURCHASED MY CAR WITH 69,500 MILES WHICH REALLY IS QUITE LOW CONSIDERING THE YEAR AND I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED TO FIND SOMETHING THAT HAS COST ME SO MUCH TO OBTAIN GIVES ME AN UNEASY FEELING EVERYTIME I DRIVE IT. WISH I COULD AFFORD TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED BUT BEING A COLLEGE STUDENT I SIMPLY DON'T HAVE AN EXTRA $3,000+ TO SPARE TO SPEND TOWARDS THE REPAIR. ANYWAYS HOPING ENOUGH GRIEVANCES WILL BE FILED AND EVENTUALLY BMW WILL OWN UP TO THE PROBLEM AND BE WILLING TO WORK WITH ITS MANY UNHAPPY CUSTOMERS WHO ARE LITERALLY HAZARDS ON THE ROAD DUE TO THIS "STICKY STEERING" PROBLEMS AT HIGH SPEEDS. THANK YOU *TR

Mileage: 69,500

EPS(ELECTRIC POWER STEERING), DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE STEERING BINDS INTERMITTENTLY,AND ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT CAN THROW THE VEHICLE INTO ANOTHER LANE OR INTO A DANGEROUS SITUATION ON A CURVE. *TR

Mileage: 65,000

2004 BMW Z4 PURCHASED USED IN 2011 WITH JUST OVER 60K MILES ON THE ODOMETER. AT JUST UNDER 70K MILES THE DRIVER NOTICED STEERING SEEMED STIFF AND WHEN ENTERING A CURVE THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD FREEZE IN LOCKED POSITION UNTIL MANUALLY CORRECTED UPON WHICH TIME IT WOULD FEEL AS IF THE FRONT WHEELS WERE ON A PATCH OF BLACK ICE MOMENTARILY! OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS ABOVE 80 DEGREES. DID A SEARCH ON THIS VEHICLE NO ACCIDENTS. HOWEVER IT WAS DISCOVERED MANY COMPLAINTS (242) ON THIS OR SIMILAR STEERING PROBLEMS. I CALLED BMW OF NORTH AMERICA AND SPOKE TO A PUBLIC RELATIONS REP. WHO INFORMED ME THAT BMW WAS UNAWARE OF ANY SUCH PROBLEMS WITH THIS YEAR MODEL STEERING. I REPLIED THAT THIS SEEMS ODD SINCE I HAD JUST LOOKED AT 17 PAGES OF SUCH PROBLEMS ON-LINE? I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND ASKED TO SPEAK WITH AN EXPERIENCED TECHNICIAN CONCERNING THE PROBLEM. THE SERVICE MANAGER CHECKED WITH ONE OF THEIR TECHNICIANS! HE CONFIRMED THAT HE HAD SEEN THIS BEFORE AND THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. WHEN I PURCHASED THIS CAR I ALSO TRANSFERRED OVER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY AT A COST OF $1,000.00. SO I WILL ONLY BE OUT MY $100.00 DEDUCTIBLE. PARTS AND LABOR WILL BE IN EXCESS OF $4,000K IF A DEALERSHIP TECH IS AWARE OF SUCH PROBLEMS WITH A PARTICULAR MAKE OR MODEL YOU WOULD SURELY THINK THAT BMW OF NORTH AMERICA WOULD ALSO BE AWARE OF THE SAME SUCH FINDINGS! SOMETHING SMELLS AND ITS NOT GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE!

Mileage: 69,265

STEERING WAS STICKING AND FEELING FUNNY. SEEMED TO TAKE MORE FORCE TO TURN THE WHEEL. IT FELT MAGNETIC IN THE CENTER OR RIBBED LIKE. THEN IT WOULD SUDDENLY GO WHEN TURNING. HAD TO BE VERY CAREFUL. AFTER DOING RESEARCH I FIND THAT THE BMW Z4'S HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH STEERING COLUMNS IN THE 2003, 2004, 2005 AND SOME 2006 YEAR CARS. HAS TO DO WITH THE METAL WORM GEAR CLEARANCE IN THE NYLON COG GEAR BEING A POOR DESIGN. ON HOT DAYS THE CLEARANCE GOES TO ZERO MAKING THE GEARS TO TIGHT. ALSO NYLON ABSORBS MOISTURE AFTER A WHILE WHICH WOULD CAUSE THE NYLON GEAR TO INCREASE IN SIZE DECREASING THE CLEARANCE EVEN MORE. I JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR AND NOW AM SOMEWHAT AFRAID TO DRIVE IT OR LET MY FAMILY DRIVE IT. BMW HAS REPLACED MANY OF THESE. I HOPE MINE CAN BE REPLACED AS RIGHT NOW I'M NOT SURE WHAT MY RECOURSE MAY BE.

Mileage: 39,700

I HAVE A 2004 BMW Z4 WITH 32,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH WHAT I WILL CALL STICKY STEERING. WHEN HOT, THE STEERING WHEEL WILL BIND AND REQUIRE EXTRA EFFORT TO MOVE, RESULTING IN OVER STEERING IN ORDER TO CORRECT THE STICKING. AT ALL SPEEDS THIS CAN BE DANGEROUS AND AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THIS CAN BE PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS. *TR

Mileage: 23,000

THE STEERING WHEEL STICKS AND IT'S VERY HARD TO KEEP THE CAR CENTERED. I AM TOLD IT WILL NEED A NEW STEERING COLUMN AND THIS WAS AN ISSUE BMW HAD FOR A COUPLE YEARS ON THESE MODELS. *TR

IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE WE NOTICED DIFFICULTY STEERING THE CAR. THE STEERING IS VERY STICKY AND ERRATIC. IT IS ACTUALLY SCARY TO DRIVE. HAS A TENDENCY TO VEER OFF AND POSSIBLY WRECK. I JUST HOPE IT DOES NOT TAKE X NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS/DEATHS FOR THE MANUFACTURE (WHO IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM) TO FIX THIS UNACCEPTABLE STEERING PROBLEM. MY PERSONAL RESEARCH HAS REVEALED THAT THERE ARE MANY MANY OWNERS OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM. IF ANY INFORMATION IS NEEDED OR IF YOU WISH FOR ME TO ELABORATE, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO EMAIL OR CALL ME. THANK YOU. *TR

Mileage: 45,650

ONCE THE CAR HAD WARMED UP I NOTICED THE STEERING WOULD "STICK"AND I HAD TO USE FORCE TO GET IT TO STAY ALIGNED WITH THE ROAD. *TR

Mileage: 29,300

THE STEERING BECOMES "NOTCHY" OR "MAGNETIC" DURING HOT WEATHER. IT GETS STUCK IN A POSITION AND REQUITES FORCE TO MOVE IT FROM THAT POSITION. THIS OFTEN HAPPENS TURNING THE VEHICLE AT LOW OR HIGH SPEEDS WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL TO CHANGE LANES, FOLLOW A CURVE, OR MAKE A TURN. IT IS DANGEROUS AND CAN RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. *TR

Mileage: 62,500

THE STEERING IS THE ONLY PROBLEM BUT YOUR WEB SITE INSISTS ON MY SELECTING AT LEAST 3 AFFECTED PARTS. IN ANY CASE, THE STEERING RECENTLY BECAME JERKY AND NOTCHY WHILE DRIVING. AFTER SEVERAL DAYS OF THIS, I TOOK IT MY LOCAL FOREIGN CAR REPAIR SPECIALIST AND THEY DIAGNOSED A PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING. ULTIMATELY, THEY REPLACED THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN AT A COST TO ME OF $4100. THIS WAS A VERY UNSAFE CONDITION MAKING MY CONTROL OF STEERING TENUOUS AT BEST AND ONE THAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT. *TR

Mileage: 68,000

DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY STEERING BECAME VERY STICKY, WHEEL WOULD JUST JERK BACK AND FORTH WHENEVER I TRIED TO SWITCH LANES. BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER THE NEXT DAY WHO SAID, OH YEAH THAT'S JUST STIFF STEERING. WHEN I EXPLAINED IT MORE, HE FESSED UP THAT OH YEAH HE HAD HEARD OF THAT TOO AND IT WAS A POWER STEERING ISSUE AND NOT A GOOD THING AND DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. HE SAID THAT THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED, THE QUOTED WAS $4100 TO FIX IT! AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON LINE I'M FLABBERGASTED BY HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE AND HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL HAVE THIS PROBLEM AS THIS IS A RECREATIONAL VEHICLE FOR MOST PEOPLE AND THEY PROBABLY HAVEN'T DRIVEN IT ENOUGH YET TO FIND OUT THIS WILL OCCUR. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL NO COMPANY SHOULD GET AWAY WITH PUTTING OUT A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT AND MAKING THE OWNERS PAY FOR IT LATER. *TR

Mileage: 40,000

MY 2004 BMW Z4 STEERING IS CHOPPY AND STICKS EVEN WHEN DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE. MAKING NORMAL DRIVING MANEUVERS TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE CAR AWKWARD. NOTE, THIS CAR HAS LESS THAN 36000 MILES. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE BMW DEALERSHIP AND WITHOUT EVEN TAKING IT INTO THE SHOP TO LOOK UNDER THE HOOD, THE MAINTENANCE CREW TOLD ME EXACTLY WHAT WAS WRONG. THE UPPER POWER STEERING MECHANISM IS FAULTY, WHICH BMW HAS A RECALLED FOR CERTAIN VINS BUT NOT OURS. ITS PRETTY CLEAR THAT THIS IS AN ACROSS THE BOARD BMW PROBLEM AND SUCH A PRESTIGIOUS AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURER SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE COAXED INTO DOING THE RIGHT THING. SO I GO ON THE WEB TO THIS SITE AND I FIND 233 COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM IN JUST THIS YEAR ALONE. WHAT'S IT GOING TO TAKE FOR BMW TO DO A RECALL AND FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 35,475

VEHICLE BECOMES DIFFICULT TO STEER. STEERING BECOMES STICKY AT TEMPERATURES ABOVE 75 DEGREES F., AND IS JERKY AND DIFFICULT TO STEER. BMW DEALERSHIP STATE IT WAS THE TIRES. I HAVE REPLACED THE TIRES AND THERE WAS NO CHANGE. *TR

FIRST NOTICED THE ISSUE IN 2009 AFTER A LONG DRIVE ON A VERY WARM SUMMER DAY IN NEW YORK. STARTED NOTICING A "STICKY/CHOPPY" REACTION TO THE AUTOMATIC STEERING WHICH BECAME PRONOUNCED WHILE ON A CURVE, AND REQUIRED QUICK ACTION TO "RIGHT" THE WHEELS TO AVOID A CROSSOVER TO THE OPPOSITE LANE. I BECAME MORE AND MORE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AS IT SEEM TO RELATE TO LONG DRIVES ON HOT DAYS. SINCE THIS VEHICLE IS ONLY DRIVEN IN THE SUMMER TIME, I CAN NOT TESTIFY TO THIS STEERING PROBLEM IN THE COLDER WINTER MONTHS. HOWEVER, I AM CONSTANTLY VIGILANT TO THIS ISSUE NOW. CONTACTED BMWNA TO CHECK FOR RECALLS, BUT RECEIVED NO RESPONSE OR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT THAT THE STEERING WAS FAULTY. THIS COULD BE A DANGEROUS SITUATION, AND I ASK FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN CONTACTING THEM. THANKYOU *TR

Mileage: 38,230

THE STEERING ON THE CAR BECOMES NOTCHY AND TWITCHY, ESPECIALLY AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND IN WARM WEATHER. THE STEERING WHEEL HANGS UP LIKE THERE IS A FLAT SPOT SOMEWHERE IN THE SYSTEM. IT TAKES EXTRA PHYSICAL EFFORT TO MOVE THE STEERING OFF THAT FLAT SPOT. THE STEERING WHEEL WILL INTERMITTENTLY STOP RESPONDING TO DRIVER INPUT FOR A SHORT RANGE. THEN SUDDENLY START WORKING AGAIN AFTER EXTRA APPLIED PRESSURE ON THE WHEEL. WHEN THE STEERING IS IN THE NOTCHY/TWITCHY CONDITION IT WILL PULL TO ONE SIDE. THIS IS NOT A SAFE SITUATION BECAUSE YOU ARE CONSTANTLY CORRECTING THE STEERING TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE CAR. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED THE PROBLEM IS GREASE ON A BEARING IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE BEARING IS NOT SEALED AND THE GREASE IS EXPOSED TO HOT TEMPERATURES. THE PROBLEM CAN BE REPAIRED BY REPLACING THE BEARING WITH A NEW IMPROVED VERSION, BMW DOES NOT OFFER THE BEARING ON IT'S PART LIST, BUT DOES RECOMMEND REPLACING THE STEERING COLUMN AT A COST OF $4000.00. *TR

Mileage: 36,086

STEERING IS STICKING PULLS TO THE LEFT THEN TO THE RIGHT VERY DIFFICULT TO KEEP CAR STRAIGHT ON THE ROAD SUDDEN JERKING OF CAR WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TURNS BUT CAR DOESN'T TURN WITH THE TURN YOU HAVE TO FORCE THE TURN AND THEN YOU GET PULLED IN OTHER DIRECTION VERY VERY UNSAFE! FEELS LIKE YOU'RE GOING TO BE PULLED INTO A CRASH! THESE STEERING COLUMNS NEED RECALLED AND FAST! *TR

Mileage: 101,900

I HAVE A STICKY STEERING PROBLEM ON MY '04 Z4. I TOOK MY Z4 TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO SPECIALIZES IN BMW'S, I ASKED HIM TO LOOK AT THE STEERING PROBLEM. HE TOOK THE STEERING COLUMN APART AND FOUND A BEARING THAT IS ANYTHING BUT GOOD ENGINEERING. THERE IS A BEARING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STEERING COLUMN THAT IS NOT SEALED. WITH TIME AND WITH HEAT THE LUBRICANT GETS DRY AND CAKES UP. HE TOLD ME THIS IS WHAT IS MAKING THE STEERING STICKY. HE CLEANED OUT THE BEARING AND PUT IN NEW LUBRICANT AND MY Z IS FUN TO DRIVE AGAIN. NOW FOR THE BAD NEWS: HE TOLD ME IT IS A TEMPORARY FIX, THE RESULT OF LOUSING ENGINEERING/DESIGN. THE BEARING IS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STEERING COLUMN. IT IS NOT A SEALED BEARING. THE BEARING IS NOT REPLACEABLE. BMW DOES NOT LIST IT AS A PART - YOU HAVE TO BUY THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY (PARTS AND LABOR OVER $3500). I HAVE READ HUNDREDS OF BLOGS ON THIS SUBJECT IN WHICH OTHER Z-4 OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. SEVERAL THINGS THAT I NOTICED WHILE READING THESE BLOGS: ANYONE THAT CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP WERE TOLD THAT THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THE PROBLEM BEFORE. IT IS FUNNY THAT EACH BLOG STATED THE EXACT SAME STATEMENT FROM THE DEALERSHIPS. THE SECOND THING WAS THAT THEY RECOMMENDED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN BE REPLACED. IF THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE THEN HOW CAN THEY ASSUME THAT REPLACING THE STEERING COLUMN IS THE CORRECT REPAIR FOR THE PROBLEM, BMW SHOULD STEP UP AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS PROBLEM AND RECALL ALL Z-4?S BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED, OR SERIOUSLY INJURED. BMW CANNOT DENY THE EXISTENCE OF THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 37,000

THE STEERING ON THE CAR BECOMES 'NOTCHY' AND 'TWITCHY' ESPECIALLY AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND WARM WEATHER. THE STEERING WHEEL WILL INTERMITTENTLY STOP RESPONDING TO INPUT FOR A SHORT RANGE OF INPUT, THEN SUDDENLY START WORKING AFTER A LIMITED RANGE. WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS IN A STRAIGHT LINE, THE STEERING WILL SUDDENLY PULL TO ONE SIDE REQUIRING THAT THE STEERING WHEEL IS HELD STRAIGHT VERY FIRM OR THE CAR WILL LUNGE TO THE SIDE. THE ISSUE WAS DIAGNOSED BY TWO DIFFERENT BMW REPAIR SHOPS. BOTH CONCLUDED THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING IS FAILING AND THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. ESTIMATED REPAIR COST IS JUST UNDER $4,000. *TR

Mileage: 72,000

THE VEHICLE TUGS ON UNEVEN ROAD OR WHEN TURNING N HIGHWAYS AT HIGH SPEED. IT IS DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE CAR STEERING STRAIGHT. JUST BOUGHT THIS AS A USED VEHICLE WITH NO CRASH HISTORY. *TR

Mileage: 64,240

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE STEERING WHEEL COULD NOT BE TURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,000.

Mileage: 60,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD ONLY OCCUR DURING EXTREMELY HIGH TEMPERATURES. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR A FULL DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000. UPDATED 7/26/13 *CN

Mileage: 37,000

THE STEERING WOULD TAKE A "SET" MEANING IT WOULD TAKE EFFORT TO MOVE THE WHEEL. THE TEMP THAT DAY WAS ABOVE 80 DEGREES (THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING WITH THIS VEHICLE). NO SMOOTH MOTION TO COMPENSATE FOR STEERING ADJUSTMENT. CONTINUAL COMPENSATION WITH BOTH HANDS AS NOT TO OVER CORRECT. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND BMW NEEDS TO ADDRESS IT ASAP. *TR

Mileage: 87,568

DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN THE TEMPERATURE WAS ABOVE NINETY DEGREES THE STEERING BECAME 'CATCHY' MEANING WHEN I TRIED TO DO NORMAL CORRECTIONS IT WOULD 'STICK' LIKE IT WAS STUCK IN SOME KIND OF GROOVE, REQUIRING ME 'FORCE' IT PAST THE STICKING POINT, WHICH WOULD RESULT IN AN OVER CORRECTION, WHICH IN TURN WOULD REQUIRE ME TO CORRECT IN THE OTHER DIRECTION - RESULTING IN A WEAVING IN THE LANE. THE ISSUE CONTINUED AND ON OCCASION, SEEMINGLY RELATED TO TEMPERATURE, WAS BAD ENOUGH TO FORCE ME OFF THE HIGHWAY AND ON TO SURFACE ROADS WHERE THE SPEED WAS LESS. I MENTIONED IT TO THE DEALER AND HE SAID HE COLD NOT REPEAT THE PROBLEM. THIS OCCURS EVERY YEAR WHEN IT GETS HOT AND THE LAST TIME I WAS AT THE DEALER HE SAID THE ELECTRONIC ASSIST STEERING IN THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $4,000. I RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND IT SEEMS THERE ARE QUITE A FEW OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE STEERING WITH THIS CAR AND OTHER Z4'S FROM 2003 ON, SOME WITH MILEAGE LESS THAN THE 29,000 MILES I HAD ON MY VEHICLE WHEN IT FIRST OCCURRED. I FIND IT INTERESTING THAT THE DEALER DISCOVERED WHAT THE ISSUE WAS AFTER MY VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR

Mileage: 29,228

MY WIFE WAS PASSING THROUGH A TOLL BOOTH WHEN THE STEERING SUDDENLY PULLED TO ONE SIDE, SHE WAS ABLE TO CORRECT AND AVOID HITTING THE CONCRETE BARRIER. THIS ISSUE HAS HAPPENED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS AND IS ALWAYS THE SAME. CAR WILL PULL TO ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER AND YOU HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THE SITUATION. IT HAS HAPPENED ON VARIOUS ROAD SURFACE TYPES FROM SMOOTH TO GROOVED. WE HAVE THE FACTORY TIRES ON THE CAR AND NO MODIFICATIONS TO THE CAR. FRONT END ALIGNMENT IS CORRECT. WE PURCHASED THE CAR USED FROM A DEALER WITH 58,789 MILES IN MAR 2013. *TR

Mileage: 60,255

WHEN TEMPERATURE REACHES ABOVE 75 DEGREES, THE STEERING STICKS WHEN DRIVING. IT STICKS TO WHICH IT MAKES IT HARD TO STEER THE WHEEL LEFT AND RIGHT. ALMOST HAD TWO ACCIDENTS ON THE WAY HOME. *TR

Mileage: 72,114

YOUR QUESTION ABOUT THE INCIDENT DATE ONLY ALLOWS FOR ONE DATE. THE KNOTCHY ,STICKING STEERING WHEEL HAPPENS ALL THE TIME WHEN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES HIT 75 DEGREES. THIS STEERING MALFUNCTION HAS BEEN DOCUMENTED MANY TIMES ONLINE IN BMW Z4 FORUMS. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS PULL UP Z4 STEERING ONLINE TO READ A MULTITUDE OF CONCERNS AND EXAMPLES OF BMW STONEWALLING. THIS STEERING ISSUE ON 2004 Z4S IS VERY SERIOUS!!! THE CORRECTION NEEDED WHEN THIS HAPPENS CALLS FOR A QUICK JERK OF THE STEERING WHEEL TO STAY STRAIGHT. UNUSUAL EFFORT IS NEEDED TO KEEP THE CAR IN IT'S LANE. *TR

