[sali]

I went to a BMW dealership last week to check out X5.

Thankfully I ran into a technical specialist instead of the salesguy. We talked about the steering on the new 5 series. He said BMW has a software fix coming out very soon (even he was unhappy about the steering).

Has anyone heard about the fix?

[Jon D]

That's very encouraging news, I'll discuss it with my dealer next week and let you know what transpires.
Please keep the forum updated as and when you hear any more.

[salamigs]

This is fix for what? Numbness, yanking, grinding? All of the above???

[Jimefam]

I assume he means the numbness. I dont think the grinding is software related.

[sali]

Yes, the numbness. The BMW Tech guy said that the steering was video game like at high speeds.

[grimlock]

Originally Posted by sali

Yes, the numbness. The BMW Tech guy said that the steering was video game like at high speeds.

That's exactly it, it's a miracle I haven't toasted yet in real life.

A pimpled teenager could write a better steering program than whats on the f10 now.

[5tony]

BMW has never been one to fix things that quickly. I have serious doubts that they will have a fix before the summer of 2011. Until they fix it, I'm holding off on buying a new 5.

[Dulles530]

If I'd only known about all the steering issues, I wouldn't have bought one.

Secondly, I am one of the first casualties of the "pulling right" steering.. a month ago the car pulled slightly off the right edge of the road, hitting a large pothole to the tune of $2400 (2 bent rims, 2 damaged runflats). This was at night, and obviously I don't aim for potholes or run off the road deliberately. Now its clear why this happened - before then I had not read all the internet postings about the various steering issues.

I wonder what recourse I have for BMW to reimburse me?

[Jon D]

Spoke with the service manager at my dealer today; he hasn't heard anything yet.
They have a set of 19" wheels for me to try, but my car's still in the garage and I'm not venturing out until the snow clears - I could be in for a long wait!

[Bimmer535xi]

I have a 535xi Oct 9th build. Steering is much better than demo 528i and 535i I previously drove. Steering seemed loose, particularly on center. Didn't notice pull to right but wasn't looking for it.

My steering is firm and not loose. No pull to right. Not sure if because Oct 9th build or 535xi.

I have been told by one BMW factory person I don't have electric steering, but by another I do???

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by Bimmer535xi

I have a 535xi Oct 9th build. Steering is much better than demo 528i and 535i I previously drove. Steering seemed loose, particularly on center. Didn't notice pull to right but wasn't looking for it.

My steering is firm and not loose. No pull to right. Not sure if because Oct 9th build or 535xi.

I have been told by one BMW factory person I don't have electric steering, but by another I do???

As far as I know, the 'x' cars have hydraulic steering and are unaffected by this problem.

[sali]

Interesting about X car steering. Is the handling and fun factor of x-drive cars almost as good as RWD?

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by sali

I went to a BMW dealership last week to check out X5.

Thankfully I ran into a technical specialist instead of the salesguy. We talked about the steering on the new 5 series. He said BMW has a software fix coming out very soon (even he was unhappy about the steering).

Has anyone heard about the fix?

Have you heard anything further on the software fix? My UK service manager still doesn't know anything about it.
Lack of snow permitting, I'm trying a set of dealer loaned 19" wheels next week. However, in the light of your statement that BMW recognise there's a problem, I'm not expecting a dramatic change.

[lawbuz]

I'm not sure how actively BMW wants to administer the software update to remedy the steering issues. Here on the east coast of the U.S., my service guy tells me that a software update is the last resort to the issue, after adjusting tire pressure, rotating tires, and manipulating the struts. The reason is that a software update requires a special tech spec to install (the service center needs to bring in such a specialist), and more importantly, software updates can reveal or cause new problems. This makes sense as you are modifying the original framework of the car.

Does this sound right?

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by lawbuz

I'm not sure how actively BMW wants to administer the software update to remedy the steering issues. Here on the east coast of the U.S., my service guy tells me that a software update is the last resort to the issue, after adjusting tire pressure, rotating tires, and manipulating the struts. The reason is that a software update requires a special tech spec to install (the service center needs to bring in such a specialist), and more importantly, software updates can reveal or cause new problems. This makes sense as you are modifying the original framework of the car.

Does this sound right?

I understand your thinking, but considering that the steering is electric and variable between normal, sport and sport+ modes, it therefore must be controlled by software, which could presumably be reprogrammed.
As to this requiring a visit from a specialist installer - hmmmm, sounds a bit like dealer flim-flam to me!

[Henke77]

Any update on this?
I have the exact same on a 2012 delivery.
We are some which are complaining in Sweden.....

[Kktt]

Hi all,

Does anyone have any update for this? Mine is 2012 535 Xdrive. I really feel the steering is just too loose.

Thanks

[Sharbotcom]

Sorry Kktt, the fix is only for the electric steering. The x-drives are hydraulic.

[vdubturbo]

Do we know if this fix was incorporated into new build vehicles, and if so, starting when?

[jftoha]

So the software fix WAS released for the car with the electric steering? Please clarify.

Thanks,

Originally Posted by Sharbotcom

Sorry Kktt, the fix is only for the electric steering. The x-drives are hydraulic.

[Sharbotcom]

iftoha:

I don't know. I have an x-drive with tight steering so I have not had reason to chase the dealer on this issue.

Bill

[Bimmernerd]

Originally Posted by Kktt

Hi all,

Does anyone have any update for this? Mine is 2012 535 Xdrive. I really feel the steering is just too loose.

Thanks

I have a 530d xDrive, no problem at all with the hydraulic steering. Feels very tight and firm at higher speeds, like it should. I have not heard much about complaints with hydraulic steering...: