550 Noise While Steering

Hi everyone,
I have an '06 550, and while driving, I realized that when I make a suddent right turn at low speed (trying to turn into parking space etc.) I hear a high pitch squeak sound. Did a brief search, and didn't see this being discussed. Does anyone else have the same problem? Think I also had this problem with my '00 323i (but it was left turn on the 323)

Originally Posted by shihwei

Hi everyone,
I have an '06 550, and while driving, I realized that when I make a suddent right turn at low speed (trying to turn into parking space etc.) I hear a high pitch squeak sound. Did a brief search, and didn't see this being discussed. Does anyone else have the same problem? Think I also had this problem with my '00 323i (but it was left turn on the 323)

i have a sudden "clunk" sound when i am making sudden right turns into parking spaces also on my 04 545i they told me one time in for service. "could not be reproduced and maybe was low power steering fluid and topped if off". it still does it very frequently at low speed sudden turns.

Originally Posted by bmwfanwashdc

i have a sudden "clunk" sound when i am making sudden right turns into parking spaces also on my 04 545i they told me one time in for service. "could not be reproduced and maybe was low power steering fluid and topped if off". it still does it very frequently at low speed sudden turns.

I have an 04 545 sport and have the exact same issue. I assumed it had something to do with either the active steering or suspension or something. It also sort of makes my steering wheel feel funny/bumpy/jerky when it happens. It is only in parking lots at low speed and does not happen every time.

Originally Posted by 1Esquire

I have an 04 545 sport and have the exact same issue. I assumed it had something to do with either the active steering or suspension or something. It also sort of makes my steering wheel feel funny/bumpy/jerky when it happens. It is only in parking lots at low speed and does not happen every time.

I have the same issue w/ the o4 545 w/ active steering. I brought the car in and talked to my SA. I took him for a drive to reproduce it because BMW techs have a hard time ever duplicating the noises the owner speaks of. He did acknowledge the thunk when you load the suspension up on turn in. From what I have gathered from the Tech is that is the A/S engaging/disengaging changing the ratios. I did have my A/S completely replaced because of a complete failure(techs words and not because of the thunk) and the thunk was still there.

Originally Posted by shihwei

Hi everyone,
I have an '06 550, and while driving, I realized that when I make a suddent right turn at low speed (trying to turn into parking space etc.) I hear a high pitch squeak sound. Did a brief search, and didn't see this being discussed. Does anyone else have the same problem? Think I also had this problem with my '00 323i (but it was left turn on the 323)

Wow, I thought it was just me, I have the same problem, but not all the time, right? It's more like a medium-pitched squeak as the steering wheel is being turned. It is not reproducable and that's why I haven't brought it in to have it looked at. Can you "make" yours squeak or is it just once in a while? Mine's a 2007 550i Sport with 8K miles.

i cant really reproduce it, it just kind of happens... seems like it happens more often when the car hasn't been driven in a while though, or maybe i'm just carzy? any idea what it might be anyone?

I did a search and only found this thread. Appreciate it if anyone can help.

It has happened a few times, not on demand, that when I left turn into a parking space, before applying the brake, there is a screeching noise like scratching on rubber?

What is the problem?

My electronic tilt on my 6 series goes thump, thump, thump when it moves up or down.

Works just annoying.

Originally Posted by MSAMMY

Wow, I thought it was just me, I have the same problem, but not all the time, right? It's more like a medium-pitched squeak as the steering wheel is being turned. It is not reproducable and that's why I haven't brought it in to have it looked at. Can you "make" yours squeak or is it just once in a while? Mine's a 2007 550i Sport with 8K miles.

I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. MINE IS A 545i, 2005. THE SAME NOISE HAS BEEN OCCURING FOR THE LAST FOUR MONTHS. I HAVE TOLD MY SERVICE REP OF THE PROBLEM, BUT, THEY CANNOT REPRODUCE THE SOUND. MANY FRIENDS AND MY WIFE HAVE HEARD THE SOUND. IT ONLY OCCURS WHILE TURNING INTO A PRAKING STALL OR THE TURNING INTO THE GARAGE. IT SOUNDS LIKE METAL GRINDING ON METAL.