Mileage: 32,527

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED. SIX MONTHS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE RECENT FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,000. UPDATED 6/25/13*CN UPDATED 7/1/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING WOULD NOT RETURN TO CENTER BY ITSELF. UPDATED

Mileage: 48,000

THE STEERING IS VERY STICKY AND JOLTS LEFT AND RIGHT. I HAVE FOUND THROUGH SOME RESEARCH TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG 2003-2005 BMW Z4 OWNERS. IT IS NOT SAFE TO BE CRUISING DOWN THE HIGHWAY JOLTING BACK AND FORTH. *TR

Mileage: 100,000

STEERING HAS A RUBBING AND SCRAPING NOISE WHEN CAR IS BARELY MOVING, SUCH AS IN DRIVEWAY OR PARKING LOT. AT SPEED, STEERING BECOMES STICKY AND JERKY. I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR IN MARCH 2013 AND IT HAS 50,000 MILES ON IT. DOES NOT SEEM TO BE CAUSED OR AFFECTED BY TEMPERATURE. I AM TOO CONCERNED ABOUT THIS ISSUE TO LET MY WIFE OR DAUGHTER DRIVE THE CAR. I HAVE HAD THE STEERING SHAFT LUBRICATED, BUT THAT DID NOT HELP ANYTHING. *TR

Mileage: 51,500

STEERING BECAME SOMEWHAT UNRESPONSIVE WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT WAS AS IT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS STICKING. REDUCING SPEED DID NOT SEEM TO HELP, TEMP OUTSIDE WAS 71 DEGREES AND SUNNY. CHECKING WEB FORUMS, THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. BOUGHT THIS USED APPROX 4 WEEKS AGO, CONCERNED THAT IF STEERING CONTINUES TO FUNCTION THIS WAY, COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AS YOU TRY TO OVER COMPENSATE FOR STICKING ISSUE. *TR

Mileage: 58,800

WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO MAKE SMALL ADJUSTMENTS TO THE STEERING WHEEL. ONCE THIS ABNORMALLY HIGH RESISTANCE WAS OVERCOME, THE INTENDED ADJUSTMENT WOULD BECOME EXCESSIVE AND REQUIRE IMMEDIATE CORRECTION. THIS CORRECTION WOULD IN TURN BE EXCESSIVE, RESULTING IN ZIGZAGGING WHILE SIMPLY TRYING TO MAINTAIN A STRAIGHT LINE. ALSO, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD REMAIN IN ITS ROTATED POSITION UPON RELEASE WHEN EXITING A TURN, RATHER THAN NATURALLY RETURNING TO CENTER, THUS REQUIRING DELIBERATE EFFORT TO BRING THE CAR STRAIGHT AGAIN. THIS BEHAVIOR IS UNNERVING UNDER ORDINARY CONDITIONS AND COULD BE QUITE DANGEROUS, PARTICULARLY IN SITUATIONS INVOLVING SKIDS OR EMERGENCY MANOEUVERS. SOON AFTER THE INITIATION OF THE 2010 NHTSA INVESTIGATION INTO THIS ISSUE, I BROUGHT THE CAR TO A LOCAL BMW DEALER WHO CLAIMED TO KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THIS PREVALENT ISSUE AND WHO WAS REPORTEDLY UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE ISSUE. SINCE THEN I FIGURED OUT IT CAN REPLICATED SIMPLY BY SETTING THE HEATER TO FULL BLAST AND LEAVING THE WINDOWS ROLLED UP FOR 20-30 MINUTES TO ALLOW THE HEAT TO SOAK INTO THE ELECTRIC-ASSIST STEERING COLUMN: THIS ISSUE OCCURS IF THE STEERING COLUMN GETS WARM BY ANY MEANS: PARK IN DIRECT SUN ON A HOT DAY, PARK IN SHADE ON A VERY HOT DAY, RUN THE HEATER ON HIGH FOR A WHILE, ETC. I TOOK THE CAR TO A DIFFERENT BMW DEALER ON A MODERATE DAY IN MARCH 2013 AND REPLICATED IT USING THE HEATER WHILE THEIR SERVICE FOREMAN DROVE IT; HE WAS ASTONISHED BY ITS PERVERSE HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS AND IMMEDIATELY MADE THE DIAGNOSIS: FAULTY STEERING COLUMN REQUIRING COMPLETE REPLACEMENT. BMW NORTH AMERICA HAS DECLINED TO COVER ANY OF THE COST TO RESOLVE THIS FACTORY DEFEC BECAUSE THE 4YR/50K MI WARRANTY IS EXPIRED. MY Z4 STILL HAS UNDER 40,000 MILES AND IT IS ABUNDANTLY CLEAR THAT THIS ISSUE IS NOT CAUSED BY "WEAR AND TEAR". *TR

Mileage: 17,000

MY 2004 BMW Z4 EXHIBITS SEVERE STEERING ISSUES WHEN DRIVEN DURING WARM (=> 75 DEGREES) TEMPERATURES. UNDER THESE CONDITIONS THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE CAN BECOME VERY UNPREDICTABLE TO DOWNRIGHT DANGEROUS. DURING THE SUMMER OF 2012 AND AS RECENTLY AS THIS WEEK I'VE EXPERIENCED INCIDENTS WHERE THE INABILITY TO EFFECTIVELY STEER THIS VEHICLE HAS LED TO SEVERAL 'CLOSE CALLS' WHICH NEARLY RESULTED IN A COLLISION WITH OTHER VEHICLE. WHILE THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE THAT PLAGUES HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF BMW Z4S PRODUCED IN THE EARLY TO MID 2000S, BMW HAS NEVER ISSUED A RECALL. IT ALSO APPEARS THE WHILE THE NHTSA HAS INVESTIGATED THIS PROBLEM THEY RULED THAT A 'SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED'. HOW CAN THIS BE?! HOW CAN A MANUFACTURER ASSUME NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR VEHICLES WITH A POTENTIALLY LIFE-THREATENING ISSUE? HAS THERE EVER BEEN A MORE APPLICABLE CASE FOR A RECALL?! FURTHER, HOW CAN THE NHTSA, AN ORGANIZATION THAT'S SUPPOSED TO BE 'DEDICATED TO ACHIEVING THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE IN MOTOR VEHICLE AND HIGHWAY SAFETY' PERMIT THIS TO HAPPEN? THIS VERY WELL-KNOWN DEFECT HAS RENDERED MY Z4 UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND I FEEL IT'S BMW'S RESPONSIBILITY TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM SO THAT IT NO LONGER EXISTS. I WOULD ALSO URGE THE NHTSA TO REEXAMINE THIS POTENTIALLY LIFE THREATENING ISSUE BASED ON THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES (AND DRIVERS) IF EFFECTS. *TR

Mileage: 29,500

LOSS OF ELECTRICAL ASSISTED STEERING/STEERING WHEEL VERY SLUGGISH. *TR

Mileage: 49,500

AT HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES THE STEERING STICKS. IT SOMETIMES IS JUST A DISTRACTION, WHEN IT IS AT IT'S WORSE I BELIEVE IT IS DANGEROUS, NOT SO MUCH ON WIDE OPEN ROADS, BUT VERY MUCH SO ON NARROW ROADS. WHEN IT IS AT IT'S WORSE THE CAR MAY DART AS MUCH AS TWO FEET. *TR

Mileage: 27,000

STEERING WHEEL / RESPONSE FEELS "STICKY AND NOTCHY" WHEN STEERING COLUMN IS HOT. HAVE TO FIGHT STEERING WHEEL WHEN TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEEDS. DOES NOT HAPPEN IN COOLER TEMPS. I HAVE READ THAT THIS IS AN INTERNAL BEARING ISSUE WITH THE STEERING COLUMN. DANGEROUS! *TR

Mileage: 66,450

BOUGHT USED 2004 BMW Z4 IN AUG 2012, STEERING SEEMED FINE, IT HAD 39K MILES ON IT. NOW AT 44K MILES THE STEERING HAS BECOME NOTCHY, WOBBLY FEELING AND THE CAR DARTS AROUND. HAD ALIGNMENT DONE IN JAN 2013 BUT STILL A PROBLEM. LOOKING AT THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS FILED ALREADY, I AM NOT ALONE. I WOULD BE HAPPY TO PAY OUT A SMALL AMOUNT TO FIX THIS BUT IT SEEMS TO BE A 3K-4K FIX FROM WHAT I'VE READ. BMW NEEDS TO RECALL OR ELSE COME UP WITH A FIX THAT DOESN'T INVOLVE REPLACING THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN. WHAT DO YOU SAY BMW? *TR

Mileage: 44,000

STICKY STEERING PROBLEM, THIS WAS REPLACED IN 2006 UNDER WARRANTY BY BMW, AT ABOUT 2000 MILES. NOW FEB,2013 I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE LESS THAN 12000 MILES ON VEHICLE. I FEEL THIS IS UNSAFE BECAUSE IT WILL CAUSE YOU TO JERK THE WHEEL THINK YOU NEED TO STEER HARD. *TR

Mileage: 2,000

THE STEERING WHEEL GETS STUCK WHILE DRIVING AND CAR DOESN'T STAY IN LANE INFACT NEEDS CONSTANT SIGNIFICANT ADJUSTMENTS TO KEEP IT FROM ACCIDENTALLY GETTING INTO ANOTHER LANE. THE ISSUE HAS OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES AND WAS AN INCONVENIENCE SO I DIDN'T PAY A LOT OF ATTENTION BUT IT'S MORE LIKE A SAFETY ISSUE NOW WITH CONTROLLING THE CAR BECOMING MORE AND MORE DIFFICULT ON FREEWAYS. NHTSA HAS IDENTIFIED THIS ISSUE PE10020 AS NOT SIGNIFICANT AND I SINCERELY HOPE THEY INVESTIGATE IT FURTHER AND TAKE SOME SERIOUS ACTION BEFORE IT CAUSES IRREPARABLE LOSS. BMW NEEDS TO OWN UP TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AS ITS NOT WEAR AND TEAR AND FIX THIS. *TR

Mileage: 76,000

THE STEERING WHEEL GETS STUCK WHILE DRIVING AND CAR DOESN'T STAY IN LANE INFACT NEEDS CONSTANT SIGNIFICANT ADJUSTMENTS TO KEEP IT FROM ACCIDENTALLY GETTING INTO ANOTHER LANE. THE ISSUE HAS OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES AND WAS AN INCONVENIENCE SO I DIDN'T PAY A LOT OF ATTENTION BUT IT'S MORE LIKE A SAFETY ISSUE NOW WITH CONTROLLING THE CAR BECOMING MORE AND MORE DIFFICULT ON FREEWAYS. NHTSA HAS IDENTIFIED THIS ISSUE PE10020 AS NOT SIGNIFICANT AND I SINCERELY HOPE THEY INVESTIGATE IT FURTHER AND TAKE SOME SERIOUS ACTION BEFORE IT CAUSES IRREPARABLE LOSS. BMW NEEDS TO OWN UP TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AS ITS NOT WEAR AND TEAR AND FIX THIS. *TR

Mileage: 76,000

WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING LIGHT COMES ON AND THE STEERING LOCKS IN PLACE. WHEN U TRY TO FORCE IT THE CAR STALLS OUT AND THE STEERING STAYS LOCKED .. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!!! *TR

Mileage: 78,000

FOR SOME TIME MY BMW Z4 2004 HAS BEEN HAVING A "NOTCHY" FEEL TO THE STEERING. TODAY IT CAME TO A HEAD AS THE STEERING COMPLETELY LOCKED ON ME. I WAS 2 BLOCKS FROM HOME AFTER JUST EXITING A MAIN HIGH WAY I DRIVE EVERY DAY TO AND FROM WORK. I AM SO LUCKY I WAS ALREADY OFF THE MAIN ROAD OR A MAJOR ACCIDENT WOULD HAVE HAPPEND. NO STEERING, COMPLETELY LOCKED. I HAVE DONE MANY INTERNET SEARCHES AND APARENTLY I'M ONE OF MANY THAT HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE. FIX THE ISSUE BMW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *TR

Mileage: 49,125

I RECENTLY BOUGHT THIS CAR AND THE DEALER TALKED ABOUT A STEERING ISSUE WITH THE Z4 MODELS WHERE THEY DON'T FEEL LIKE THE STEERING WILL CENTER. I DIDN'T HAVE A CHANCE TO PUT MILES ON THE CAR UNTIL TODAY WHERE I FOUND OUT WHAT HE WAS TALKING ABOUT AND HAD TIME TO RESEARCH IT. THIS IS A VERY WELL KNOWN ISSUE AND IT LOOKS LIKE YOU HAVE INVESTIGATED IT PREVIOUSLY BUT IT STILL IS A VERY REAL PROBLEM AND MAKES THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE. WHILE DRIVING AFTER THE CAR IS WARMED UP THE STEERING WILL FEEL AS THOUGH IT STICKS AS YOU TRY TO DRIVE A STRAIGHT LINE. AT AROUND 40+MPH THE CAR WILL PULL RIGHT OR LEFT WITH THE STEERING NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO ADJUST TO CENTER. YOU CAN HAVE THE CAR PULLING TO ONE SIDE, SAY TRAVELING AT 60MPH, IT WILL PULL YOU TO THE RIGHT AT A RATE OF 2 FEET FOR EVERY SECOND. YOU HAVE TO NUDGE THE STEERING WHEEL AS IT IS NOT FLUID (FEELS LIKE IT IS STUCK) BACK TO THE LEFT AND THEN IT WILL PULL LEFT AT THE SAME RATE. IT IS A BATTLE OF CONSTANT ADJUSTMENT TO FIGHT IN TRYING TO CENTER THE CAR. IF YOU HAVE TRAFFIC AROUND YOU IT COULD BE AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. I REQUEST THAT THIS ISSUE IS RE-OPENED AS A SAFETY RECALL. I HAVE REVIEWED THE INFORMATION YOU RECEIVED FROM BMW REGARDING STEERING WARRANTY CLAIMS AND WITH JUST OVER 12,000 BMW Z4'S PRODUCED AND NEARLY 10% (1,1XX) OF THEM HAVING A FILED CLAIM REGARDING STEERING ISSUES, ONE WOULD SEE THAT THIS IS A MAJOR FLAW. WARRANTY WORK IS NOT ALWAYS REQUESTED, THUS WHY THERE ARE STILL MORE ON THE STREET THAT NEED HIGH COST REPAIRS AND CAUSING UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS FOR THE DRIVER/PASSENGER AS WELL AS SURROUNDING VEHICLES. *TR

Mileage: 79,946

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO WIGGLE THE STEERING WHEEL BACK AND FORTH IN ORDER TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE STEERING POWER ASSIST FOR THE STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 31,000. UPDATED 12/11/12*LJ UPDATED 12/12/12

Mileage: 20,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO WIGGLE THE STEERING WHEEL BACK AND FORTH IN ORDER TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE STEERING POWER ASSIST FOR THE STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 31,000. UPDATED 12/11/12*LJ UPDATED 12/12/12

Mileage: 20,000

WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED THE STEERING BECAME STICKY AND MADE IT DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE CAR. MINOR STEERING ADJUSTMENTS ARE NEAR IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT JERKING THE CAR FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THIS CAR IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITH THIS CONDITION. *TR

Mileage: 59,990

I HAVE A 2004 Z4 THAT I PURCHASED LAST AUGUST USED. I RARELY DROVE THE CAR AND KEPT IT MAINLY FOR LEISURE UNTIL THIS PAST JULY. THIS JULY, ON THE DRIVE FROM WARNER ROBINS, GA TO HILTON HEAD, SC, I NOTICED THE STEERING WOULD STICK AND I HAD TO USE FORCE TO GET IT BACK ALIGNED WITH THE ROAD. SINCE THAT TIME EACH DAY WHEN I LEAVE WORK AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN PARKED ALL DAY IN THE HEAT IT DOES THE SAME THING. ITS ALMOST AS IF THE CAR IS TRACKING. NORMALLY MY SPEED DOES NOT EXCEED 40 MPH. I HAVE HAD THE TIRES CHECKED, THEY ARE NEW RUN FLAT TIRES, NO PROBLEM, I HAVE HAD IT ALIGNED AND I AM STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH STEERING WHEN TEMPERATURES EXCEED 85 DEGREES. IT DOES NOT DO THIS IN THE MORNING WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS BELOW 80. IT IS SOMETIMES SO HARD TO STEER THAT IT CREATES A HAZARD AS I HAVE TO FIGHT TO CORRECT AND THAN IT PULLS RADICALLY TO THE RIGHT TO OVERCORRECT. THIS HAS AT TIMES PUT ME IN A VERY HAZARDOUS AND DANGEROUS CONDITION WITH TRAFFIC. *TR

Mileage: 39,000

I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW. IT CURRENTLY HAS ONLY 39K MILES ON IT RIGHT NOW (2012) SO ONE CAN EASILY SEE THAT I DRIVE THE CAR ONLY FOR LEISURE/PLEASURE. I LIVE IN UPSTATE NY SO CAN ONLY DRIVE THE CAR SEASONALLY. I INITIALLY THOUGHT THE STICKING/NOTCHING WAS DUE TO THE POOR RUN-FLAT TIRES (WHICH ALWAYS SEEMED TO SET OFF THE DASHBOARD SENSOR THAT THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH AIR IN THEM AND THEN PERHAPS AN ALIGNMENT ISSUE. THIS IS MY FIRST BMW, SO I THOUGHT THAT IT MIGHT BE ATTRIBUTED TO BEING MORE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL (EVEN AT LOWER SPEEDS LIKE 35-40MPH) BECAUSE IT WAS A PERFORMANCE CAR. I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER BUT THEY CLAIMED THEY HAD "NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A PROBLEM," AND IT "WASN'T HAPPENING" FOR THEM. SO YET ANOTHER YEAR WOULD PASS AND THE CAR WOULD BE STORED FOR THE WINTER. WITH SUCH LIMITED TIME TO DRIVE THE CAR, I OVERLOOKED THE "NOTCHING" OF THE STEERING.... UNTIL THIS YEAR WHEN THERE WERE NO MORE POSSIBLE EXCUSES! I REPLACED ALL 4 RUN FLAT TIRES WITH ALL-SEASON RADIALS, HAD THE CAR COMPLETELY ALIGNED, CONVINCED THAT THIS WOULD SOLVE MY PROBLEM. I WAS VERY WRONG! I WAS AND AM SHOCKED THAT BMW WOULD ALLOW 14+ PAGES OF COMPLAINTS DATING BACK TO 2005 WITHOUT DOING A RECALL ON THIS MATTER!! DOES A LIFE OR LIVES HAVE TO BE DESTROYED DUE TO SOMETHING CATASTROPHIC HAPPENING WITH THE STEERING BEFORE BMW TAKES ACTION? THIS IS THE SUPPOSED "ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE" THAT I DREAMED OF HAVING FOR DECADES. I'M OUTRAGED TO LEARN THAT THE PRESTIGIOUS BMW COMPANY DOES NOT SEEM TO CARE MUCH ABOUT ITS CUSTOMERS SAFETY AND WELL BEING. I WOULD LIKE TO BE CONTACTED BY NHTSA AS WELL AS BMW AND WILL CONTINUE TO PURSUE THIS MATTER UNTIL I AND ALL OF US THAT ARE EXPERIENCING THESE PROBLEMS ARE GIVEN THE RECALL AND RESOLUTION TO THE MECHANICAL PROBLEM THAT WE DESERVE. *TR

Mileage: 3,700

EVER SINCE I BOUGHT MY 04 BMW Z4 AT 42,000 MILES THE STEERING I NOTCHY, AND STICKY TOOK BACK TO DEALER AND THEY DONT ADMIT THERE IS A PROBLEM. HAVE LOOKED UP ON INTERNET AND IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON WELL KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. *TR

Mileage: 42,000

AS I BACKED OUT OF PARKING SPACE, POWER ASSISTED STEERING FAILED. I MANAGED TO DRIVE VEHICLE WITH MUCH INCREASED STEERING EFFORT. IT IS DOUBTFUL THAT MY WIFE COULD HAVE MANAGED TO DRIVE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER WHERE THE STEERING COLUMN IS BEING REPLACED. *TR

