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      04-20-2013, 06:02 AM   #1
frashed
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New Steering Rack - New Car!

Hey all,

If you've had a peak in the F20 problems thread, you're probably aware of the issue I've had with knocking from the front of the vehicle.

Good news - the new steering rack has fixed the knock and the car drives completely different. Literally feels like it's on rails now. Turns in very quick and those mid-corner bumps that used to throw it off it's path are completely absorbed. It's difficult to explain, and I wouldn't understand the details that led to the change of steering feel, but the difference is phenomenal.

Now I know why the handling of the F20 is globally celebrated!

One issue though; the steering is now off centre. Car travels straight but wheel is turned ever so slightly to the right. NOT a big issue but it drives me absolutely crazy. I'm in two minds about whether I should take it back to the dealer to fix the 'issue' as they've already performed an alignment and could be seen as a fastidious issue.

Throw it back to the dealer to fix or pay the small price at a good independent wheel/tyre centre?
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      04-20-2013, 09:38 AM   #2
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Take it back. It's not your problem it had an issue and should be perfect....
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      04-20-2013, 09:47 AM   #3
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Glad to hear you got sorted in the end. I had a similar issue with my corsa c many many moons ago, new steering rack and it was fantastic. After installation tho I had the same slight turn to one side. They looked at the steering wheel and told me that if they take it off and put it back on a notch to the left it would sit slanted to the left (they even tried it and it was). The propper resolution was down at the other end of the shaft in the engine bay, which is a lot more work. Could be the same resolution here aswell. I never got my corsa put right but it bugged me for years and people always commented when they drove it. If I was you, I would get it out right, it should come back the way it went in IMO. If this happened to my BMW I couldn't live with it, n would b straight back to the dealership
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      04-20-2013, 04:57 PM   #4
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What kind of problems were you having before the rack was replaced?

My M Sport feels really quite skittish on anything other than perfectly smooth roads. Its also developed a knocking from the front right suspension area and when you rock the wheel side to side at standstill the steering shaft makes a dull knock sound.

Dealer has had a look and said everything is fine but I'm not convinced
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      04-20-2013, 07:08 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by will-w View Post
What kind of problems were you having before the rack was replaced?

My M Sport feels really quite skittish on anything other than perfectly smooth roads. Its also developed a knocking from the front right suspension area and when you rock the wheel side to side at standstill the steering shaft makes a dull knock sound.

Dealer has had a look and said everything is fine but I'm not convinced
Sounds very similar to the issues I was experiencing. Skittish handling and a knock from the front-right. Problems fixed with new Steering Rack. Though the steering does still knock when the car is powered off and you rock the wheel left and right.

I'd say you have the same issue... The dealer tried playing the whole 'it's normal' game with me, but they also notified BMW HQ about the problem, and they were directed to replace the Steering Rack almost immediately.
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      04-20-2013, 07:11 PM   #6
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Also worth noting that I have the Variable Sports Steering.
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      04-20-2013, 07:17 PM   #7
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Is this the stationary knock you're talking about?



Does anyone else have this issue?
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      04-20-2013, 09:31 PM   #8
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do not have my car yet but i don't think that is normal on ANY car.

Certainly in 25+ year driving history I have not come across that or thought it was normal.
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      04-21-2013, 01:24 AM   #9
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The sound on the video is not normal. I don't have that on my car.
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      04-21-2013, 05:31 AM   #10
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Not good...

Do either of you have the Variable Sport Steering?
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      04-21-2013, 05:42 AM   #11
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I made a test to be sure I haven't it. Result is: it does make TAK when the car is turn off. Exactly the same thing as in the video.
I never remarked it before (usually, I start turning the steering wheel when the car is on).
I have the variable steering wheel. So, I guess it is normal.
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      04-21-2013, 02:18 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by frashed View Post
Not good...

Do either of you have the Variable Sport Steering?
Yep

Did your dealer say anything more about the reason behind changing the steering rack?
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      04-22-2013, 06:08 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by will-w View Post
Yep

Did your dealer say anything more about the reason behind changing the steering rack?
Not really... Australian dealers have a tendency to rush you out the door after service. Should have probably forced more of an explanation out of them but oh well.

So you also have the knock I assume?

Needs to be more research in to this... the dealer did show me a bulletin from BMW stating that a 'ticking noise' when turning the wheel is a trait of the electronic steering system. I'll have a further dig...
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      04-18-2016, 06:30 AM   #14
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Just checking in to say my 116i (May 2014) has the same issue. Knocking coming from the front right, usually when turning at slow speeds (car parks), or when hitting bumps in the road (or kerbs when going into my driveway).

Dealer already replaced the right suspension strut, and right tie rod, but neither fixed the problem.
They tried to tell me it was normal but I disagreed. We tried another 116i (with twice the miles mine has) and it proved that mine was far worse, so they ordered a new rack, which should be fitted next week.


The car SHOULD make a knocking when the engine isn't running if the steering wheel is rocked left and right, but when the engine is started the knocking should subside.
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      04-18-2016, 06:38 AM   #15
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Charliemike, which steering does the 116i have? There are three types. Regular, with servotronic, and the extra unlinear type.
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      04-18-2016, 08:24 AM   #16
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Sorry, I don't know.
Any idea how to find out?
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      04-18-2016, 08:28 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by charliemike View Post
Sorry, I don't know.
Any idea how to find out?
I guess a VIN decoder can tell you what options you have.
http://www.bimmer.work/
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      04-18-2016, 10:05 AM   #18
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That website doesn't appear to be working at the moment. Tried Explorer and Chrome and it says "Something went wrong, please try again."

I'll try later and reply if it works.
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      04-18-2016, 10:18 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by charliemike View Post
That website doesn't appear to be working at the moment. Tried Explorer and Chrome and it says "Something went wrong, please try again."

I'll try later and reply if it works.
It works fine with the last seven digits of my VIN.
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      04-18-2016, 10:41 AM   #20
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Ok it's working for me now.


I see "216 Servotronic" listed.
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      04-18-2016, 12:17 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by charliemike View Post
The car SHOULD make a knocking when the engine isn't running if the steering wheel is rocked left and right
Should you do that at all? The rule "never turn the steering wheel when the car is stationary" is missing in the manual, but is it really forgotten (or never known)? I couldn't even tell you when the steering gets locked, honestly: upon the engine or ignition switch off.

Quote:
Originally Posted by charliemike View Post
when the engine is started the knocking should subside.
A loud music should help, too.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ovekvam View Post
Charliemike, which steering does the 116i have? There are three types. Regular, with servotronic, and the extra unlinear type.
You knew it was Servotronic (included with the Variable Sport Steering, "the extra unlinear type", as well) - the issue has been reported/discussed quite a few times here.
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      04-18-2016, 12:39 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by No one View Post
You knew it was Servotronic (included with the Variable Sport Steering, "the extra unlinear type", as well) - the issue has been reported/discussed quite a few times here.
I was suspecting that. It never seems to be an issue with the regular steering.
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