Originally Posted by mpcajin

I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. MINE IS A 545i, 2005. THE SAME NOISE HAS BEEN OCCURING FOR THE LAST FOUR MONTHS. I HAVE TOLD MY SERVICE REP OF THE PROBLEM, BUT, THEY CANNOT REPRODUCE THE SOUND. MANY FRIENDS AND MY WIFE HAVE HEARD THE SOUND. IT ONLY OCCURS WHILE TURNING INTO A PRAKING STALL OR THE TURNING INTO THE GARAGE. IT SOUNDS LIKE METAL GRINDING ON METAL.

Exactly my problem, only when turning sharply into a parking space or on my L-shaped driveway into my garage at slow speed. I can even feel a slight vibration through the steering wheel when the noise occurs. I'm definitely going to report it to my SA on my next appointment since it appears to be getting louder than when it first started - obviously it's not getting better or going away.

By the way, Welcome to the Fest!

Could the problem be that during a low speed turn with your foot on the brake and the a/c on and the pwr steering pump working hard (hence turning into a spot) that the engine is dragging down to such a low rpm due to all the conditional loads (a/c, turning sharply, foot on the brake etc.) that the engine almost attempts to stall and the result is that the pwr steering pump squeals slightly and causes a sensation in the steering wheel itself due to momentary loss of hydro pressure. The computer/ecu/dme (whatever you want to call it) corrects the low idle in time to not let the engine stall but the result is the squeal/thump in steering wheel?
Just a thought
TJ

I'll join the fray. My 07 550i makes the noise too. And it doesn't matter whether I turn left or right. I would agree mine is more of a grinding sound or as if someone poured sand into the steering column. I was reading around here somewhere last night about this and somebody suggested the best case scenario is that the rack needs lube. Worst case is a new rack...

The same thing happened to my 07 550i, too.

Same issue here on a 2008 550i M Sport 20k miles

I just started to notice the same thing on my '07 550....only has happened a few times like when I'm turning to pull into a parking space. I can't tell if it's the brakes or something else.

I picked up my 08 550i on Monday. I have had the same thing happen a couple times when turning right at very low speeds. I haven't been able to reproduce so I will just keep listening for it and if it continues maybe contact my CA.

Originally Posted by Bitz

I picked up my 08 550i on Monday. I have had the same thing happen a couple times when turning right at very low speeds. I haven't been able to reproduce so I will just keep listening for it and if it continues maybe contact my CA.

Wow. Looks like you may be able to "reproduce" it with a car so new. I am really curious what's the cause.

Originally Posted by M550

Wow. Looks like you may be able to "reproduce" it with a car so new. I am really curious what's the cause.

My guess all the strange noises are caused by Active Steering.

Anyone with A/S have the noise?

Originally Posted by sdbrandon

My guess all the strange noises are caused by Active Steering.

Anyone with A/S have the noise?

I don't have A/S and still have the same noise on occasion.

Originally Posted by sdbrandon

My guess all the strange noises are caused by Active Steering.

Anyone with A/S have the noise?

No active steering.

I also have had that happen at times when making low speed turns. It does not happen consistently so I will just keep listening for it to see if it becomes an issue.

LMAO i thought I was hearing things. BMW has a problem here. I get it mainly when turning sharp left into a parking spot. I do have A/S.

Mine is turning sharp right. No active steering. Occurs only when outside temp is 65F or lower. If anyone gets BMW to diagnose, please post.

Yes - I have this problem too....'07 550i, it makes a low-pitched whine when turning sharply at low speeds, like when turning into a parking space. Doesn't do it always, just occasionally. I have asked the Dealer about it but it did not duplicate for them and I haven't remembered to fill out the form they gave me to help them diagnose next time. If anyone finds the cause I would be interested to know what to tell them. Thanks

I have a 08 550i and have the same problem turning right into a parking slot at a slow speed. I took it to the dealer, tried several times to show them the problem, finally got a small low pitch squeel, they said they would check the steering fluid, said it was all fine and that was it. I still have the problem.

I noticed the same issue on my brother 04 545i.

How do we fix this?