Mileage: 62,375

STEERING STICKS IN THE AFTERNOON, WHEN OUTSIDE IS HOT AROUND 90F. I NOTICED THIS CONDITION THIS SUMMER WHEN DROVE THE CAR AFTER WORK. THE CAR HAD ABOUT 38000MI. ON IT. THE STEERING WHEEL LITERATELY FEELS STUCK IN A POSITION AND TAKES ABNORMAL AMOUNT OF EFFORT TO TURN/CHANGE DIRECTION THEN IT'S LIKE IT JUST SUDDENLY RELEASES AND CAUSES YOU TO OVER-STEER THE CAR IT FEELS UNSAFE DRIVING ESPECIALLY IN TRAFFIC OR DRIVING CLOSE TO A HWY BARRIER/CONSTRUCTION ZONE ETC.. I HAD TO FORCE TO CHANGE DIRECTION AND THE CAR WOULD DART DUE TO HAVING TO OVERCOMPENSATE FOR THE STUCK CONDITION. I KNOW THERE IS PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING, BUT NOT SURE WHAT PARTICULAR CAUSING THE PROBLEM, MY BEST GUESS IS THE EPS SYSTEM. I HAVE BEEN READING THE FORUMS AND BLOGS AND THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH 2003-2005 BMW Z4'S SO I AM ADDING MINE TO THE LIST. SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY (SAFETY! SAFETY!) ISSUE, I BELIEVE/WISH BMW SHOULD STEP UP AND RECALL OR TAKE CARE OF THIS APPARENT DESIGN FLAW WITHIN THE STEERING SYSTEM. THESE CARS BECOME UNSAFE TO DRIVE WHEN THIS CONDITION ARISES. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 36,000

STEERING STICKS WHEN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES ARE HOT 90DEG+. I NOTICED THIS CONDITION LAST YEAR IN THE SUMMER MONTHS EVERY TIME I DROVE THE CAR IN THE HEAT (N. TEXAS SUMMER) THE CAR HAD ABOUT 39000MI. ON IT. THE STEERING WHEEL LITERATELY FEELS STUCK IN A POSITION AND TAKES ABNORMAL AMOUNT OF EFFORT TO TURN/CHANGE DIRECTION THEN IT'S LIKE IT JUST SUDDENLY RELEASES AND CAUSES YOU TO OVER-STEER THE CAR IT FEELS UNSAFE DRIVING ESPECIALLY IN TRAFFIC OR DRIVING CLOSE TO A HWY BARRIER/CONSTRUCTION ZONE ETC.. MY WIFE STARTED DRIVING THE CAR TODAY AND SAID THE STEERING FELT LIKE IT WAS STICKING, AND THAT SHE HAD TO USE CONSIDERABLE FORCE TO CHANGE DIRECTION AND THE CAR WOULD DART DUE TO HAVING TO OVERCOMPENSATE FOR THE STUCK CONDITION, SHE SAID IT SCARED HER. BEST DESCRIPTION I CAN GIVE IS TO COMPARE THE STEERING TO AN ELECTRICAL SWITCH E.G. (FAN BLOWER SWITCH) THAT HAS A DETENTE OR CLICK BETWEEN THE SPEEDS AND HOW IT TAKES ADDITIONAL EFFORT TO CHANGE FROM ONE SPEED TO ANOTHER. I HAVE BEEN READING THE FORUMS AND BLOGS AND THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH 2003-2005 BMW Z4'S SO I AM ADDING MINE TO THE LIST. SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE I BELIEVE BMW SHOULD STEP UP AND RECALL OR TAKE CARE OF THIS APPARENT DESIGN FLAW WITHIN THE STEERING SYSTEM. THESE CARS BECOME UNSAFE TO DRIVE WHEN THIS CONDITION ARISES. *TR

Mileage: 52,185

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL DID NOT AUTOMATICALLY RETURN TO THE STRAIGHT POSITION AFTER COMPLETING TURNS. THE CONTACT HAD TO MANUALLY TURN THE STEERING WHEEL STRAIGHT AFTER TURNING AT ALL SPEEDS. THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED WHEN THE WEATHER CONDITIONS PRODUCED TEMPERATURES OF AT LEAST SEVENTY FIVE DEGREES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

Mileage: 10,000

THE STEERING WHEEL STUCK IN ONE POSITION AND NEEDED UNUSUAL EFFORT TO CONTINUE TO STEER THE CAR IN THE PROPER DIRECTION. THIS STEERING PROBLEM OCCURS WHEN THE WEATHER IS WARM AND SUNNY AND THE CAR IS PARKED OUTSIDE. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS CONDITION IS PECULIAR TO BMW Z4'S MANUFACTURED AND SOLD BETWEEN 2003 AND 2005. OBVIOUSLY BMW RECTIFIED THE PROBLEM ON THE 2006 MODELS. THE STEERING IS ELECTRIC STEERING. MY PROBLEM IS SERIOUS,I WILL NOT ALLOW MY WIFE TO DRIVE THIS CAR. SUMMER IS UPON US AND PROBLEM WILL AGAIN MANIFEST ITSELF BECAUSE OF SUMMER TEMPS. BMW KNOWS OF THIS MALFUNCTION BUT STONE WALLS EFFORTS TO GET THIS DANGEROUS CONDITION CORRECTED. THANK YOU *TR

Mileage: 20,000

STEERING SEEMS TO LOCK IN A POSITION. TAKES EFFORT TO MOVE WHEEL TO A NEUTRAL POSITION. HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN WARMED. DOES NOT OCCUR WHEN FIRST DRIVEN. *TR

Mileage: 24,000

THE STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT SELF CENTER PROPERLY. YOU HAVE TO APPLY TURNING PRESSURE TO THE WHEEL AND WHEN THE PRESSURE OVERCOMES THE STICKINESS THE WHEEL TURNS BUT NOT SMOOTHLY. THEN YOU HAVE TO DO THE SAME THING THE OTHER DIRECTION. SO IF YOU ARE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE IN A STRAIGHT LINE YOU ARE FORCED TO CONSTANTLY CORRECT BECAUSE THE PREVIOUS STICKINESS CAUSE YOU TO OVER CORRECT. THE INTERNET IS FULL OF COMPLAINTS, SOME ARE EVEN AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR. MINE IS NOT YET THAT SEVERE BUT I FEAR THAT AT ANY TIME IT MAY STICK HARDER AND. OR CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE ADVISE ME WHAT IS BEING DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND THE TIME FRAME. I DO NOT WANT TO GET KILLED FIRST. *TR

Mileage: 87,000

THE CAR STEERING "STICKS" AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT BECOMES A PAIN FOR KEEPING THE CAR IN THE LANE. IT IS AS IF THE POWER STEERING FOR FINE ADJUSTMENT TURNING QUIT WORKING. THE CAR MAY BE TRACKING STRAIGHT, ALL IS FINE UNTIL A SLIGHT DRIFT RIGHT OR LEFT. TO ADJUST THE CAR TAKES CONSIDERABLE EFFORT MAKING FINE STEERING NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE. WHEN ALERT AND NO OTHER CARS ON THE ROAD, NOT A PROBLEM. WITH MODERATELY HEAVY BELTWAY TRAFFIC MOVING AT HIGH SPEED AND MUST STAY IN LANE, IT CAN GET FRIGHTENING. THE PROBLEM IS WORSE WHEN IT IS WARM OUT, BUT APPEARS INTERMITTENT. WHEN SEVERE, IT IS HIGHLY DANGEROUS. IT REQUIRES A LOT OF CONCENTRATION, ANY LAPSE IN CONCENTRATION COULD BE DISASTROUS. THERE IS NO INDICATION OF A PROBLEM FROM THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATION LIGHT. I HAD A 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT, BALANCING AND TIRE ROTATION PERFORMED AT 105,000 MILES. THE CAR SEEMED TO RUN TRUE THEN, BUT IT MAY HAVE FIRST HAPPENED AS EARLY AS 112,000 MILES, BUT BARELY NOTICEABLE. IT HAS BECOME PRONOUNCED ENOUGH AT 115,000 MILES TO MAKE A COMPLAINT. I CHECKED THE WEBSITES AND FOUND MANY OTHER OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE AND NOTHING ANYONE CAN FIND ANYTHING WRONG TO FIX IT. REALIGNMENTS DON'T FIX THE PROBLEM. ULTIMATELY, EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE REPAIR SUGGESTIONS LIKE "REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN FOR $3000" ARE MADE. THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. TO BE HONEST, IT FEELS MORE LIKE AN ISSUE WITH THE POWER STEERING FINE STEERING ABILITY TO ME AND SHOULDN'T REQUIRE REPLACEMENT OF ALL STEERING LINKAGE COMPONENTS. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND BMW SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL TO FIX ALL CARS WITH THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 115,000

THE STEERING WHEEL SOMETIMES STICKS WHILE DRIVING. I NEED TO USE MORE FORCE THAN NORMAL TO TURN THE WHEEL, AND WHEN IT DOES TURN IT OFTEN OVERSHOOTS CAUSING THE CAR TO SWERVE FROM MY INTENDED DIRECTION. MANY OTHERS ARE EXPERIENCING THIS SAME PROBLEM WITH THE BMW Z4'S FROM 2003-2005. THIS STICKY STEARING COULD LEAD TO A MAJOR ACCIDENT. *TT

Mileage: 35,000

AFTER THE CAR HAD SET OUT IN THE SUN ON A HOT DAY, STEERING WAS VERY STIFF. I COULD NOT STEER FLUIDLY. IF I TRIED TO SLIGHTLY ADJUST THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT, THE WHEEL WOULD NOT MOVE. I WOULD APPLY MORE AND MORE PRESSURE UNTIL IT WOULD FINALLY MOVE. BUT SINCE I WAS APPLYING SO MUCH FORCE IT WOULD JUMP PASSED THE DESIRED POINT. THIS WOULD CAUSE ME TO HAVE TO CORRECT TO THE LEFT WHERE THE CYCLE BEGINS AGAIN. KEEPING THE CAR IN THE LANE IS NOW VERY DIFFICULT. *TR

Mileage: 16,000

STEERING BINDING WHEN MOVING STEERING TO LEFT OR RIGHT FROM THE CENTER POSITION

Mileage: 9,017

STEERING HAS A "NOTCHED" OR "STICKY" FEEL TO IT WHEN TRAVELING ON HIGHWAYS AT SPEEDS AROUND 50MPH AND HIGHER. WHEN THE NEED TO TURN ARISES AND THE STEERING WHEEL "STICKS" IN THE 'NOTCH", IT REQUIRES EXTRA EFFORT TO GET THE WHEEL OUT OF THE NOTCH, CAUSING "OVER STEER" WITH DIFFICULT RECOVERY. I WON'T LET MY WIFE DRIVE THE Z-4 AS I FEEL THIS IS A DANGEROUS CHARACTERISTIC THAT COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. MY DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE SITUATION BUT WAS "UNABLE TO DUPLICATE" THE FAULT; (PRIOR TO MY WARRANTY RUNNING OUT). ON THE FOLLOWING SERVICE, WITH MY RENEWED COMPLAINT, THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO DUPLICATE AND IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. MY BMW WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED, BUT I HAD PURCHASED AN "EXTENDED WARRANTY", HOWEVER THE "STEERING" PROBLEM WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE NEW WARRANTY. THE COST FOR REPAIR WAS IN EXCESS OF $3000.00! I HAVE PARKED THE CAR EXCEPT FOR LOCAL SLOW SPEED, COOL DAY RIDES. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE NHTSA HAS LOOKED INTO THE PROBLEM. I HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING FROM MY BMW DEALER YET. ??? A COMPUTERIZED "BRAKE SENSOR" LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR MANY YEARS AND HAS BEEN UNABLE TO BE REMEDIED. THE DEALER CHECKED THE BRAKES AND THEY ARE FINE, JUST CAN'T GET THE "SENSOR LIGHT" TO STAY OUT. *TR

Mileage: 10,700

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD CONTINUALLY OVER STEER AND WOULD BECOME STUCK IN POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 94,000, AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000.

Mileage: 46,000

THE Z4 HAS AN POWER STEERING PROBLEM THAT SEEMS TO HAVE ISSUES AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND TEMPERATURES WHERE THERE SEEMS TO BE A LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHERE THERE IS A SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I FEEL EXTREMELY UNSAFE DRIVING THE CAR AND DON'T FEEL LIKE I HAVE CONTROL OF THE STEERING AND HAVE A LOT OF TROUBLE KEEPING THE CAR IN THE LANE. SOMETIMES THE STEERING FEELS LIKE IT IS STUCK. I THINK THAT THE CAR IS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AND I AM NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR SINCE I AM A WOMAN AND MAY NOT HAVE THE PROPER UPPER BODY STRENGTH TO CONTROL THE CAR! *TR

BROUGHT MY CAR OUT OF STORAGE FOR THE YEAR. WHILE DRIVING IT WOULD PULL BOTH TO THE RIGHT AND TO THE LEFT DEPENDING ON LANE CHOICE. STEERING WHEEL FEELS LIKE IT IS CLICKING FROM ONE POSITION TO ANOTHER. CONSTANT STEERING INPUT REQUIRED TO KEEP IT IN A STRAIGHT LINE. ALIGNMENT IS FINE, TIRES ARE PROPERLY INFLATED AND BALANCED. IT'S LIKE THE STEERING WHEEL IS SLIPPING FROM ONE POSITION TO ANOTHER WITHOUT MOVING IT. *TR

Mileage: 66,000

ON FIRST HOT DAY OF THE YEAR (85 DEGREES F), THE CAR WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT FELT LIKE THE STEERING WHEEL WAS "STICKING". IT TOOK EXTRA EFFORT TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL, CAUSING THE CAR TO TURN MORE THAN DESIRED. I FEEL THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. *KB

Mileage: 32,000

AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE (A 2004 BMW Z4 WITH ONLY 34500 MILES) ON THE WAY HOME I NOTICED A "STICKING" IN THE STEERING WHEEL AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (APPROXIMATELY 1ST WEEK OF FEBRUARY 2012). WHICH OF COURSE WAS VERY DISAPPOINTING BEING THAT I HAD ONLY OWNED THE CAR FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES. BUT CONSIDERING THE MILEAGE AND AGE OF THE CAR I HOPED IT WAS BECAUSE THE CAR HAD BEEN SITTING FOR SOMETIME. I WAS WRONG IT IS BECOMING MORE AND MORE OF A PROBLEM. AFTER VERY LITTLE RESEARCH I'VE FOUND THAT THIS IS APPARENTLY A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS. APPARENTLY IT IS DUE TO EXPANSION OF A GEAR IN THE STEERING COLUMN DUE TO HEAT. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED. I FELT I HAD FOUND A GOOD CAR CONSIDERING THE VERY LOW MILEAGE. I'VE FOUND THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD TO HAVE THEIR STEERING COLUMNS REPLACED AT A COST OF OVER 3000 DOLLARS! THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE ON A CAR WITH ONLY 35,000 MILES ON IT! THIS IS DEFINITELY DANGEROUS! FOR THE STEERING WHEEL TO "STICK" AND REQUIRE SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED EFFORT TO TURN IS A SERIOUS DANGER! THE DANGER OF OVER CORRECTION IS UNDENIABLE. AFTER A RECENT SHORT TRIP DOWN THE HIGHWAY MY FOREARMS WERE VERY FATIGUED AFTER TRYING TO KEEP THIS CAR ON COURSE FOR JUST A FEW MILES.I JUST WONDER HOW MANY WRECKS HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THIS DEFECT. I FIND IT VERY HARD TO BELIEVE THAT A COMPANY OF BMW'S STATURE WOULD NOT BE DOING EVERYTHING WITHIN ITS POWER TO CORRECT THIS DANGEROUS DEFECT IMMEDIATELY. I GUESS SOMEONE WILL HAVE TO GET HURT FIRST. INSTEAD OF BEING PROACTIVE AND PREVENTING SUCH A DISASTER. OR MAYBE THEY'RE JUST MAKING TOO MUCH MONEY SELLING NEW STEERING COLUMNS TO PEOPLE WHO ARE UNAWARE OF THE DEFECT. SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE! *TR

Mileage: 34,500

I HAVE THE "Z4 STICKY STEERING" PROBLEM WHICH IS WIDELY DOCUMENTED ON THE INTERNET. STEERING IS OK WHEN COLD OR AT LOW SPEEDS AND OCCURS ONLY WHEN TEMPERATURE IS OVER 75 DEGREES F AND AT SPEEDS OVER 45 MPH. THE STEERING WHEEL FIRMLY RESISTS TURNING (STICKS) AND, WHEN ENOUGH FORCE IS APPLIED, FINALLY RELEASES AND TURNS UNTIL ANOTHER STICKY ZONE CREATES RESISTANCE. THIS MAKES SLIGHT STEERING CORRECTIONS IMPOSSIBLE AND RESULTS IN A ZIG ZAG RATHER THAT STRAIGHT LINE PATH DOWN THE ROAD. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THE EFFORT LEVEL IS MUCH TOO HIGH FOR DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND COMPROMISES THE ABILITY TO PREDICTABLY CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE EFFORT LEVEL TO OVERCOME THE STICKINESS IN THE STEERING WHEEL ROTATION IS COMPARABLE TO THAT REQUIRED FOR PARALLEL PARKING OF AN OLD NON POWER STEERING VEHICLE. MY WIFE IS AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE HAD OTHER CARS RECALLED FOR MUCH LESS SIGNIFICANT ISSUES THAN THIS. *TR

Mileage: 21,700

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SWAY FROM RIGHT TO LEFT WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO REMAIN DRIVING IN THE SAME LANE OR IN A STRAIGHT LINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 84,000.

Mileage: 84,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,000.

Mileage: 15,000

EXCESSIVE FORCE IS NEEDED TO TURN WHEEL SAFELY AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED. WITH POOR ROAD CONDITIONS, THIS EFFECT IS SEVERELY EXAGGERATED!!! STEERING BINDS UP WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MAKE SMALL CORRECTIONS RESULTING IN OVERCORRECTIONS IN EITHER DIRECTION CAUSING A SAFETY HAZARD TO BOTH ME AND OTHER VEHICLES IF I WERE TO CROSS LANES DUE TO OVERCORRECTION SITUATION. *TR

Mileage: 38,700

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL BECOME STIFF. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD PULL TO THE RIGHT AND THE VEHICLE WOULD VEER TOWARD THE RIGHT AS WELL. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURED WAS CONTACTED VIA POSTAL MAIL BUT THE CONTACT HAD NOT RECEIVED A CONFIRMATION NOTICE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 53,000.

Mileage: 51,000

VEHICLE BOUGHT JULY 2011 WITH 40000 MILES. IN DECEMBER, 2011 ON THE RETURN TRIP (200 MILES EACH WAY), AFTER A 5 HR LAYOVER, THE STEERING ON THE CAR STARTED TO STICK IN THE STRAIGHT AHEAD POSITION. WHEN THE CAR DRIFTED TO THE LEFT AND STEERING NEEDED TO BE CORRECTED TO THE RIGHT, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT MOVE UNTIL A LOT OF FORCE WAS APPLIED AND THEN THE CAR WOULD OVER CORRECT TO THE RIGHT, SOME TIMES GOING ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. IT DID NOT SEEM TO BE AS PREVALENT WHEN CORRECTIONS TO THE LEFT WERE NEEDED. SINCE THEN IT HAS OCCURRED ON AT LEAST TWO OTHER OCCASIONS, ALWAYS ON EXPRESSWAYS AND AT SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 50 MPH. AND WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS ABOVE 70 DEGREES F. *KB

Mileage: 42,000

THE STEERING BINDS AT ALMOST ANY SPEED. I NOTICED IT WHEN DRIVING STRAIGHT FORWARD. WHEN A CORRECTION IN DIRECTION IS MADE THE WHEEL BINDS UNTIL GREATER PRESSURE IS APPLIED. IT SEEMS THE PROBLEM IS REQUIRING EVEN MORE PRESSURE FOR THE CORRECTION. I CALLED BMWNA AND THEY TOLD ME THEY HAVE HEARD NOTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I AM IN FEAR FOR MY SAFETY AS WELL AS OTHERS AROUND BMW'S Z-4 2004. *TR

Mileage: 32,000

THE STEERING BECOMES STUCK. UNDER HIGHWAY DRIVING CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE ERRATIC CONTROL AND ULTIMATELY AN ACCIDENT. THE STEERING SEEMS TO BIND AND NEEDS GREATER PRESSURE TO FREE THE STEERING ITSELF. *TR

Mileage: 32,750

I JUST RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2004 BMW Z4. I NOTICED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THAT THE STEERING IS MALFUNCTIONING. WHILE TRAVELING IN A STRAIGHT PATH, THE STEERING GETS "STUCK" AND YOU NEED TO JERK THE STEERING WHEEL TO MAKE A TURN TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT, OR EVEN TO CHANGE LANES. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS ACTION AND COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I HAVE NOTIFIED BMW NORTH AMERICA AND INDY WHOLESALE DIRECT, THE DEALER THAT I PURCHASED THIS CAR FROM. NEITHER ONE SEEMS TO WANT TO HELP IN THIS SITUATION AND BOTH HAVE IGNORED MY COMPLAINTS. THIS IS THE SECOND COMPLAINT I HAVE FILED WITH THE NHTSA. I DID NOT GET A RESPONSE FROM MY ORIGINAL COMPLAINT A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO. *TR

Mileage: 55,300

DRIVING ON A 70 DEGREE FALL DAY ON INTERSTATE 70, NEAR ST. LOUIS, THE STEERING BECAME LOCKED IN A CENTER POSITION. I WAS TRAVELING AROUND 65 TO 70 MPH WHEN THIS OCCURRED. I HAD TO JERK THE STEERING WHEEL TO GET IT OFF CENTER TO MAKE A TURN. THIS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES BEFORE I GOT TO MY DESTINATION. JERKING A STEERING WHEEL AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED ON A CROWDED HIGHWAY IS A HARROWING EXPERIENCE AND, TO SAY THE LEAST, VERY UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS. I JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR AND I AM TRULY NERVOUS ABOUT DRIVING THIS VEHICLE OR LETTING MY WIFE DRIVE THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER AND AM WAITING TO HEAR BACK. *TR

Mileage: 55,300

POWER STEERING STICKS ON HOT DAYS TYPICALLY ABOVE 80 DEGREES. PROBLEM USUALLY OCCURS ON THE HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS ABOVE 50 MPH BUT HAS HAPPENED AT LOWER SPEEDS AS WELL. IT TAKES EXCESSIVE FORCE TO RELEASE THE STICKING WHICH RESULTS IN OVERCORRECTION. THIS HAS CREATED A DANGEROUS SITUATION ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT ISSUE IN 2004 Z4'S. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY BMW HASN'T VOLUNTARILY HAD A RECALL OR WHY NHTSA HASN'T DEMANDED ONE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION IDENTIFIED BY MANY Z4 OWNERS. *TR

Mileage: 19,400

WHEN I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK TODAY MY CAR EXPERIENCED A POWER STEERING ISSUE WHERE THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD "FREEZE" OR "STICK" IN ONE PLACE. I HAD TO EXERT A LOT OF FORCE ON THE WHEEL TO GET THE STEERING WHEEL TO MOVE BUT WHEN IT "BROKE FREE" IT TURNED A LOT WITH THE HELP OF THE POWER STEERING PUMP BECAUSE I WAS PUTTING SO MUCH FORCE ON THE WHEEL TO GET IT TO MOVE. I HAD A HARD TIME KEEPING THE CAR IN MY LANE. THE POWER STEERING WAS DOING THIS THE ENTIRE DRIVE HOME OF 20 MILES. THE CAR WAS VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE FIXED SINCE IT IS A HAZARD. IF THE POWER STEERING WAS JUST NOT WORKING AT ALL, IT WOULD BE OKAY BECAUSE THEN AT LEAST THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD BE HARD TO MOVE ALL OF THE TIME SO I COULD CONTROL HOW MUCH I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL ACCURATELY. SINCE THE POWER STEERING WORKS "INTERMITTENTLY" BUT ONLY AFTER I APPLY A LOT OF FORCE ON THE WHEEL TO GET THE WHEEL TO BREAK FREE, THE CAR VEERS VIOLENTLY WHEN THE POWER STEERING ACTUALLY DOES WORK. THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON PER THE WEBSITE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. THIS FAILURE IS REPORTED TO THE NHTSA ON CARS RANGING FROM 15,000 MILES UP TO OVER 100,000 MILES. THE PROBLEM FROM WHAT I WAS READING, IS MORE EVIDENT IN COLD OR HOT TEMPERATURES. IT WAS 102F OUTSIDE TODAY IN PHOENIX ON MY DRIVE HOME. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG SEAT SENSOR WAS FLASHING ON AND OFF WHEN THERE WAS A PASSENGER. THE AIR BAG MALFUNCTION LIGHT TURNED ON AFTER THIS. I DO NOT KNOW IF THE AIRBAG WILL INFLATE IF THERE IS A PASSENGER IN THE CAR OR NOT. BMW STATES MY CAR IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL ACCORDING TO THE VIN BUT THE CAR FITS THE MODEL, MAKE, AND YEAR OF THE PRESENT RECALL. HOW CAN MY CAR HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS AS THE RECALL DESCRIBES, BE THE SAME MAKE/MODEL/YEAR, BUT NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE RECALL? THANKS FOR YOUR TIME! [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *KB

Mileage: 91,500

ON HOT DAYS THE STEERING WILL CATCH AND REQUIRE UNUSUALLY HIGHER FORCE TO STEER RIGHT OR LEFT. LATER AT NIGHT WHEN THE CAR IS COOLER THE STEERING WILL BE NORMAL. *TR

UPON STARTING UP THE BMW Z4 THERE WAS NOTICEABLE PLAY IN THE STEERING. THE PLAY IN THE STEERING IS ENOUGH TO SO THAT WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IT IS AT LEAST 4 INCHES FROM ENGAGEMENT RIGHT TO ENGAGEMENT LEFT. IN ADDITION, ONCE THERE IS ENGAGEMENT IT ENGAGES WITH WHAT MAY BE DESCRIBED AS A STICKY SPOT AFTER WHICH IT IS NECESSARY TO KEEP TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL OR THE STEERING AGAIN DISENGAGES AND THERE IS THE 4 INCHES OF PLAY BEFORE IT RE-ENGAGES. WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY IT IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE WHEN STEERING STRAIGHT AHEAD THE STEERING HAS THE 4 INCHES OF PLAY MAKING THE CAR WEAVE TO THE RIGHT OR TO THE LEFT AND WHEN CORRECTING THIS WEAVE THE STEERING JERKS THROUGH THE STICKY SPOT AT THE BEGINNING OF STEERING ENGAGEMENT AND BY THE TIME THE WHEEL IS TURNED JUST ENOUGH TO STAY ON THE ROAD IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION THE PLAY MAKES THE CAR VEER IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. IN ORDER TO DRIVE THIS CAR ON A NICE HIGHWAY IT IS NECESSARY TO CONSTANTLY RAPIDLY MOVER THE STEERING WHEEL BACK AND FORTH THROUGH THE FOUR INCHES OF PLAY OR THE CAR WOULD GO INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC OR OFF THE ROAD. I WOULD FEEL SAFER IF I KNEW IT WOULD GO OFF THE ROAD BUT THE PROBLEM IS PLAY IN THE MIDDLE AND IT COULD GO EITHER INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC OR OFF THE ROAD. IT IS QUITE DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. WE ASKED THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT IT AND WERE TOLD THIS WAS A $3000 PLUS REPAIR. I DO NOT THINK THAT THIS MANUFACTURES DEFECT SHOULD BE A CHARGEABLE REPAIR. I GUESS WE WILL JUST NEED TO WAIT FOR A CRASH OR A RECALL. *TR

Mileage: 46,000

THE STEERING STICKS WHILE DRIVING. VERY SCARY SO I DON'T DRIVE THE CAR FOR MORE THAN 4 OR 5 MILE TRIPS. WON'T TAKE IT ON A HIGHWAY ANYMORE, SINCE I HAVE NO CONFIDENCE IN THE STEERING. I WAS TOLD THAT THE TIRES HAD BROKEN BANDS AND THAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN WHAT I WAS FEELING, SO I REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. I WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO AFFORD TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN AND WHATEVER ELSE MIGHT BE NECESSARY. THE TIRES WERE A HUGE EXPENSE. I CAN'T VERY WELL SELL THE CAR, SINCE I DON'T FEEL IT IS SAFE. PLEASE HELP. TOO MANY PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME COMPLAINT, FOR THIS TO BE EXPECTED AND ACCEPTABLE.

Mileage: 29,000

2004 BMW Z4 3.0. STEERING GETS VERY LOOSE AND ONE CAN NOT STEER THE CAR ACCURATELY AT TIMES. VERY SCARY WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND ONE LOSES ALL CONFIDENCE N THE CAR. *TT

Mileage: 6,000

MY 2004 BMW Z4 3.0I HAS DIFFICULTY WITH STEERING WHEN THE TEMPERATURES EXCEED 95 DEGREES. THE CAR STEERING IS "STICKY" FOR LACK OF A BETTER DESCRIPTION. IT IS SCARY TO DRIVE HOME FROM WORK AFTER IT HAS BEEN SITTING IN THE SUN. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ, THIS IS A FAILURE OF THE STEERING COLUMN. *TR

Mileage: 27,000

STEERING IS STICKY NOT ALLOWING STEERING WHEEL TO RETURN TO CENTER. TAKES CONSTANT PRESSURE TO STEER AND KEEP CENTERED. VERY DIFFICULT TO KEEP IN CENTER OF LANE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.

Mileage: 33,900

WRITES: I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. 2004 BMW Z4 WITH 23,500 MILES! DEALER IWILL REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN FOR A COST OF $3,700! WHERE CAN I FIND HELP IN FIXING THIS PROBLEM BEING A SENIOR CITIZEN ON LIMITED INCOME THE $3,700 REPAIR BILL IS A PROBLEM IS THERE A NUMBER TO CALL BMW TO ISSUE A COMPLAINT THANKS 2004 BMW Z4 ROADSTER VIN THE PROBLEM OCCURS WHEN THE OUTSIDE TEMP GET INTO THE 90'S. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *TT

Mileage: 23,500

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED WAS DRIVING 25 MPH WHEN THE STEERING COLUMN BEGAN STICKING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,500. UPDATED 8/30/11 *CN UPDATED 09/27/11

Mileage: 12,500

AFTER THE CAR SITS OUTSIDE ON A HOT DAY WHEN DRIVING HOME ON THE HIGHWAY BETWEEN 55-60, THE STEERING PULLS TO EITHER THE RIGHT OR LEFT AND FEELS LIKE IT ISN'T GOING TO UNSTICK. IT TAKES A LOT OF EFFORT TO CORRECT THE PULL. IT IS VERY SCARY AND DEFINITELY FEELS LIKE SOMETHING IS TERRIBLY WRONG WITH THE STEERING. THREE DIFFERENT DAYS AFTER SITTING IN THE PARKING LOT IT DID THIS WHEN I WAS DRIVING HOME. NEVER DOES IT WHILE DRIVING TO WORK IN THE MORNING FROM THE GARAGE AND HAS NEVER DONE IT WHILE DRIVING IN THE EVENING OR AT NIGHT. WE JUST BOUGHT THE CAR FROM A DIFFERENT OWNER AND OF COURSE SHE DID NOT MENTION ANY PROBLEMS. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT TO WORK NOW BECAUSE IT FEELS LIKE IT WILL GET PERMANENTLY LOCKED UP AND I'LL END UP IN THE DITCH. *TR

Mileage: 56,000

NORMAL DRIVNG. CLUNKING SOUND IN 2004 BMW Z4 STEERING COLUMN. 11500 MILES. NOTHING DONE TO DATE. *KB

Mileage: 11,000

NORMAL DRIVNG. CLUNKING SOUND IN 2004 BMW Z4 STEERING COLUMN. 11500 MILES. NOTHING DONE TO DATE. *KB

Mileage: 11,000

LACK OF STEERING CONTROL. *KB

BMW Z4 ROADSTER 23000 MILES STEERING COLUMN STICKS WHICH HAS THE POSSIBILITY OF CAUSING A CRASH WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC. *TT

Mileage: 22,000

STEERING STICKS IN STRAIGHT POSITION. BROUGHT TO DEALER A FEW YEARS AGO AND TOLD NOTHING IS WRONG. STARTED DRIVING AGAIN AFTER A FEW YEARS DUE TO SURGERY, PROBLEM PERSISTS BROUGHT TO REPAIR SHOP, BAD STEERING SYSTEM. ACTS UP MORE IN WARM WEATHER MORE SO THEN IN COOL MORNING. ALMOST HIT ANOTHER CAR ON HIGHWAY, PROBLEM STAYING IN LANE. TOLD THIS IS NORMAL AND HAS BEEN APPROVED BY NHTSA. DEALER WANTS ALMOST $5,000 TO FIX, I WILL HAVE TO SELL CAR. *TR

Mileage: 12,000

STEERING PROBLEMS WHEN THE OUTSIDE TEMP. IS HOT (85+) THE STEERING STICKS AND REQUIRES CONSIDERABLE FORCE TO KEEP FROM RUNNING INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC OR OFF THE ROAD I FIRST NOTICED IT AFTER I BOUGHT IT TWO WEEKS AGO AROUND 7-1 THE CAR HAS ABOUT 50,500 MILES ON IT

VEHICLE HAS A STEERING ISSUE WHERE IT BECOMES 'STICKY'; IT HOLDS VERY TIGHTLY TO THE CENTER POSITION AND IS DIFFICULT TO TURN. ONCE IT 'BREAKS FREE', IT TURNS SUDDENLY AND IS VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE BEHAVIOR IS INTERMITTENT AND TENDS TO EXHIBIT ITSELF ON HOT DAYS. *TR

Mileage: 65,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IDLE FOR LONG PERIODS, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD BECOME TIGHT AND WOULD NOT OPERATE PROPERLY. WHEN THE CONTACT WAS FINALLY ABLE TO MANEUVER THE STEERING WHEEL IT WOULD ONLY MOVE IN ONE DIRECTION. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON AND WARM, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD OPERATE NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PERSONAL MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN, BUT WAS NON-REPAIRABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 53,000.

Mileage: 53,000

THE STEERING HAS A LOUD POPPING SOUND WHEN TURNED TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. STEERING HAS BECOME STIFF. A MECHANIC IS DOING A THOROUGH INSPECTION AND WE ARE AWAITING HIS FINAL ANALYSIS OF THIS PROBLEM. THIS VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 3,000 MILES BUT BECAUSE IT IS A 2004, BMW WILL NOT COVER THIS DEFECT. PLEASE NOTIFY ME IF FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED. I DO NOT KNOW IF THE VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE AT THIS TIME.

Mileage: 2,927

WHILE OPERATING VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY, I ENCOUNTERED THAT THE ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING BECAME STUCK SEVERAL TIMES WHEN TURNING THE VEHICLE. THIS ONLY SEEMS TO OCCUR WHEN THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE IS HIGH (<80 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT), ESPECIALLY DURING THE SUMMER SEASON. THIS REOCCURRING PROBLEM HAS CAUSED SEVERAL SITUATIONS THAT COULD HAVE LEAD TO POTENTIAL CRASHES.

Mileage: 62,500

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO FIX A 2004 BMW Z4 THAT HAS NOTCHY/STICKY STEERING THE CAR HAS 23000 MILES ON IT APPEARS TO HAPPEN WHEN THE CAR IS DRIVEN FOR 15-20 MILES (IS TEMP A PROBLEM) AND WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON AND COSTLY IN THE $3500-4000 RANGE THE STEERING COLUMN HAS TO BE REPLACED THE CAR WAS PURCHASED AT BMW OF CHATTANOOGA TENN IN APRIL OF 2010 NOW I BELIEVE THE CAR WAS SOLD TO ME WITH THE STEERING PROBLEM IT COULD EASY CAUSE A HEAD ON CRASH OR YOU ASKED THIS BMW QUESTION ON 6/24/2011 FOR $18. *TR

Mileage: 22,000

THE POWER STEERING BECOMES "STICKY" IN WARM WEATHER. THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING IN COOL WEATHER. I KEEP THE CAR IN COVERED PARKING AT MOST TIMES MAKING THE STEERING ONLY SLIGHTLY STICKY ALTHOUGH ENOUGH TO MAKE FREEWAY DRIVING A CONSTANT STATE OF OVER-CORRECTION TO KEEP THE CAR IN A LANE. ON ONE OCCASION I LEFT THE CAR PARKED IN FULL SUNSHINE ON A 100 DEGREE DAY AND THE POWER STEERING DID NOT WORK AT ALL AT HIGHWAY SPEED MAKING THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR

Mileage: 72,001

MY 2004 BMW Z4 EXPERIENCES STEERING PROBLEMS WHEN THE WEATHER IS HOT. THE STEERING BECOMES STICKY AND DIFFICULT TO MANAGE. IT RETURNS TO NORMAL AFTER IT SITS INT HE SHADE. IT IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE WHEN THE WEATHER IS HOT. ALTHOUGH I AM REPORTING THIS TODAY IT HAS BEEN OCCURRING OFF AND ON FOR OVER A YEAR. I PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2009 AND DO NOT DRIVE IT VERY MUCH-5,000 MILES SINCE PURCHASING IT. WOULD DRIVE MORE IF STEERING WAS NOT AN ISSUE. *TR

Mileage: 65,128

1. STEERING STICKS WHEN THE TEMP. IS AROUND 80 DEGREES. 2. THE STEERING BECOMES VERY STICKING OR SLIGHTLY LOCKED AND REQUIRES EXTRA FORCE TO CORRECT, WHICH SENDS THE CAR OFF COURSE. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN IN WARMER TEMPS AND HIGHER SPEEDS. 3. NOTHING HAS YET TO BE DONE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER BUT THEY TOLD ME THEY COULDN'T REPLICATE IT. THIS SEEMS LIKE IT SHOULD BE A NO BRAINER TO HAVE A RECALL. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO HAVE YOUR WHEEL LOCK ON YOU WHEN YOU'RE TRAVELING 55MPH. *TR

Mileage: 91,000

ON MY 2004 BMW Z4 3.0I, ON HOT DAYS MY STEERING WANTS TO STICK AND I HAVE TO USE MUCH MORE FORCE THAN I USUALLY HAVE TO MAKE THE STEERING MOVE. IN THE WINTER I TEND TO NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM AS MUCH, BUT IN THE SUMMER (I LIVE IN TEXAS) IT GETS VERY HOT AND THE STEERING WANTS TO STICK MORE. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED!! THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF OTHER Z4 DRIVERS THAT HAVE THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM AS ME. *TR

STEERING BECOMES UNSAFE IN HOT WEATHER, STEERING WILL NOT CENTER, AND CAR IS VERY HARD TO CONTROL, WHEN YOU TURN RIGHT OR LEFT STEERING WILL STICK AND CAUSE YOU TO OVER STEER, AND CAUSES A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

Mileage: 45,000

2004 BMW Z4. ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ON WARM DAYS WILL BECOME CHUNKY OR NOTCHY IN FEELING AND REQUIRES EXCESSIVE EFFORT TO STEER THE CAR. THIS CAN CAUSE MORE STEERING INPUT THAN IS REQUIRED AND WHEN THE STEERING CATCHES UP THE CAR CAN REACT MORE THAN INTENDED. VERY DANGEROUS AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED EVEN FOR MULTIPLE OWNER CARS. *TR

Mileage: 51,000

2004 BMW Z4. ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ON WARM DAYS WILL BECOME CHUNKY OR NOTCHY IN FEELING AND REQUIRES EXCESSIVE EFFORT TO STEER THE CAR. THIS CAN CAUSE MORE STEERING INPUT THAN IS REQUIRED AND WHEN THE STEERING CATCHES UP THE CAR CAN REACT MORE THAN INTENDED. VERY DANGEROUS AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED EVEN FOR MULTIPLE OWNER CARS. *TR

Mileage: 61,000

SEVERAL YEARS AGO, I NOTICED THAT MY 2004 BMW Z4 LOST ITS OTHERWISE SMOOTH STEERING AFTER BEING PARKED IN THE SUN ON HOT DAYS. THE STEERING WOULD BECOME STICKY AND REQUIRED EXTRA AND INCONSISTENT EFFORT TO MAKE LOW-SPEED AS WELL HIGHER-SPEED TURNS. THIS OCCURRED MOST FREQUENTLY DURING THE INITIAL PART OF THE TURN RATHER THAN WELL INTO IT. THESE EVENTS WERE INFREQUENT AS I RARELY PARK OUT IN THE SUN, BUT VERY DISCONCERTING. WHEN I HAD THE CAR IN FOR REGULAR SERVICE TO THE DEALER I COMPLAINED ABOUT THE PHENOMENON BUT ALWAYS GOT THE ?CAN?T REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM? AND ?IT?S NORMAL? RESPONSE. THIS SPRING, HOWEVER, I HAVE HAD THE ?STICKY? PROBLEM ON SEVERAL OF THE HOTTER DAYS EVEN THOUGH I PARK IN A GARAGE WHICH HAS ME VERY CONCERNED THAT THE PROBLEM HAS GOTTEN WORSE. INTERNET RESEARCH HAS REVEALED THAT NHTSA HAS AN ACTIVE INVESTIGATION INTO THIS ISSUE AND VARIOUS FORUMS REPORT SIMILAR OR MORE SEVERE EXPERIENCES. I READ THAT BMW HAS RESPONDED TO NHTSA THAT THIS IS PRIMARILY A ?COMFORT? ISSUE, BUT I STRONGLY DISAGREE. DRIVING IS HIGHLY INSTINCTUAL, DEVELOPED THROUGH EXPERIENCE ? HAVING YOUR STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY HIT A STICKY POINT IN MID-TURN CAN EASILY TRIGGER AN ADVERSE REACTION SUCH AS FORCING OVER-STEERING RESULTING IN LEAVING THE ROADBED. ALTHOUGH I HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE TO NOT EXPERIENCE THAT, I MUST BE MUCH MORE DILIGENT, ALERT AND ON-EDGE. *TR

Mileage: 35,000

STICKY STEERING PROBLEM MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. *TR

Mileage: 67,000

I HAVE AN '04 BMW Z4 AND AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING. I'VE BEEN READING ONLINE THAT MANY OTHER Z4 OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT I AM WHICH INCLUDE; DIFFICULTY KEEPING THE WHEEL STRAIGHT, HAVING TO USE A LOT OF FORCE TO MAKE STEERING ADJUSTMENTS, AND CONSTANT PULLING TO THE RIGHT/LEFT WHILE DRIVING. THESE PROBLEMS OCCUR EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY VEHICLE. I RECENTLY TOOK IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, WHO SAID THE PROBLEM WAS PRETTY BAD. I AM WAITING TO HEAR HIS EXACT DIAGNOSIS AND SHOULD HEAR FROM HIM ON MONDAY 5/23/11 AS I DROPPED IT OFF FRI 5/20/11. I HAVE NOT WRECKED THE VEHICLE DUE TO THESE PROBLEMS HOWEVER I HAVE HAD SOME CLOSE CALLS. FORTUNATELY I AM A VERY ATTENTIVE DRIVER OTHERWISE THERE MAY VERY WELL BEEN AN ACCIDENT. *TR

Mileage: 81,896

BMW Z4 2004 VEHICLE EXHIBITS STICKY AND NOTCHY STEERING AT HIGH (85 OR 90DEG F +) OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE. STEERING BECOMES EXTREMELY DIFFICULT AND DANGEROUS. THE ISSUE ONLY EFFECTS OWNERS IN LOCATIONS WITH HIGH TEMPERATURES AND DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS AND THEREFORE THE OCCURRENCE OF THE ISSUE IS INTERMITTENT AND DIFFICULT TO DIAGNOSE. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BECOME A RECALL AS IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION EVEN IF IT IS ONLY HAPPENING TO A MINORITY OF Z4 OWNERS. *TR

Mileage: 67,000

PUSHED BRAKES HARD FOR A NEAR EMERGENCY STOP AND THE VEHICLE CAREENED TO THE RIGHT AND ALMOST RAN OFF THE ROAD. THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD MANY INSTANCES OF ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE ITSELF OFF THE ROAD, THE TERMINOLOGY FOR GROUPS WITH THIS TYPE OF CAR IS "TRAMLINING". I THOUGHT IT ODD THAT SO MANY PEOPLE COULD HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM THAT A TERM WOULD BE APPLIED TO THE PROBLEM. I FEEL THAT THIS DEFECT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE A SERIOUS AND POSSIBLY FATAL ACCIDENT.

Mileage: 28,200

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED HE WOULD HAVE DIFFICULTY STEERING THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. THE VEHICLE WOULD RESPOND SLOWLY WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THE FAILURE RECURRED MORE OFTEN WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT WAS BEING OPERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 39,878. UPDATED 06/06/11 *BF UPDATED 01/24/2012 *LN *TR

Mileage: 39,500

BEGINNING EARLY IN 2010, WE BEGAN TO NOTICE THAT THE STEERING, PARTICULARLY AT SPEED, WAS 'STICKY'; EG, IT WOULD TAKE MORE FORCE TO TURN THE WHEEL AND THEN IT WOULD BREAK FREE OF THE STICKY AND TURN. IT BEHAVES AS THOUGH IT STICKS WHEN THE WHEEL ISN'T BEING TURNED, BUT THEN MOVES FREELY ONCE IT TURNS. THE RESULT IS ERRATIC STEERING, PARTICULARLY IN A HIGHWAY SITUATION WHERE SMALL CORRECTIONS ARE NEEDED. IN TRAFFIC, ON A MULTILANE HIGHWAY, THIS BEHAVIOR CAUSES THE CAR TO BE HARD TO KEEP SMOOTHLY IN LANE; THERE WERE SEVERAL TIMES THAT THE RUMBLE STRIP WAS ENCOUNTERED DUE TO OVERCORRECTING THE STEERING. WARMER TEMPERATURES TEND TO MAKE THE PROBLEM WORSE. I HAVE READ ON NUMEROUS BMW FORUMS OF OTHERS HAVING VERY SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THIS WITH THIS VINTAGE OF Z4; APPARENTLY THE ONLY SOLUTION IS TO REPLACE A $2500 STEERING UNIT IF THE DEALER CAN BE CONVINCED THERE ACTUALLY IS A PROBLEM. I HAVE JACKED THE VEHICLE UP AND 'FELT' THE STEERING WITH THE CAR 'OFF', BUT THE SWITCH ON TO RELEASE THE WHEEL LOCK, AND THAT STICTION (MY PHYSICS BACKGROUND IS SHOWING) WAS SOMEWHAT EVIDENT (TO A MUCH SMALLER LEVEL THAN EXPERIENCED IN NORMAL DRIVING ON A WARM DAY) EVEN WITH NO LOAD ON THE STEERING AND AT A NORMAL ROOM TEMPERATURE. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND I HESITATE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION.

Mileage: 40,000

MY Z4 IS A 2004 3.0I WITH 22120 MILES... OUT OF NOWHERE MY STEERING BECAME LESS FLUID AND SMOOTH. SOMETIMES I THINK I DON'T HAVE POWER STEERING. ALMOST COULDN'T AVOID BEING CUT OFF BY A TAXI IN MANHATTAN I'M AFRAID I MAY DIE WHILE DRIVING OR POSSIBLY HARM OTHERS. THIS IS MY ONLY CAR AND I CAN'T JUST WAIT FOR A RECALL. *TR

MY 2004 BMW Z4 STEERING STICKS SPECIAL Y WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE TO EXERT EXCESSIVE PRESSURE TO CORRECT IT. IT'S NO LONGER A PLEASURE DRIVING MY CAR THAT I LOVE SO MUCH. *TR

Mileage: 57,300

MY 2004 BMW Z4 STEERING STICKS WHEN TEMPERATURE IS ABOVE 85F. SO FAR IT HAS NOT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT, BUT IT SEEMS TO BE MORE FREQUENT AND HAPPENING AT LOWER TEMPERATURES THAN LAST SUMMER. THE CAR HAS 58,000 MILES. *TR

Mileage: 57,000

I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS DESCRIBED IN YOUR INVESTIGATION PE10020. ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS THE STEERING WHEEL OF MY 2004 Z4, STICKS AND I AM REQUIRED TO EXERT EXCESSIVE PRESSURE TO CORRECT IT OR TO TURN THE WHEEL. SPEED DOES NOT SEEM TO BE A FACTOR, IT HAPPENS AT BOTH SLOW AND FASTER SPEEDS, BUT IT IS MORE PRONOUCED AT HIGHER SPEEDS BECAUSE THE CAR TRAVELS MUCH FURTHER BEFORE I CAN CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THIS ONLY HAPPENS IN THE SUMMER WHEN IT IS VERY HOT IN TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR THE PAST TWO SUMMERS. I SAW THE INVESTIGATION ON YOUR WEBSITE AND DECIDED TO WAIT UNTIL THERE WAS A RECALL BEFORE TAKING IT TO THE DEALER. HOWEVER, SUMMER IS APPROACHING AGAIN, SO I THOUGHT I WOULD ADD MY COMPLAINT TO THE OTHERS IN HOPES OF EXPEDITING A RE-CALL. THIS CAN BE A DANGEROUS CONDITION AND IF IT RECURS WHEN THE WEATHER GETS HOTTER, I WILL HAVE TO GET IT REPAIRED, RECALL OR NOT. *TR

Mileage: 65,000

THE STEERING MECHANISM IN MY CAR "STICKS" WHEN DRIVING. IT HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR GETS WARMED UP. WHEN I GO TO WORK, NO PROBLEM. WHEN I LEAVE IN THE AFTERNOON AND I AM DRIVING HOME, I HAVE A HARD TIME KEEPING THE CAR IN THE LANE BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMS TO "STICK." I MEAN, I AM LITERALLY HAVING TO FIGHT WITH THE CAR TO KEEP IT FROM GOING INTO ANOTHER LANE. TIRES ARE NEW SO THAT IS NOT THE PROBLEM. PLUS, I SEE THAT THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH A LOT OF THESE CARS. I BOUGHT THE CAR DECEMBER, 2010 WITH 79,442 MILES ON IT. I NOW HAVE A LITTLE OVER 81,000 MILES. I DO NOT DRIVE THE CAR MUCH... MOSTLY WEEKENDS, BUT WHAT A MAJOR PROBLEM IT IS TO DRIVE AND HAVE THE CAR NOT STEER PROPERLY. *TR

Mileage: 80,000

AFTER DRIVING THE CAR FOR 20 OR SO MINUTES, WHEN IT STARTS TO WARM UP, THE STEERING WHEEL STARTS TO STICK. IT TAKES A LITTLE MORE PRESSURE TO TURN THE WHEEL CAUSING ME TO OVER STEER AND SWERVE A LITTLE BIT. IT GETS WORSE THE LONGER DISTANCE I HAVE TO DRIVE. *TR

Mileage: 70,000

READING BMW FORUMS I READ THAT OTHER OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM AS ME.. I HAVE A BMW 2004 Z4 WITH 43K MILES AND THE STEERING NOTCHES OR STICKS A LOT AS I DRIVE. THERE SEEMS TO BE A STEERING PROBLEM THAT COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS WRECK. ARE THERE ANY RECALLS ON THE PROBLEM? *TR

Mileage: 43,750

WHEN YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL RIGHT OR LEFT IT STICKS WHEN YOU TRY TO TURN BACK TO CENTER AND REQUIRES EXTRA EFFORT TO MOVE THE WHEEL. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO GET WORSE WHEN TEMPERATURES GET WARMER (75 DEGREES OR HIGHER). I'M CONCERNED THAT I MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL IF THIS PROBLEM GETS WORSE AND I'M NOT SURE IF THE CAR IS SAFE ENOUGH TO DRIVE, ESPECIALLY AT HIGHER SPEEDS.

Mileage: 45,000

MY 2004 BMW Z4 EXPERIENCES "STICKINESS" IN STEERING. IT HAS 59,000 MILES AND THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN GRADUALLY INCREASING. I HAVE NOT NOTICED ANY DIFFERENCES IN THE STEERING RESPONSE WITH INCREASED AMBIENT HEAT, BUT IT DOES SEEM TO BE WORSE WHEN AT HIGHER SPEEDS. *TR

Mileage: 59,072

STEERING EXTREMELY STICKY WHEN CAR TEMPERATURE IS HOT. STEERING WILL NOT SELF CENTER. *TR

Mileage: 37,000

I HAVE READ REPORTS THAT NHSTA HAS RECEIVED NUMEROUS REPORTS OF 2003-2004 BMW Z4'S WITH POWERSTEERING ISSUES. MY 2004 Z4 HAS THIS ISSUE AS WELL. THE STEERING SEEMS TO BIND AND THE SEVERITY IS INCREASED AS SPEED INCREASES. WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY ON A RECENT TRIP I HAD TO EXERT A GOOD AMOUNT OF FORCE TO STAY OUT OF THE OTHER LANES. I AM 5'10 - 200 LBS. MY CONCERN IS THAT SLIGHTER PERSONS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO HANDLE THE STEERING PROBLEMS. I FEAR SOMEONE MIGHT BE INJURED IF THE ISSUE IS NOT FIXED IMMEDIATELY. HOPEFULLY A RECALL CAN BE GENERATED BEFORE CASUALTIES OCCOUR. *TR

Mileage: 19,000

DRIVING THE CAR ON A RELATIVELY WARM DAY (70 DEGREES) WITH TOP DOWN, THE POWER STEERING BECAME VERY STIFF AND STEERING THE CAR BECAME DIFFICULT. A NOISE WAS ALSO HEARD WHEN TRYING TO STEER THE CAR. 20 MINUTES AFTER THIS THE CHECK TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. I STOPPED AT A SERVICE STATION TO CHECK TIRE PRESSURE BUT IT WAS FINE. STOPPED, STARTED THE CAR SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT ANY HELP. NEXT MORNING, THE PROBLEM DISAPPEARED COMPLETELY. I MANUALLY RESET THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT AND SINCE THEN THE PROBLEM HASN'T COME BACK.

Mileage: 64,000

STICKY STEERING WHEN TEMPERATURE IS ELEVATED. WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED IN THE SUN AND WARMS UP, THE STEERING WHEEL BECOMES STICKY LEADING TO AN INCREASED EFFORT TO MOVE THE WHEEL AND MAKES IT EASY TO OVERCORRECT. *TR

Mileage: 10,000

I OWN A 2004 BMW Z4. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR LAST EVENING I NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL FELT LIKE IT WAS STICKING AS I TRIED TO TURN THE WHEEL. I T WAS SO BAD AT ONE POINT THAT I STRUGLED TO STEER THE CAR AROUND A CURVE. WHEN IT STUCK, IT CAUSED ME TO OVERSTEER THROWING MY CAR INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. FORTUNATELY NO CARS WERE COMING AND A DISSASTER WAS AVOIDED. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS OCCURED. IT APPEARS TO BE INTERMITTENT. THE BMW DEALER CAN NOT FIND ANY THING WRONG. A SOURCE OF THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE DETERMINED BEFORE PEOPLE GET KILLED. *TR

Mileage: 50,000

I HAVE A 2004 BMW Z4 WITH 67,517 MILES. EVER SINCE I HAVE OWNED IT, IT HAS HAD A "TWITCHY" FEEL TO THE STEERING, WHICH I HAVE BEEN TOLD IS DUE TO ELECTRIC STEERING IN THIS VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM HAS BECOME MORE PRONOUNCED LATELY. ANY UNEVENNESS IN THE SURFACE OF THE ROAD WILL CAUSE THE TIRES TO JERK TO ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER, REQUIRING CONSTANT STEERING ADJUSTMENTS TO KEEP THE CAR GOING WHERE YOU WANT IT TO. THE ONLY WAY IT WILL TRACK IN A STRAIGHT LINE IS ON A PERFECTLY SMOOTH ROAD. I HAVE TRIED JACKING UP THE CAR AND FLEXING THE TIRES BACK AND FORTH MANUALLY TO SEE IF THERE IS ANY LOOSENESS IN THE STEERING, BUT I HAVEN'T FOUND ANY. I'M AFRAID THAT ONE DAY I WILL FIND MYSELF ON A REALLY ROUGH ROAD AND BE UNABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR. I HAVE NOTED THAT LOTS OF OTHER Z4 OWNERS HAVE REPORTED STEERING PROBLEMS, SO BMW NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL TO ADDRESS IT. *TR

Mileage: 67,500

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND TRYING TO MAKE A TURN, IT SUDDENLY BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE POWER STEERING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 28,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 28,000

2004 BMW Z4 - REGARDLESS OF THE CONDITIONS, THE STEERING WHEEL IS "NOTCHY" OR STICKY WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT DOWN THE ROAD. NATURALLY, WHEN DRIVING DOWN A ROAD, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO MAKE MINOR ROTATIONAL MOVEMENTS WITH THE STEERING WHEEL TO REMAIN IN A DRIVING LANE. IN ORDER TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN THE LANE WITH THIS STICKY STEERING WHEEL, EXTRA FORCE IS REQUIRED TO ROTATE THE STEERING WHEEL, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO SWERVE SLIGHTLY. THIS PROBLEM IS A MAJOR CONCERN AS SOMETIMES IT BECOMES PROBLEMATIC AND DANGEROUS WHEN THE WHEEL STICKS AROUND TURNS AND NARROWS LANES. DEALERSHIP STATES THIS IS "NORMAL" AND HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. *TR

Mileage: 5,000

2004 BMW Z4 'STICKY STEERING'; FOLLOW UP TO EARLIER COMPLAINT, IN RESPONSE TO BMW LETTER OF 9/24. BMW DESCRIBES THE CONDITION AS A GRADUAL INCREASE IN STEERING EFFORT NOTICEABLE WHEN THE CAR IS FIRST DRIVEN OFF, AND NOT A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN EFFORT. THIS IS INCORRECT. NOT A GRADUAL INCREASE IN EFFORT, BUT AN UNEXPECTED 'CATCH' THAT OCCURS, FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN CHANGING LANES. *TR

Mileage: 52,500

A YEAR OR SO AGO I NOTICED THE STEERING ON MY BMW Z4 WOULD GET "NOTCHY" AND FEEL "STICKY" AT THE END OF THE DAY. EVENTUALLY I WAS ABLE TO RECOGNIZE THE PROBLEM WOULD OCCUR WHEN PARKED OUTSIDE IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT. I FOUND IT ODD THIS WOULD BE BROUGHT ON BY TIME IN THE SUN, BUT AFTER SOME RESEARCH ONLINE DISCOVERED MANY PEOPLE WITH SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. UNFORTUNATELY IT APPEARED EXPERIENCES WITH BMW SERVICE VARIED, AND SINCE MY CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY A "FIX" WOULD BE A REPLACEMENT OF THE STEERING COLUMN AT THE TUNE OF 3-4 THOUSAND DOLLARS. WHEN I HEARD THIS ISSUE WAS UNDER INVESTIGATION I DECIDED TO WAIT FOR A DECISION AS IT SEEMED LIKELY SUCH ISSUES WITH STEERING WOULD BE ADDRESSED. I HAVE FOLLOWED THE CASE CLOSELY AND HAVE BEEN READING BMW'S RESPONSES TO NHTSA. SEVERAL OF THEIR ARGUMENTS AGAINST ADDRESSING THIS ARE ESPECIALLY DISTURBING. BMW APPEARS TO RECOGNIZE THE ISSUE, BUT CLAIMS THE EFFECT IS "MINOR". I AM NOT AN EXPERT AND CANNOT SAY WHETHER IT PRESENTS RISK, BUT AS A DRIVER I CAN TELL YOU ANY STEERING EFFECTS ARE DISTURBING AND DISTRACTING. BMW CLAIMS THE EFFECT ONLY OCCURS DURING SPECIFIC/LIMITED CONDITIONS - HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES AND DIRECT SUNLIGHT. WHAT REALLY UPSETS ME ABOUT THIS STATEMENT IS THAT IT'S A CONVERTIBLE SPORTS CAR MARKETED FOR THESE CONDITIONS, SO WHILE THEY MAY BE "SPECIFIC AND LIMITED", THEY ARE PRIMARY CONDITIONS FOR THIS CAR. FINALLY, BMW CLAIMS THIS IS NOT AN ISSUE OF SAFETY, BUT ONE OF QUALITY. FROM MY PERSPECTIVE, THERE ARE SOME SUBSYSTEMS WHERE QUALITY SHOULD NOT BE COMPROMISED, AND STEERING SHOULD BE CONSIDERED ONE OF THESE. I DO BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, AND ANXIOUSLY AWAIT NHTSA FINDINGS IN HOPES I CAN HAVE THIS SAFETY ISSUE ADDRESSED BY BMW. I SINCERELY HOPE THIS ISSUE IS NOT SWEPT UNDER THE RUG AND THE MANUFACTURER TAKES RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE QUALITY AND SAFETY OF THEIR AUTOMOBILES. *TR

Mileage: 24,000

WHEN CAR SITS OUT IN THE HOT SUN 100 DEGREES OR BETTER FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, IS DIFFICULT. STEERING WHEEL STAYS IN A TUNING POSITION AND DOES NOT RETURN TO CENTER, IT STICKS IN WHATEVER TURN YOU PUT IT IN. YOU MUST MANUALLY FORCE THE STEERING WHEEL BACK TO CENTER. JUST TODAY 10/26/2010 ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND POWER STEERING COMPLETELY FAILED WHILE DRIVING AND THE CAR WOULD NOT CHANGE GEARS. *TR

Mileage: 62,391

WHEN DRIVING IN HOT WEATHER, THE STEERING WHEEL GET VERY STICKY AND NEED EXTENSIVE FORCE TO BE MANEUVER. I WENT TO MY DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY NEED TO CHANGE THE EPS AND THAT ITS NOT COVER SINCE IT HAPPENED 1 MONTH AFTER THE END OF THE WARRANTEE. ITS SEEM THAT A LOT OF OWNER HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM BUT THEIR IS STILL NO RECALL FROM BMW. I NOW LIVE IN CANADA BUT MY CAR IS FROM THE STATE AND I AM FILLING A COMPLAINT SO THAT BMW WOULD BE FORCE TO ACT ON THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM.

Mileage: 38,000

THE STEERING WHEEL STICKS, IT FEELS LIKE IT IS BINDING WHICH REQUIRED INCREASED STEERING EFFORT THAT MADE IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT SEEMS TO OVER-STEER WHEN MAKING HARD AND ABRUPT STEERING WHEEL MOVEMENTS. THE FAILURE IS MORE NOTICEABLE AT HIGHER VEHICLE SPEEDS (HIGHWAY SPEEDS) AND IN WARM/HOT WEATHER (85 F). *TR

Mileage: 24,000

2004 BMW Z4 - STEERING PROBLEM: I JUST RECENTLY MOVED TO SOUTH FLORIDA FROM DENVER AND NOW HAVE NOTCHY/STICKY STEERING WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (60 MPH) WHEN IT IS WARM (70 DEGREES). MAKING SMALL CORRECTIONS REQUIRES A LARGE INPUT CAUSING THE CAR TO GO OUTSIDE OF IT'S LANE. HAVE HAD SEVERAL VERY CLOSE CALLS. TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER, BMW SOUTH IN SOUTH MIAMI AND THEY WANT TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN FOR $3,200. THIS PROBLEM IS A MATTER OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND SOON A DRIVER OR THE PUBLIC WILL BE HURT OR KILLED. BMW NEEDS TO STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT AND MAKE THE STEERING SAFE OR THE NHTSA NEEDS TO DIRECT THEM TO RECALL THE CARS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 43,000

ON WARMER DAYS (80+ F), MY 2004 BMW Z4 STEERING WILL STICK IN ONE POSITION WHILE DRIVING, REQUIRING EXCESSIVE FORCE TO UNSTICK. THIS IS ESPECIALLY NOTICEABLE AT HIGHER SPEEDS (45+ MPH) WHERE SMALLER MOVEMENTS ARE REQUIRED, AND THE TENDENCY IS TO OVER CORRECT WHEN THE STICKS OCCUR. *TR

Mileage: 118,565

2004 BMW Z4 STEERING SYSTEM FAILS TO PERFORM PROPERLY AND IS UNSAFE WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS SOMEWHERE ABOVE 80 DEGREES (F). ON ALL WARM DAYS, THE STEERING BECOMES UNSAFE - HEAVY, AND DOES NOT PERFORM PROPERLY - IT BECOMES HARD FOR THE DRIVER TO CONTROL AND "NOTCHY" TO STEER. *TR

Mileage: 83,000

WHEN AIR TEMPERATURE IS GREATER THAN APPROXIMATELY 80 DEGREES F, THE STEERING ON MY 2004 BMW Z4 BECOMES "STICKY" REQUIRING A MUCH HIGHER LEVEL OF EFFORT TO MAKE STEERING ADJUSTMENTS. INITIALLY THIS HIGHER LEVEL OF EFFORT IS APPLIED WITH NO CHANGE IN VEHICLE DIRECTION AND THEN WITH ADDITIONAL EFFORT VEHICLE DIRECTION CHANGES SIGNIFICANTLY REQUIRING RE-CORRECTION TO KEEP VEHICLE IN LANE AND/OR ON THE ROAD. *TR

Mileage: 45,000

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 60 MPH EPS LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR LOST IT'S POWER STEERING. I GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY PARKED THE CAR, TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND BACK ON AND EPS LIGHT WENT OFF. AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS THE EPS LIGHT STARTED TO TURN ON EVERYDAY, SPECIALLY IN THE AFTERNOON. TOOK THE CAR TO A BMW DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS JUST A LOOSE CABLE. THE DAY AFTER I GOT MY CAR FROM THE DEALER AND NOTHING HAD CHANGED. TOOK IT BACK AND THEY SAID THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE WHOLE UPPER SECTION OF THE STEERING COLUMN QUOTING ME A TOTAL OF REPAIR COSTS OF $3000.00 AFTER DISCOUNTS. COULD NOT AFFORD THE REPAIR COSTS AT THAT MOMENT AND CAR HASN'T BEEN REPAIRED TILL THIS DAY. *TR

Mileage: 68,000

STEERING WHEEL "STICKS". REQUIRES FORCE TO MOVE TO EITHER SIDE FROM CURRENT POSITION. HAPPENS ALMOST DAILY WHEN TEMPERATURE IS ABOVE 85 DEGREES. *TR

Mileage: 80,000

2004 BMW Z4 STEERING ISSUE. WHILE DRIVING MY Z4 OVER THE PAST MONTH I HAVE HAD INCIDENTS OF MY STEERING LOCKING TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. I NEVER KNOW WHEN THE TIME WILL COME AND IT IS VERY SCARY. MY WIFE HAD HAPPEN TO HER YESTERDAY AND ALMOST LOST CONTROL. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER TODAY AND THEY TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT RECREATE THE ISSUE BUT WOULD REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN FOR $3000,00. AFTER SOME RESEARCH I NOTICED MANY COMPLAINTS AND FEEL A RECALL SHOULD OCCUR BECAUSE THIS IS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Mileage: 62,000

2004 BMW Z4, VIN:[XXX], 63000 MILES THE BMW IS HAVING A SEVERE STEERING PROBLEM ON HOT SUMMER DAYS. TRAVELING AT 70MPH ON THE HIGHWAY THE CAR CAN BE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THIS PROBLEM IS RELATED TO AN ELECTRIC STEERING. THE STEERING IS SUPPOSED TOO TIGHTEN SOME DEPENDING ON SPEED AND DRIVING CONDITIONS. IN MANY CASES THAT I HAVE FOUND IN RESEARCH IT GETS TO TIGHT AND MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO MAKE THE MINIMUM OF STEERING CORRECTIONS. IN MY CASE IT CAN MAKE THE CAR MOVE INTO ANOTHER LANE ON THE HIGHWAY FROM A SMALL CORRECTION. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THERE ARE SIMILAR PROBLEMS IN THE MINI COOPER, Z4, AND 3 SERIES BMW'S. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO A BMW DEALER (SUNBELT MOTORS, INC., MERIDIAN, MS) FOR DIAGNOSIS. THEIR SOLUTION IS TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN IN THE CAR AT A COST OF $2600.00 (PARTS ONLY) PLUS LABOR. I CONTACTED BMW AND OPEN A CASE STUDY WITH THEM REGARDING THIS MATTER. THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THEY DO NOT FEEL ANY RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR OR OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR. ALL IT TAKES IS A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH FOR: BMW Z4 STEERING PROBLEMS TO SEE HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THIS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 62,267

2004 BMW Z4 WITH LOSS OF POWER ASSISTED STEERING. DEALER MADE FRONT END ALIGNMENT AND FRONT TIRES WERE REPLACED. OLD PARTS TO FRONT END WERE NOT GIVEN BACK. *TR

Mileage: 44,000

I OWN A 2004 BMW Z-4 WITH 18,648 MI ON THE ODOMETER. I HAVE THE SAME STEERING PROBLEMS AS MOST OTHER OWNER'S. THE STEERING IS OVER REACTIVE, THE PROBLEM IS MORE PRONOUNCED IN WARM/HOT WEATHER. AT TIMES IT FEELS LIKE THE POWER STEERING IS SLUGGISH OR NOT WORKING. WHEN TURNING RIGHT OR LEFT I CAN FEEL A CHATTERING IN THE STEERING WHEEL. WHEN I WENT TO THE, HE TOLD ME HIS MECHANIC SAID THERE WAS NO PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING AND THERE WASN'T ANY THING HE COULD DO ANY WAY. I HAVE CHECKED ON LINE AND THERE SEEMS TO BE A LOT OF UNHAPPY OWNER'S OUT THERE. I FEEL THAT THIS IS SAFETY DEFECT AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. MY WIFE IS THE PRINCIPLE DRIVER OF THE CAR AND SHE HAS COMPLAINED OF STEERING CONTROL PROBLEMS. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT HER SAFETY AND OTHER DRIVERS OF Z-4. CAN YOU HELP ME!! *TR

Mileage: 60

I HAVE 2004 Z4 BMW THE STEERING IS STICKY IT FEELS LIKE THAT IS BINDING AND HAVE TO USE EXTRA EFFORT TO CONTROL CAR. AT TIMES I HAVE TO JERK IT BACK INTO LINE. AT TIMES IT FEELS LIKE IM FIGHTING WITH IT . *TR

Mileage: 68,000

POWER STEERING ON CAR IS VERY STIFF IN THE CENTER CAUSING GREAT DIFFICULTY IN TURNING, AND THEN SAFELY TURNING / KEEPING THE CAR IN THE PROPER LANE. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE BY BMW ON THESE CARS, AND I BELIEVE AN INVESTIGATION LEADING TO A RECALL IS UNDER WAY. I AM AFRAID TO ALLOW MY 22 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER TO DRIVE THIS CAR. IT SEEMS TO BE MUCH WORSE IN HIGH TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS. *TR

Mileage: 32,000

STEERING STICKS WHEN IT'S HOT OR SITTING IN TRAFFIC. NEED TO APPLY EFFORT TO MOVE THE WHEEL WHICH IS A CONCERN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS DUE TO POSSIBLE OVERSTEER. *TR

Mileage: 29,500

POWER STEERING FAILURE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND HIGH TEMPERATURES. *TR

Mileage: 50,100

I HAVE A BMW Z4 THAT HAS STEERING ISSUES. THE CAR IS HARDLY EVER DRIVEN AND ONLY HAS 24K MILES. THE DEALER IS TELLING ME THAT I NEED A NEW POWER STEERING COLUMN AT APPROX. $3500. HOW CAN THAT BE THAT BAD IN WHAT I THOUGHT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A FINE ENGINEERED CAR? *TR

Mileage: 24,000

ONLY IN HOT WEATHER THE STEERING BECOMES VERY HARD AND STICKY AND REQUIRES INCREASED FORCE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE BMW DEALER CLAIMS THEY CANNOT FIND AN "INTERNAL BULLETIN" #4515500-02, RELEASED ON 05/05/06. IT'S ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STAY IN YOUR LANE, AND TWO HANDS ARE NEEDED TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE WHEN THIS DEFECT ACTS UP AFTER SITTING IN THE SUN OR HOT WEATHER. THIS IS NOT NOTICEABLE UNTIL YOU HAVE REACHED SPEEDS OF 30 MPH OR OVER AT WHICH TIME YOU ARE PRETTY MUCH COMMITTED TO FIGHT THE STEERING. THIS BECOMES VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS. BMW IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND CLAIMS IT'S NOT A "SAFETY ISSUE". I BROUGHT MY CAR TO THE DEALER BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM AND THEY SAY I NEED A STEERING RACK FOR OVER $4000.00. THE "BULLETIN" SAYS THEY NEED TO REPLACE THE EPS COLUMN WITH A MODIFIED ONE WHICH WAS AVAILABLE SINCE WEEKS 17 AND 18 OF 2006. UNFORTUNATELY, I BOUGHT MY CAR USED AND WAS NEVER INFORMED OF THE STEERING DANGERS. IT TOOK SOME TIME TO RESEARCH THIS PROBLEM AND YET, BMW IS NOT WILLING TO FIX THIS DEFECT. *TR

Mileage: 99,000

MY STEERING BECOMES DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. SEEMS TO HAPPEN ONLY ON THE FREEWAY. *TR

Mileage: 55,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD BECOME EXTREMELY STIFF WHEN DRIVING IN VERY HOT TEMPERATURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR A MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED HAVING A DIAGNOSTIC TEST PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE WAS APPROXIMATELY 44,200 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 44,300.

Mileage: 44,200

STEERING BECOMES STICKY IN HOT WEATHER. THE STEERING WHEEL FEELS NOTCHY AND DOES NOT RESPOND IMMEDIATELY WHEN TURNED - FEELS LIKE IT IS STUCK IN CENTER POSITION. AGGRESSIVE MOVEMENT RESTORES RESPONSE BUT CONDITION REMAINS PRESENT. SITUATION NOTICED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IN 90 DEG. WEATHER. *TR

Mileage: 17,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN TRAVELING THE SPEED RATE OF 45 MPH AND HIGHER. THE CONTACT WOULD NOT DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY DUE TO THE STEERING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE POWER STEERING AND STEERING COLUMN. THE PARTS ESTIMATED COST WAS $3,000. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000.

Mileage: 39,000

WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS CENTERED WHILE DRIVING, IT TAKES SOME EFFORT TO MAKE A STEERING ADJUSTMENT SUCH AS KEEPING THE CAR CENTERED IN THE DRIVING LANE. THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMS TO BE STUCK AND TO OVER COME THIS ONE MUST OVER-STEER THE CAR AND THEN BRING IT BACK TO CENTER. SOME TIMES THIS RESULTS IN AN ABRUPT OVER TURN AND CAUSES THE CAR TO ALMOST LURCH OUT OF THE DRIVING LANE. *TR

Mileage: 24,000

2004 BMW Z4 3.0. THE STEERING IS STICKY WHEN AMBIENT TEMP OVER 90 DEGREES OUTSIDE. DEALER STATES NO PROBLEM. READ THE NEWS AND SAW THE NHTSA IS INVESTIGATING. YOU GUYS ARE WELCOME TO DRIVE MINE TO SEE THE PROBLEM IN ACTION. WHEN IT IS HOT OUTSIDE (AS IT OFTEN IS IN JACKSONVILLE, FL) THE CAR IS DIFFICULT TO DRIVE IN A STRAIGHT LINE BECAUSE OF THE "STICKY STEERING." *TR

Mileage: 5,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DRIVING AT A MINIMUM OF 50 MPH IN WARM TEMPERATURES, THE POWER STEERING WOULD SPORADICALLY FAIL. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD ABNORMALLY VEER FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 34,388.

Mileage: 25,000

MY 2004 BMW Z4 HAS 33,000 MILES ON IT. WITHIN THE LAST 1,000 MILES IT HAS DEVELOPED A PROBLEM WITH STICKY OR RATCHET-LIKE STEERING WHICH HAS CAUSED ME TO OVERSTEER AT TIMES. IT IS WORSE WHEN THE WEATHER IS HOT. I AM BECOMING AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON FLAW. BMW NEEDS TO ACT. THANK YOU! *TR

Mileage: 33,000

2004 BMW Z4-STICKY STEERING-POWER STEERING STICKS, SEAMS TO BE WORSE IN HOTTER WEATHER, CAUSES YOU TO OVERCORRECT WHEN DRIVING AND THIS HAPPENS, I CAN SEE WHERE THIS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS IF YOU ARE NOT REALLY PAYING ATTENTION. OR COULD CAUSE TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL GIVEN THE RIGHT CIRCUMSTANCES. *TR

Mileage: 51,000

STEERING STICKS ON HOT DAYS OR COOL DAYS AFTER SITTING IN TRAFFIC. REQUIRES EXTRA EFFORT TO MOVE THE WHEEL WHICH THEN BREAKS "FREE" AND TENDS TO OVER REACT CAUSING LANE RETENTION ISSUES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TR

Mileage: 81,000

IF MY CAR VEHICLE HAS BEEN SITTING IN THE SUN FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, INCREASED FORCE IS REQUIRED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THERE DOESN'T APPEAR TO BE ANY PROBLEMS AT LOWER TEMPERATURES OR AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN PARKED IN THE GARAGE OVERNIGHT. THE STEERING WHEEL STICKS/BINDS OR LOCKS UP, AND REQUIRES A LOT OF EFFORT TO MOVE WHICH RESULTS IN OVERCORRECTING WHICH PRODUCES SEVERE OVER OR UNDER-STEER. THE PROBLEM IS MOST NOTICEABLE AT SPEEDS OVER 50MPH. *TR

Mileage: 75,000

IN WARM WEATHER, AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE POWER STEERING STICKS AND THE WHEEL DOES NOT RETURN TO THE NEUTRAL POSITION ON IT'S OWN. AT TIMES THE WHEEL SEEMS TO TURN ON IT'S OWN AND YOU MUST CONSTANTLY HAVE A FIRM GRIP ON THE STEERING WHEEL READY TO CORRECT ANY UNWANTED MOVEMENT. *TR

Mileage: 25,200

WHEN TEMPERATURE IS HOT OUTSIDE THE ELECTRIC STEERING IN MY BMW Z BECOMES EXTREMELY TIGHT. ANY ATTEMPTS TP CORRECT THE STEERING RESULTS IN A JERKY MOVEMENT THE CAR IS VERY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AT ANY SPEED. *TR

Mileage: 21,000

1. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ALL DAY OUTDOORS ON A HOT SUNNY JULY DAY IN TEMECULA, CA. WHILE DRIVING IT HOME ON I15 AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME MUCH MORE DIFFICULT TO TURN AND WOULD NOT STAY ON CENTER, MAKING IT CHALLENGING TO SIMPLY STAY WITHIN MY LANE. THIS LASTED FOR 10-15 MINUTES, THEN THE STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL. FORTUNATELY, THIS SECTION OF FREEWAY IS RELATIVELY STRAIGHT AND THE TRAFFIC HAPPENED TO BE MODERATE. 2. THIS FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ONLY ONCE IN THE 6 WEEKS I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE. 3. I HAVE NOT YET TAKEN STEPS TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. HOWEVER, I HAVE SEARCHED ONLINE FOR STEERING ISSUES WITH THIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL AND LEARNED THAT MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED EXACTLY THE SAME ISSUE. THOSE WHO HAVE ATTEMPTED TO HAVE THE ISSUE CORRECTED BY THEIR LOCAL DEALERSHIP SAY THE REPAIR REPORTEDLY INVOLVES REPLACING THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN AT A COST OF NEARLY $4000. MY VEHICLE HAS UNDER 20,000 MILES BUT IS BEYOND THE 48 MONTH WARRANTY PERIOD. HAVING READ RECENTLY IN THE NEWSPAPER THAT NHTSA IS INVESTIGATING POWER STEERING ISSUES IN 2003-2005 BMW Z4'S, I AM TRYING TO FIND OUT IF THERE IS A KNOWN SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM THAT IS LESS COSTLY OR THAT IS COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER BEFORE COMMITTING TO A $4000 REPAIR ON A LOW-MILEAGE USED VEHICLE THAT I ONLY RECENTLY PURCHASED. *TR

Mileage: 18,000

IN HOT WEATHER, STEERING GETS STICKY AND CAR BECOMES MORE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. HAD REPAIRED ONCE BUT PROBLEM CONTINUES. VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 10,000 MILES. *TR

Mileage: 9,870

MY COMPLAINT IS THAT THE STEERING WHEEL FEELS LIKE IT BINDS WHEN TURNING AND ALSO FEELS NOTCHY AND WILL NOT RETURN TO CENTER WHEN TURN IS COMPLETED. MOSTLY WHEN OUTDOOR TEMP IS WARMER THAN 80 DEGREES. *TR

Mileage: 30,000

WHEN MY Z4 HAS BEEN SITTING IN DIRECT SUN FOR A WHILE THE STEERING BECOMES STICKY. MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. CAUSING THE CAR TO SWERVE INTO OTHER LANES. BMW HAVE QUOTED 3500 TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN, I'M CURRENTLY NEGOTIATING WITH THEM TO REDUCE THIS COST. *TR

Mileage: 55,000

STEERING IS SOMETIMES "STICKY" -- WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED FROM ITS CURRENT STATIC POSITION, HIGHER THAN NORMAL RESISTANCE TO TURNING IS FELT. ONCE THE INITIAL RESISTANCE IS OVERCOME, THE RESISTANCE LESSENS, RESULTING IN A TENDENCY TO TURN THE WHEEL FURTHER THAN WAS INTENDED. THIS MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO SMOOTHLY STEER THE CAR ON ITS INTENDED PATH AND RESULTS IN THE CAR WANDERING FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT AND SEEMS TO HAPPEN ONLY IN HOT WEATHER. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED YET TO THE VEHICLE (I HAVE ONLY RECENTLY ACQUIRED IT). *TR

Mileage: 54,100

2004 BMW Z4 STICKY STEERING WHEN IT'S HOT OUT. SOMETHING WITH THE POWER STEERING OR SOME OTHER STEERING COMPONENT MAKES IT SO THAT THE STEERING WHEEL TAKES EXTRA FORCE TO INITIATE A CHANGE IN THE POSITION OF THE WHEEL. THE EFFECT IS MOST NOTICEABLE AT SPEEDS 35MPH OR HIGHER, IT'S MOST PRONOUNCED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHERE MINOR CORRECTIONS ARE IMPORTANT AND SHOULD NOT TAKE MUCH FORCE. THIS COULD EASILY RESULT IN TOO MUCH STEERING FORCE BEING USED IN THE WRONG SITUATION. *TR

Mileage: 58,000

2004 Z4 STEERING STICKS AT UNPREDICTABLE TIMES CAUSING SEVERAL NEAR MISS INCIDENTS DUE TO LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I MUST YANK THE WHEEL HARD TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. HAPPENS AT LOW AND HIGH RATES OF SPEED. *TR

Mileage: 55,000

STEERING WHEEL "STICKS/CATCHES" BOTH TO LEFT AND RIGHT OF TOP CENTER. PROBLEM IS ONLY EVIDENT WHEN TEMPERATURES ARE ABOVE 80F AND AT SPEEDS ABOVE 40 MPH. HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM SINCE BUYING THE CAR OVER TWO YEARS AGO BUT IT IS SPORADIC. HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES BUT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE UNTIL THIS WEEK. DEALER WAS FINALLY ABLE TO EXPERIENCE THE PROBLEM AND WILL REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN (SCHEDULED FOR WEEK OF 7/12/2010). BMW WILL PICK UP COST OF PARTS BUT I MUST PAY FOR LABOR. *TR

Mileage: 13,000

I OWN A 2004 BMW Z4. I HAVE NOTICED IN THE PAST THAT THE STEERING "STICKS" SOMETIMES ON THE HIGHWAY....TYPICAL LIGHT-TOUCH ATTEMPTS AT STRAIGHTENING OUT MY PATH DON'T DO ANYTHING, THE WHEEL DOESN'T TURN. IF I PUT MORE PRESSURE THAN USUAL INTO THE TURN, THE CAR "SNAPS BACK" AND TURNS, BUT TURNS TOO FAR DUE TO ALL THE PRESSURE I'D PUT ON IT. IT'S A REAL ROAD HAZARD. I JUST READ IN THE NEWSPAPER ABOUT HOW THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THEM AND IS BEING LOOKED INTO, SO I WOULD LIKE TO REGISTER MY OFFICIAL "ME TOO". *TR

Mileage: 41,100

2004 BMW Z4. MY POWER STEERING IS "STICKING" AS PER THE PE 10-020 INVESTIGATION. VERY DISCONCERTING WHEN EFFORT IS NEEDED TO "BREAK IT LOOSE" TO TURN THE WHEELS. RESULTS IN A "JERK" OF THE CAR IN THE DIRECTION OF THE TURN. *TR

Mileage: 54,250

STEERING ON MY 2004 BMW Z4 3.0I STICKS. *TR

I HAVE A 2004 BMW Z4 3.0. WHEN DRIVING ON A HOT DAY THE STEERING SEEMS TO "STICK" IN TURNS MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE CAR HAS APPROX 20000 MILES ON IT. *TR

Mileage: 20,000

I HAVE A 2004 BMW Z4. I AM WRITING TO MAKE A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE WAY THE VEHICLE STEERS. WHEN AT HIGHER SPEEDS, YOU HAVE TO USE MORE FORCE THAN SHOULD BE TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THIS THEN CAUSES OVER-STEERING OF THE VEHICLE. I ALSO WROTE A COMPLAINT TO BMW OF AMERICA ABOUT THIS CONCERN. *TR

Mileage: 7,000

IN WARM WEATHER MY BMW Z4 STEERING STICKS. YOU HAVE TO REALLY PULL THE WHEEL TO GET IT TO "UNLOCK." I'VE ALMOST SMASHED INTO SEVERAL PEOPLE IN ADJACENT LANES BECAUSE OF THIS. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE ISSUED. *TR

Mileage: 71,000

THE STEERING ON MY WIFE'S 2004 BMW Z4 BECOMES "STICKY" IN HOT WEATHER MAKING IT SOMEWHAT HARD TO CONTROL. *TR

Mileage: 56,156

I HAVE A BMW Z4 2004 WITH 24000 MILES. THE CAR HAS A SERIOUS STEERING PROBLEM SO I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. THIS CAR WILL NOT STEER STRAIGT AND WONDERS ALL OVER THE ROAD. I TOOK THE CAR TO BMW DEALER AND THEY WANTED $2500. TO LOOK AT IT. *TR

Mileage: 18,000

THE POWER STEERING ON MY 2004 BMW Z4 PERIODICALLY BECOMES VERY FIRM WHILE DRIVING, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SMOOTHLY MAKE MINOR CORRECTIONS TO THE DIRECTION OF TRAVEL. ONE TIME IT WAS SO SEVERE THAT IN THE RAIN I ENDED UP BRIEFLY LOOSING CONTROL OF THE CAR. THANKFULLY I MANAGED TO REGAIN CONTROL WITHOUT HITTING ANYTHING OR ANY ONE. MY PARTNER AND I HAVE SINCE BEEN VERY ATTENTIVE TO THE STEERING IN THIS CAR AND HAVE NOTICED MANY ANOMALIES, ESPECIALLY IN HIGH TEMPERATURES. REPEATED INQUIRES AT THE DEALERSHIP -- INCLUDING TEST DRIVES -- HAVE TURNED UP NO IDENTIFIED PROBLEMS AS FAR AS BMW IS CONCERNED. *TR

Mileage: 48,000

2004 BMX Z4, STEERING BECAME UNRESPONSIVE WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. OVER CORRECTION TO REGAIN CONTROL NARROWLY AVOIDING TRAFFIC AND CENTER DIVIDER. AT SLOWER SPEEDS IT FELT LIKE THERE WAS NO STEERING FLUID IN CAR. VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. BMW DEALER HAD REPLACEMENT STEERING COLUMN IN STOCK IT TOOK 2 DAYS TO REPLACE AT A COST OF $2942.02. *TR

Mileage: 22,968

I OWN A BMW Z4 AND RECENTLY HEARD THE NEWS OF POSSIBLE STEERING PROBLEMS. I AM EXPERIENCING THESE PROBLEMS NOW. MY CAR HAS 26000 MILES AND THE STEERING SEEMS TO STICK AND RELEASE AS I TURN THROUGH GRADUAL TURNS. THE FEELING IS VERY NOTICEABLE. *TR

Mileage: 26,000

I AM STUCK WITH A 2004 Z4 WITH THE STICKY STEERING SYNDROME. AFTER IT IS WARMED UP THE STEERING STICKS IN POSITION AND IS DIFFICULT TO MOVE FROM POINT TO POINT. WE HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR 50 OR 60 MILES WITH THE TOP DOWN AND THE HEATER ON SO THE ENGINE WAS WARMED UP. THAT IS WHEN THE ISSUE FIRST APPEARED AND WE ALMOST HAD A HEAD ON ACCIDENT ON HIGHWAY 101 SOUTH OF CANNON BEACH, OREGON. THE SYNDROME SEEMS TO APPEAR ONLY AFTER THE CAR IS WARMED UP. WE BOUGHT THE Z4 ONE YEAR AGO AT ABOUT 37000 MILES AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 42667. BMW REGIONAL MANAGEMENT HAS DECIDED NOT TO SUPPORT ANY REDUCTION OF THEIR $3259.00 CHARGE TO REPLACE THE STEERING MECHANISM WHICH IS SUPPOSED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE STICKY STEERING SYNDROME IS WELL KNOWN AS A SAFETY HAZARD ON THE NHTSA SITE AND ELSEWHERE ON THE WEB YET NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE ABOUT IT TO THIS DATE. THIS LOOKS LIKE ANOTHER TOYOTA LIKE SAFETY ISSUE. IS THE NHTSA LISTENING OR DOES SOMEONE NEED TO DIE BEFORE A RECALL IS ISSUED? *TR

Mileage: 38,000

STICKY STEERING IN WARM WEATHER. *TR

Mileage: 40,400

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. WHILE TRAVELING AT SPEEDS OF 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RACK AND PINION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 32,000.

Mileage: 32,000

AFTER THE CAR SITS IN THE HOT SUN (ANYWHERE ABOVE 75 DEGREES) THE STEERING STARTS BINDING/LOCKING UP AT ALL SPEEDS. ALTHOUGH IT SEEMS TO BE WORSE WHEN DRIVING AT HWY SPEEDS. WHEN DRIVING AROUND A SLIGHT CURVE THE STEERING DOES NOT RETURN TO CENTER AS IT SHOULD NOR IS IT EASY TO GET THE CAR TO STRAIGHTEN BACK OUT. I HAVE TO FORCE IT BACK TO CENTER WHICH USUALLY ENDS UP CAUSING ME TO OVER CORRECT AND MOVE CLOSE TO OR IN THE OTHER LANE. I FIRST NOTICED THE PROBLEM LAST SUMMER, BUT SINCE I ONLY DRIVE THE CAR ON WEEKENDS I DIDN'T PAY MUCH ATTENTION TO IT LAST SUMMER. IT WAS FINE DURING THE WINTER, BUT GOT SIGNIFICANTLY WORSE WHEN IT GOT WARM THIS YEAR. I TOOK MY CAR TO BMW OF NASHVILLE AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE STEERING COLUMN AND THAT IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. (I'M CURRENTLY WAITING ON THE REPLACEMENT COLUMN TO COME IN AND BE REPLACED) AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ABOUT THE PROBLEM I'VE FOUND THAT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF OTHER Z4 OWNERS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AND BMWNA HAS NOT ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM. I CONTACTED BMWNA MYSELF AND ALTHOUGH THEY DIDN'T ACKNOWLEDGE THERE WAS A PROBLEM, THEY DID OFFER ME A 10% DISCOUNT ON THE $3900.00 REPAIR. I BELIEVE THIS IS A FACTORY DEFECT IN THE CAR AND THAT THEY ALL SHOULD BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED IF THERE HAVEN'T ALREADY BEEN FATAL ACCIDENTS. *TR

Mileage: 80,600

I RECENTLY PURCHASED THE Z4 USED WITH ~60K MILES. AS THE WEATHER HAS WARMED UP IN NJ RECENTLY I HAVE NOTICED THE STEERING BECOME STICKY. THE WARMER IT IS THE MORE PREVALENT THE PROBLEM. WHEN THE STEERING LOCKS IT IS NECESSARY TO JERK THE WHEEL TO BREAK THE LOCK RESULTING IN AN OVER CORRECTION. IT IS DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE CAR CENTERED IN THE LANE AND I'M WORRIED THIS WILL RESULT IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *TR

Mileage: 60,000

IN WARM WEATHER (> 75 DEGS F)STEERING BECOMES STIFF. DIFFICULT TO KEEP CAR ON STRAIGHT TRACK. STEERING WILL NOT SELF-CENTER. SAFETY CONCERN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TR

Mileage: 38,800

MY VEHICLE IS A BMW Z4, 2004 APPROX. 43,000 MILES. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, ONLY OCCASIONALLY AT LOWER SPEED, THE STEERING BINDS WHEN I ATTEMPT TO TURN INTO ANOTHER LANE. THE DEGREE OF BINDING VARIES, I HAVE NOT ENCOUNTERED A POSITIVE LOCK; I ALWAYS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO FORCE THE STEERING FREE TO EXECUTE THE TURN. THE INCIDENT DATE IS MERELY THE MOST RECENT. *TR

Mileage: 42,560

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL STUCK WHEN DRIVING ABOVE 50 MPH. THE FAILURE OCCURRED DAILY IF THE TEMPERATURE WAS ABOVE 65 DEGREES. IT WAS DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE VEHICLE CENTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS AT AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT AND THE DEALER SUGGESTED THAT THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THEY WERE UNAWARE OF THAT PARTICULAR PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 42,500. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 43,000.

Mileage: 42,500

STEERING STICKS, USUALLY DURING WARMER WEATHER, 70 AND ABOVE. *TR

Mileage: 2,000

I HAVE A 2004 BMW Z4 AND IT EXPERIENCES THE SAME 'STICKY' STEERING IN HOT TEMPERATURES THAT ARE DESCRIBED ON THIS FORUM URL HTTP://BIMMER.ROADFLY.COM/BMW/FORUMS/E85/5246978-1.HTML. THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT WHEN IT GETS HOT OUTSIDE, THE STEERING FEELS LIKE IT LOCKS FOR A MOMENT WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. WHILE IT HAS NOT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT, I BELIEVE THAT IT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

Mileage: 20,000

MY 2004 BMW Z4 IS EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING BECOMING STICKY WHEN THE CAR HAS BEEN OUTSIDE IN THE SUN IN SUMMER WEATHER. THE STEERING LOCKS IN A POSITION SUCH THAT IT TAKES EXTRA PRESSURE TO TURN THE WHEEL. WHEN SUFFICIENT PRESSURE IS APPLIED TO BREAK OUT OF THE STICKY POSITION, IT RESULTS IN A SUDDEN JERK IN THE STEERING, LIKE AN OVERCORRECTION. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THIS ISSUE IS EVENTUALLY GOING TO CAUSE A HIGH SPEED ACCIDENT, POSSIBLY A FATALITY. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT; IT IS A WIDELY REPORTED PROBLEM. IF ONE GOOGLES "STICKY STEERING Z4" THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF HITS RETURNED. YET BMW HAS YET TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS PROBLEM.

Mileage: 30,000

BMW Z4 2004 STICKING STEERING. THE STEERING GETS KNOTCHY, STICKY, OR LOCKING WHEN TRYING TO MAKE MICRO-STEERING ADJUSTMENTS WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS(60-70). THE PROBLEM EXISTS WHEN THE AMBIENT OUTSIDE TEMP IS GREATER THAN 60 DEGREES. THE STEERING LOCKS AND HAS TO BE BUDGED TO CHANGE STEERING DIRECITON. IT GETS WORSE WITH HOTTER WEATHER. THIS IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE AND WITH ALL THE OTHER REPORTED CLAIMS OF THE SAME ISSUE, THIS SHOULD BE LOOKED AT FOR A RECALL. BMW DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM TO BEING THE EPS MODULE BEING DEFECTIVE AND SAID THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS A $3400 FIX. THE CAR HAS ~46K MILES. I WOULD NOT EXPECT STEERING TO BREAK WITHIN 46K MILES AND READING OVER OTHER COMPLAINTS THIS IS A MUCH WIDER ISSUE THAN THIS ONE Z4. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE DUE TO THE SAFETY IMPLICATIONS.

Mileage: 46,032

2004 BMW Z4 (E85) 3.0I MANUAL WITH SPORT PACKAGE - STEERING BECOMES SLUGGISH AND HARD TO INITIATE A TURN - ONLY OCCURS AFTER RADIANT HEAT IS APPLIED (IE.....LEFT IN THE SUN FOR AN HOUR) - DOES NOT CHANGE IF SPORT SUSPENSION IS ENGAGED - HUMIDITY IS NOT RELEVANT, ONLY DIRECT SUNLIGHT - GUESS IS A BUSHING/BEARING HEATING UP IN THE RACK ASSEMBLY - HAPPENS DURING SUMMER MONTHS IF LEFT IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT - DIRECTLY RELATED TO AMBIENT TEMPERATURE (80 DEGREES LESS NOTICEABLE THAN 100 DEGREES) - AT 100 DEGREES OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE AND IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT FOR AN HOUR, SOME PEOPLE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AT ALL (SAFETY HAZARD) - DEALER REPORTED SUMMER 2009 AND THEY SAID "SYMPTOMS NOT REPRODUCIBLE" - CONTACTED BMW USA AND THEY MADE A NOTE, BUT ADVISED OF NO RECALL. *TR

Mileage: 45,000

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR THE STEERING STARTS TO LOCK UP AND ITS HARD TO MAKE THE GO IN A STRAIGHT LINE. THE CAR STEERING STICKS LIKE TIRES ARE IN A STRONG GROOVE. TAKES A SIGNIFICANT PULL TO BRING BACK TO CENTER. THIS COULD CAUSE A ACCIDENT DUE TO STEERING DEFECT. *TR

Mileage: 29,200

2004 BMW Z4 PURCHASED BRAND NEW OFF THE SHOWROOM FLOOR. PRACTICALLY FROM THE BEGINNING, NOTICED UNUSUAL HANDLING OF THE STEERING UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES. LIVING IN TAMPA, FL THIS PRESENTS A CONTINUAL PROBLEM. I'VE OWNED Z 3'S AND Z 4'S SINCE 2001. SITTING IN HOT TEMPS, DRIVING WITH HEATER THERMOSTAT ON HIGH, CAUSES THE STEERING TO "NOTCH"....OR STEER ERRATICALLY. PRESENTED THIS TO REEVES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WITH NO RESULTS. SINCE THERE HAVE BEEN NO FIRES, NO ACCIDENTS, NO DEATHS, BMW AND REEVES CHOOSE TO DO NOTHING. I CONCUR WITH THE OTHER 44 "COMPLAINTS" LISTED ON THIS REPORT. APPARENTLY ONE OR TWO HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL. IN LIGHT OF THE TOYOTA SITUATION, BMW NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR DESIGN FLAWS. TO MY KNOWLEDGE THERE HAS BEEN NO CLASS ACTION. I INTEND TO START ONE. *TR

Mileage: 52,000

2004 BMW Z4 PURCHASED USED IN JULY 2009 WITH APPROXIMATELY 69000 MILES. NOTICED IMMEDIATELY THAT WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN TEMPS ABOVE 75 AMBIENT, OR WHEN VEHICLE HAS BEEN SITTING IN SUN FOR EXTENDED PERIODS, STEERING BECOMES VERY "STICKY" OR NOTCHY WHEN MAKING SLIGHT TURNS SUCH AS LANE CHANGES OR SLIGHT CURVES. STEERING SEEMS TO WANT TO STICK WHEREVER THE DRIVER PUTS IT AND NEEDS TO HAVE PRESSURE APPLIED TO BREAK THE POSITION. APPEARS TO BE A COMMON COMPLAINT WITH A BMW KNOWN FIX BEING A COMPLETE REPLACE OF THE STEERING COLUMN. VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THE FIX TOO EXPENSIVE. THIS SEEMS TO ME TO BE A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN AND SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER RECALL REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE. EMAIL SENT WITH BMWNA WAS NEVER RESPONDED TO. *CN

Mileage: 69,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. IT BECOMES DIFFICULT FOR THE CONTACT TO CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN THE WEATHER IS COLD; THEREFORE; HE DOESN'T DRIVE THE VEHICLE DURING THE WINTER MONTHS. THE DEALERS DIAGNOSIS CONFIRMED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT AN ESTIMATE COST OF $3,000. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 52,000.

Mileage: 42,000

STICKY STEERING SIMILAR TO OTHER COMPLAINTS LISTED IN THIS DATABASE. MORE EVIDENT IN HOT WEATHER, BUT HAS BEGUN HAPPENING IN COLD WEATHER. STEERING "STICKS" IN ONE LOCATION MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CHANGE THE CARS TRACK. STEERING DOES NOT RETURN TO CENTER BY ITSELF. A DANGEROUS AND TIRING DRIVING CONDITION. *TR

Mileage: 15,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 45-50 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THE STEERING WHEEL EXHIBITED A NOTCHY SENSATION. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE IN OPERATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS FOR THE IDENTICAL FAILURES. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT OF THE POWER STEERING COLUMN . THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18,000. UPDATED 01/12/10. *LJ UPDATED 01/13/10

Mileage: 8,000

STEERING FEELS "STICKY" SIMILAR TO OTHER REPORTS FILED, PREVIOUS ODI CASE NUMBER 10288772 REPORTED 06/30/09. ON 11 NOVEMBER 09 MILEAGE 82,745, ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING (EPS) FAILED COMPLETELY, WARNING LIGHT ON DASH, CAR STILL DRIVABLE WITHOUT POWER STEERING FOR LIMITED DISTANCE TO DEALER. CAUSE FOUND TO BE CODE 611C3 FAILED EPS UNIT. REPAIR WAS STEERING COLUMN REPLACEMENT & REPROGRAMMING IAW SIB32-06-05. ALL PREVIOUS PROBLEMS ARE GONE, CAR STEERS LIKE BRAND NEW, DIDN'T KNOW WHAT I'D BEEN MISSING. REPAIR COST WAS $50 DEDUCTIBLE UNDER EXTENDED BMW FACTORY WARRANTY, NO IDEA OF ACTUAL RETAIL COST. *TR

Mileage: 82,745

WHILE DRIVING AT APPROX 65 MPH ON INTERSTATE 95 IN SOUTH FLORIDA THE STEERING BOUND, (TIGHTENED) MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN GOOD CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE PERSISTENT IN HOTTER TEMPERATURES WHILE LESS EVIDENT WHEN THE CAR IS COOLER. *TR

Mileage: 16,500

STEERING IS "STICKY" AND HAS MOMENTARY FAILURES WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL AT HIGH OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES (OVER 80F). CONTINUOUS FAILURES AS STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED. DEALERSHIP DENIES KNOWING OF PROBLEM, OR CANNOT DUPLICATE FAILURES. THIS AN EXTREME HAZARD. LUCKILY NO ACCIDENTS YET. *TR

Mileage: 52,000

2004 BMW Z4 CURRENT MILEAGE 81K BOUGHT USED WITH 35K IN 2008. BEGINNING IN SUMMER 2008, STEERING FEELS "STICKY" IN SLOW TURNS TO RIGHT/LEFT SUCH AS ON /OFF RAMP. WITH DIFFERENT TIRES, SYMPTOMS EASED, BUT STILL EVIDENT, ESPECIALLY AT AMBIENT TEMPS 70 DEG F OR ABOVE. AT 71K CAR IN FOR SERVICE INCLUDING THIS COMPLAINT. DEALER NOTED "BINDING/NOISY LOWER COLUMN JOINT" & REPLACED LOWER SECTION OF STEERING COLUMN JOINT "PER SIB 32 03 06", BUT PROBLEM PERSISTS. PROBLEM NOT AS SEVERE AS THAT NOTED IN SOME OTHER COMPLAINTS ON LINE BUT SIMILAR IN PERSISTENCE AND ANNOYANCE. *TR

Mileage: 71,644

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT A NORMAL RATE OF SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL STICKS, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL IN A CORNER. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS. THE LAST INCIDENT NEARLY RESULTED IN A CRASH WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. I NEARLY STRUCK THE GUARDRAIL WHILE THE STEERING WOULD NOT RESPOND PROPERLY. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC, THEY SAID THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG, SAYING THE VEHICLE BEHAVES THIS WAY, BECAUSE IT'S ELECTRONIC STEERING? I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ON THE INTERNET AND MANY Z4 OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS. THIS IS A EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Mileage: 45,000

STEERING OF THE CAR SEEMS TO BIND, THAT IS, AFTER TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO EITHER TO LEFT OR RIGHT, IT DOES NOT RETURN TO CENTER IN A SMOOTH OR LINEAR FASHION, AS IF THE POWER ASSIST IS INCONSISTENT. ALTHOUGH MY CAR HAS NOT BEEN EXAMINED,OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL REPORT THE SAME EXPERIENCE. REPLACING THE EPS UNIT DOES NOT SEEM TO HELP, NOR DOES REPLACEMENT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. THIS INCONSISTENT STEERING RESPONSE COULD BE A SAFETY HAZARD. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED WHEN THE TEMPERATURE WAS OVER 85 DEGREES. IT WAS DIFFICULT TO MAKE RIGHT AND LEFT TURNS AND DRIVE NORMALLY WITHOUT VEERING INTO ANOTHER LANE AND LOOSING STEERING CONTROL. THE DEALER STATED THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED IN THE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY. THE ESTIMATED COST TO REPAIR THE STEERING ASSEMBLY WAS $3,400. THE MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THEY WILL INVESTIGATE AND LET HER KNOW IF THEY WILL ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR COST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,938. UPDATED 10/5/09 *CN UPDATED 10/07/09

Mileage: 62,938

2004 BMW Z4 WITH 26K MILES. WHEN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS INTHE 90S OR ABOVE, THE STEERING, PARTICULARLY ON THE HIGHWAY, DEVELOPS A NOTCHY OR STICKINESS THAT DOES NOT ALLOW YOU TO TRACK STRAIGHT. CAUSES YOU TO JERK THE WHEEL BACK AND FORTH TO MAINTAIN A STRAIGHT OF WAY. THERE ARE MANY OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON THIS COMPONENT FOR 2003-04 MODEL YEARS. INDEPENDENT BMW MECHANIC HAS INSPECTED MY VEHICLE AND STATES THAT THE CONTROL MODULE/ELECTRIC MOTOR/STEERING COLUMN HAS FAILED AND NEEDS REPLACEMENT. HE STATED THAT THERE APPEARS TO BE A TREND ON THIS. *TR

Mileage: 25,000

WHEN AMBIENT TEMPERATURES ARE ABOVE APPROXIMATELY 85 DEGREES, THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING WILL PRODUCE ABNORMAL RESISTANCE REQUIRING CONSIDERABLE FORCE TO RETURN TO CENTER. THIS MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO STEER THE CAR AT HIGH SPEEDS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE REQUIRING FURTHER NHTSA INVESTIGATION. *TR

Mileage: 35,000

2004 BMW Z4 STEERING WHEEL BINDS WHILE DRIVING AFTER THE AUTO HAS SAT IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT FOR SEVERAL HOURS OR THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE IS ABOVE 85 DEGREES. ONCE THE CAR IS ALLOWED TO COOL IN THE SHADE OR THROUGH EXTENDED DRIVING, THE STEERING WILL RETURN TO NORMAL. THIS CONDITION CAUSES THE CAR TO BE UNSAFE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I HAVE REPORTED THIS CONDITION SEVERAL TIMES TO MY LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP. THEY TOLD ME IT COULD BE THE TIRES 'STICKING' TO THE ROAD. THIS CONDITION WARRANTS A RECALL. THE STEERING IS NOT SAFE WHEN IT IS HOT. *TR

Mileage: 16,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. SINCE 2008, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN AND WOULD LOCK UP. THE FAILURE HAS SINCE WORSENED DUE TO THE HOT WEATHER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL AND ADVISED HIM TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 39,000. UPDATED 9/1/09 *CN UPDATED 09/09/09*JB

Mileage: 32,000

WHEN DRIVING THE POWER STEERING GETS HARD LIKE IT WILL GOING LOCK UP WHEN DRIVING. *TR

Mileage: 27,105

2004 BMW Z4-STEERING STICKS OR CATCHES AT CENTER WHEN TURNING WHEEL WHILE CAR IS IN MOTION. CAUSES VEHICLE TO SWERVE. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT. *TR

STEERING ISSUES. *TR

Mileage: 105,000

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON A SUNNY, SUMMER DAY, THE STEERING WHEEL HAS "TENSION" AND "STICKINESS" WHILE TRYING TO ROTATE IT. THIS CAUSES ABRUPT AND IMPRECISE STEERING CORRECTIONS DUE TO THE STICKINESS CAUSING JERKY STEERING. *TR THIS DEFECT MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO RETAIN A STRAIGHT DRIVING PATH, AND MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO STAY WITHIN A LANE ON THE LOCAL ROADS AND HIGHWAYS. THE STEERING ALIGNMENT ALSO BECOMES OUT OF A STRAIGHT LINE, THUS COMING OUT OF "CENTER", AND FURTHER MAKING IT MORE DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN A SAFE DRIVING COURSE.

Mileage: 80,600

MY CAR WAS PARKED IN AN AN AREA THAT WAS NOT IN THE SHADE LOT FOR SEVERAL HOURS. THE AIR TEMP. WAS ABOUT 80. WHEN I DROVE OFF I COULD FEEL THAT THE STEERING WAS NOT REACTING TO MY INPUT AS IT HAD IN THE COOL MORNING. THE STEERING WAS JERKY AND WOULD NOT TRACK AS I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL, BUT LAGGED A FEW MOMENTS. I HAD AN 80 MILE DRIVE WHERE I HAD TO TURN THE WHEEL IN A ZIG-ZAG MANNER TO KEEP THE CAR TRACKING IN THE DIRECTION I WANTED TO GO. WHEN THE CAR COOLED OFF OVERNIGHT THE STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. IT DOES NOT FEEL SAFE. *TR

Mileage: 53,000

AFTER WINTER STORAGE I TOOK MY 2004 BMW Z4 OUT OF STORAGE TO FIND THE STEERING STICKS. AFTER CORNERING, I MUST JERK THE STEERING WHEEL BACK TO CENTER. THIS CAUSED ME TO RUN OFF THE ROAD FOR A BRIEF MOMENT WHILE I GATHERED CONTROL OF THE CAR. THERE WERE NO INJURIES, BUT THAT IS JUST BY LUCK. THE PROBLEM PERSISTS DESPITE HAVING THE CAR AND TIRES CHECKED OUT. THE PROBLEM IS WORSE AT HIGHER AMBIENT TEMPS. *TR

Mileage: 28,000

2004 Z4 - I HAVE EXPERIENCED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS IN WARM WEATHER 70 DEGREES OR MORE WERE MY CAR STEERING LOSES "TENSION". IN OTHER WORDS THE STEERING WILL BECOME LOOSE. WHEN TURNING STEER LEFT OR RIGHT, THE CAR HESITATE TO REACT FOR APPROX. 2 TO 3 SECONDS. IT CONTINUES STRAIGHT UNTIL SECONDS LATER IT WILL "ENGAGE". *TR

Mileage: 60,915

2004 BMW Z-4 , STEERING PROBLEM. FEELS LIKE STEERING LOCKS UP OR BINDS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. FORCE MUST BE APPLIED TO OVERCOME LOCK-UP. IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE CAR SMOOTHLY, CHANGE LANES, PASS OTHER CARS. I PURCHASED THE CAR USED WITH ONLY 21,000 MILES, BUT WARRANTY WAS UP IN 6/2008, PURCHASED IN 8/2008. TOM BUSH BMW OF JACKSONVILLE SAYS CAR NEEDS A STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT AT A COST OF $2575.08 COST TO ME. I FEEL PROBLEM HAS BEEN ON THE CAR SINCE PURCHASED NEW. CAR CAME FROM OFF LEASE IN OHIO AND DRIVEN ONLY LIMITED AMOUNT. STEERING LOCKUP MORE NOTICEABLE ON WARM TO HOT DAYS, WHICH IS WHEN WE DRIVE THE CAR HERE IN FLORIDA. PLEASE OFFER ASSISTANCE. CAR SEEMS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR

Mileage: 21,000

STEERING SYSTEM IS SOMEWHAT NON-RESPONSIVE WHEN WEATHER IS HOT. *TR

Mileage: 53,000

I HAVE A HEAT-RELATED STEERING PROBLEM WITH MY CAR THAT HAS BEEN NOTED ON OTHER BMW Z4S. NORMALLY THE CAR HANDLES QUITE NICELY AND IS VERY RESPONSIVE. HOWEVER, WHENEVER THE CAR HAS BEEN SITTING AT A HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURE (HIGH 80S OR ABOVE), WHEN DRIVEN, THE STEERING WHEEL IS VERY NON-RESPONSIVE-STICKY AND DOESN'T TRACK BACK TO CENTER. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN SINCE SO MUCH FORCE IS REQUIRED ON SUCH A SMALL CAR TO MAKE WHAT SHOULD BE MINOR CORRECTIONS WHILE DRIVING THAT SEVERAL TIMES I'VE ALMOST ENDED TURNING INTO AN ADJACENT LANE ON THE FREEWAY WHILE TRYING TO DRIVE A STRAIGHT LINE. I AM VERY HESITANT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE ON WARM DAYS (WHICH MEANS MOST DAYS HERE IN THE SOUTH) DUE TO MY CONCERNS ABOUT A POSSIBLE ACCIDENT DUE TO THE DEFECT. UNFORTUNATELY I DO NEED TO USE MY CAR. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN KNOWN FOR SEVERAL YEARS AND HAS BEEN REPORTED TO BMW ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. DESPITE THIS, MY DEALER PROFESSES CONFUSION ABOUT WHAT COULD BE HAPPENING AND HAS TOLD ME THAT WHEN THE CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN FOR A TEST RUN (NOT ON THE FREEWAY AND NOT DURING A WARM DAY), IT'S HANDLED FINE. MEANWHILE, I'M LEFT DRIVING WHAT CAN ONLY BE CONSIDERED A DANGEROUSLY DEFECTIVE CAR THAT COULD QUITE EASILY CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WHEN DRIVEN UNDER NORMAL, EVEN CAREFUL, CONDITIONS. *TR

Mileage: 42,000

WHEN AMBIENT TEMPERATURES ARE HIGH (E.G. >85-90F) (COMPOUNDED BY CAR BEING IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT), THE STEERING BECOMES DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. SPECIFICALLY, NORMAL STEERING WHEEL INPUT TRANSLATES INTO ERRATIC, JERKY MOVEMENTS ON THE ROAD. THE STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT RETURN TO CENTER AND THE CAR GENERALLY IS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL (I.E. MAINTAIN A STRAIGHT COURSE, REQUIRING CONSTANT AND EXAGGERATED STEERING WHEEL INPUT). THIS CONDITION IS TRANSIENT (I.E. STEERING RETURNS TO NORMAL WHEN THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE DROPS); HOWEVER, DRIVING WHEN THE STEERING IS COMPROMISED AS DESCRIBED ABOVE IS UNNERVING AND WITHOUT A DOUBT INCREASES THE RISK OF AN ACCIDENT OCCURRING DUE TO A POTENTIAL LOSS OF DRIVER CONTROL (E.G. ON WET ROADS, MULTI-LANE HIGHWAY TRAFFIC). WHEN THIS OCCURRED A SECOND TIME, I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE CAR TO THE BMW DEALERSHIP TO REPORT IT. THE BMW DEALERSHIP SUBSEQUENTLY CONFIRMED THE PROBLEM AS DESCRIBED ABOVE AND DIAGNOSED A FAILED STEERING COLUMN UNIT. BMW NA HAS OFFERED TO PAY FOR 50% OF THE REPAIR WITH THE OTHER 50% BEING OWNER'S RESPONSIBILITY (CAR WAS APPROX. 2.5 MONTHS OUT OF WARRANTY). JUDGING FROM THE PROPORTION OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FILED WITH NHTSA ON THE Z4, THIS ISSUE DOESN'T APPEAR TO BE ISOLATED AND WARRANTS FURTHER INVESTIGATION. *TR

Mileage: 43,000

IN WARM WEATHER ABOUT 75 AND UP STEERING GETS STICKY AND CANNOT CORRECT SMOOTHLY.*TR

Mileage: 50,000

I BOUGHT A BMW Z4 USED IN AUGUST 2007 WITH NO NOTICEABLE PROBLEMS. THIS YEAR (2008), THERE HAVE BEEN A FEW HEAT WAVES IN JUNE AND JULY IN NY AND I NOTICED THAT IF THE CAR SITS OUT IN THE SUN FOR A FEW HOURS, THE STEERING BECOMES STICKY, JERKY AND HARD TO CONTROL. AFTER BEING IN THE SHADE TO COOL DOWN THE STEER BECOMES SMOOTH, CONTROLLED AND NORMAL. I'VE STARTED RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE AND HAVE FOUND MANY ONLINE FORUMS WITH OWNER COMMENTS COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. THERE APPEARS TO BE A FIX FROM BMW BUT MY CAR IS NOW OFF WARRANTY AND WILL ENTAIL ME PAYING FOR THESE REPAIRS OUT OF POCKET. THIS APPEARS TO ME TO BE A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND MANUFACTURERS DEFECT WHICH SHOULD HAVE BEEN FIXED UNDER A RECALL (EITHER MANDATORY OR VOLUNTARY) LONG BEFORE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN '07. I HOPE THE NHTSA IS AWARE OF THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM AND CAN TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION TO HAVE IT CORRECTED BY BMW. THANK YOU. *TR

Mileage: 16,000

I OWN A BMW Z4, AND IT IS MY SECOND ONE I OWN, AND IT HAS A STICKY STEERING COLUMN THAT ACTS UP IN HOT WEATHER, AND IT CREATES FOR VERY UNSAFE STEERING. I HAVE HAD MY ENTIRE STEERING RACK REPLACED IN MY LAST Z4, AND NOW MY SECOND CAR IS DOING THE SAME THING, BUT BMW OF FREMONT CANT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *TR

Mileage: 49,000

UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS AT MODERATE SPEEDS, THE STEERING HAS A TENDENCY TO LOCK UP EITHER TOWARDS THE RIGHT AND LEFT CAUSING THE CAR TO VEER OUT OF THE LANE SPONTANEOUSLY. THERE IS NO RETURN OF THE STEERING WHEEL TO CENTER AND CONSTANT PRESSURE IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION IS REQUIRED TO AVOID COLLISION WITH ADJACENT VEHICLES. THIS OCCURS ON SLIGHT CURVES ON THE ROAD AND OCCASIONALLY ON STRAIGHT ROADS UNDER ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS.

Mileage: 48,800

STEERING PROBLEM AT 45+MPH WITH VEHICLE, STEERING IS VERY STICKY GOING STRAIGHT, CONSTANT CORRECTIONS CAUSE OVER STEERING, STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT RETURN TO NEUTRAL POSITION ON CURVES LEADING TO DANGEROUS CONDITIONS, TESTED TO 75 + MPH, GETS WORSE AT HIGHER SPEEDS OF FREEWAY DRIVING. JUST TOOK POSSESSION OF USED VEHICLE UNDER WARRANTY. *TR

Mileage: 40,300

STEERING STICKS IN HIGH TEMP. *TR

Mileage: 42,954

THE STEERING LOCKS UP IN HOT WEATHER FORCING ME TO OVER COMPENSATE WHEN DRIVING. ONCE THE CAR COOLS DOWN STEERING FEEDBACK RETURNS TO NORMAL. *TR

Mileage: 40

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WITHOUT WARNING. THE STEERING BECAME UNLOCKED AFTER THE STEERING WHEEL WAS PULLED, HOWEVER, IT CAUSED THE CONTACT TO OVER STEER. THE WEATHER WAS 90 DEGREES AT THE TIME OF FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 17,400.

Mileage: 17,400

WHEN THE CAR SITS IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME THE STEERING BECOMES DIFFICULT TO CONTROL WITH NO CENTER BALANCE. THE ONLY WAY TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE IS TO PARK THE CAR IN THE SHADE AND WAIT FOR THE STEERING TO RETURN TO NORMAL. *JB

Mileage: 3,600

WHEN TEMPERATURES ARE ABOVE 80F THE STEERING STICKS AND REQUIRES MORE INPUT TO OVERCOME THE RESISTANCE. ONCE IT OVERCOMES THE RESISTANCE IT OVER CORRECTS SO THAT YOU HAVE A ZIG ZAG DRIVING PATTERN. I WAS TOLD BMW IS AWARE BUT THERE IS NO FIX ALTHOUGH ONLINE MESSAGE BOARDS STATE MANY HAVE HAD THEIR CARS REPAIRED. *NM

Mileage: 26,000

WHILE DRIVING WITH TOP DOWN IN COLD WEATHER WITH HEAT ON HIGH, STEERING BECAME STICKY/NOTCHY. I COULDN'T MAKE SMOOTH STEERING CORRECTIONS, ONLY COURSE ONES. AFTER CAR WAS ALLOWED TO COOL OVERNIGHT, PROBLEM WENT AWAY. *JB

Mileage: 18,000

IN HOT WEATHER OR AFTER VEHICLE HAS BEEN LEFT IN SUN FOR A FEW HOURS STEERING BECOMES STICKY AND JERKY. MUST APPLY EXCESSIVE FORCE AND CONSTANTLY OVERCORRECT TO KEEP CAR ON COURSE. EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO ENTER AND EXIT SLIGHT TURNS, CHANGE LANES, ETC. *JB

Mileage: 13,000

MY BMW Z4 YR. 2004 DURING HOT WEATHER SEEMS TO HAVE A STEERING PROBLEM. YHE STEERING STICKS AND FEEL NOTCHY, ON THE HIGHWAY IT ALMOST CAUSED A ACCIDENT DUE TO TRY ING TO STEER AND OVER COMPINSATING. THANK YOU

Mileage: 5,300

IN VERY HOT HOT WEATHER THE STEERING BECOMES DANGEROUSLY OFF-CENTER.

Mileage: 1,775

PROBLEM: EPS STEERING GETS VERY STICKY AFTER CAR HAS SAT IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT FOR A FEW HOURS. MINOR STEERING CORRECTIONS ARE NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE. PROBLEM CLEARS UP AFTER CAR HAS BEEN GARAGED FOR A COUPLE HOURS AND ALLOWED TO COOL. THIS PROBLEM MAKES THE CAR FEEL VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I AM CONSTANTLY WORRIED IT MIGHT FAIL ENTIRELY AT SOME POINT -- HOPEFULLY NOT WHILE I AM DRIVING IT. PROBLEM WAS FIRST NOTICED AT THE END OF SUMMER LAST YEAR (2004). CAR WAS PURCHASED IN JULY. THIS YEAR, IT HAS BEGUN ALREADY (SINCE MID-APRIL 2005).

Mileage: 1,000