Steering noise with grinding sensation.

Originally Posted by solstice

Thanks biggerkahuna, is your foremans initials MV? I suspect we use the same dealer and the fact that my car did not have this issue prior to my ars valve block and pump was replaced should be helpful to their analyses. It sure will help my case that there is another car with the same issue at my dealer so thanks for posting!

Hey Solstice,

Yup, MV is the tech foreman I've been working with. By any chance, were you the one that picked up the dark grey 550i back in August?

So here's the latest update, the part didn't come in today. I'm guessing that this is a growing issue and everyone's trying to order the same replacement part. They told me it's looking like a 6-7 day wait time to get the part, install it, and test things out. They said I could come in and take my car back in the meantime but it's been kind of fun driving around the 335i with x-drive. It's a smaller cabin but the AWD is kind of fun.

I'll continue to provide updates as they become available. Good luck everyone!

"By any chance, were you the one that picked up the dark grey 550i back in August?"
Nope, that wasn't me, I picked up mine at the Welt in July.

My dealer told me that they have contacted BMW and no widespread problems have been reported to date that match ours. I referred him to our thread, verbally leading him to the exact internet location as we spoke on the phone. The number of affected cars is growing!

I find it so frustrating that these dealerships or BMW have not heard about this growing issue. You would think that someone from Corporate would be monitoring these forums to get customer feedback. Not what I expected from such a superior vehicle manufacturer.

Would a suggestion be in order that we call make calls tomorrow to BMW Customer Service tomorrow and make the issue known?? Or is this tactic worthless?

Actually, I have already done so. I would encourage you to do so a well.

I agree everyone please call BMW about this issue because they need to realize that this is a widespread problem. This is obviously not a one or two car problem so they certainly should not try to makes us feel like this is some type of surprise to them that this issue is occurring.

Well I picked up my 550i about 15 hours ago here at the welt, car looked beautiful and everything was just as i'd ordered it. Delivery specialist explained everything and I hurriedly shook my head as my delivery time was 11AM and I wanted to make the factory tour at 11:30. I turn on the car do the victory lap then proceed down the ramp to the gate that automatically opens up so I can drop off the car with the Valet and make the tour. As I get out I have to make a right hand turn to the valet and guess what! I'm grinning like a fool when i turn the wheel and feel the grinding! it was so noticeable that the valet standing there asked me about it when I got out of the car. I calmly told him the steering was damaged and he was looking at me like I was crazy! Did the tour and then went up to the premier lounge and told the person who had checked me in. They offered to look at the car but I turned it down as I would have been without the car for the day. As was already aware of the issue and prepared mentally that if it had it it would be taken care of at the VPC. Moral of the story yes this is a prevalent issue and iäm sure bmw is rapidly looking it this. After the day at Welt I took to the highway and had no issue with pulling to the right or any other things. Car is awesome although the steering is definitely lacking. I thought with all the excitement of it being my car and being on the autobahn with it i'd forget the steering. Nope its pretty numb but i guess i'll get used to it. Thought I would report in as its 4:17 am here I havent slept in 38 hours and I'm WIDE awake!

Jim-

Congrats on the new car and the Welt delivery! I am sorry that you car seems to have this flaw. Though I am glad you knew about it ahead of time. I just don't see how BMW quality control has missed this so many times and has yet to at least put something out to dealers about the mass reported issue.

Are you taking your new car back while there for them to look at? Enjoy the car and your trip to Germany

I have a week 37 build 535xi which was delivered to NJ. I do not have any of the sport packages, nor do I have any option that changes the standard suspension, transmission, etc. My F10 does not pull to the right and the steering is also very responsive. Also, I do not have the grinding noise reported by others.

CRMESQ, I don't think you need to worry since you do not have DHP. Only DHP cars has been reported to have this issue. Currently it is ARS ( part of DHP ) that is the main suspect.

jimefam, I'm sorry to hear that you are another victim of this issue and that brand new builds still has the problem. It worries me since it shows that the solution is not found. If it was they would not deliver new cars with this problem. It's not surprising though since we haven't heard of a successfully fixed car yet. Anyway try to fully enjoy your ED and make sure they fix it at VDC prior to re-delivery. Driving around with it at home is a drag,my wife refuses to drive our car and I honestly do not enjoy driving it since it feels broken.

Hey guys...I've had the 550ix for three weeks...same issues with the grinding. Took it in twice and service said they could not reproduce. I pointed them to this thread and talked with them yesterday. They said that they are now aware of it, but not sure what to do. They said it could be the hydraulic valve or something like that, but did not have confirmation of the fix. I told them that once they know of the fix, call me and I will bring it in...didn't want to be without it for the next couple of weeks. This is frustrating because they had to take me out of a 535xi early because of all of the fuel system issues. The last two BMW's have been difficult. Gotta say, though, I love this car but for the steering issue. If anyone with grinding gets it fixed for sure, post a thread so we can tell our advisors. Thanks.

Hi Guys,

I'm new to the forum...Picked my 550xi M Sport up from the dealership this past Saturday morning - it's absolutely beautiful and I hope to put up some pics soon.

Anyway, The CA was in the car with me for a little maiden voyage spin (at her recommendation), and wouldn't you know it, as we pulled away sharply from the curb - the grinding sound you've all been describing coupled with a small vibration occured.

It happend once again on that initial drive, though honestly, I have not heard it or any abnormal sound or feeling since. Luckily for me (us) the CA was in the car with me and clearly heard the noise and felt the vibrations as well. She notified both BMW and the Service department at the dealership. She also called me this morning to check in, but as I mentioned, nothing to report.

Will keep you all posted.

NB

Originally Posted by Nelquan

Hi Guys,

I'm new to the forum...Picked my 550xi M Sport up from the dealership this past Saturday morning - it's absolutely beautiful and I hope to put up some pics soon.

Anyway, The CA was in the car with me for a little maiden voyage spin (at her recommendation), and wouldn't you know it, as we pulled away sharply from the curb - the grinding sound you've all been describing coupled with a small vibration occured.

It happend once again on that initial drive, though honestly, I have not heard it or any abnormal sound or feeling since. Luckily for me (us) the CA was in the car with me and clearly heard the noise and felt the vibrations as well. She notified both BMW and the Service department at the dealership. She also called me this morning to check in, but as I mentioned, nothing to report.

Will keep you all posted.

NB

Just curious - what dealership? And where are the pics? Let's see the rear end. Haven't seen much of that exhaust on the 550 M sport.

Good luck w the car!!!

Ray Catena, BMW of Westchester. I know...I have to get the pics done asap!! Btw...went with the Black "performance " grille on the front - huge difference...looks much more aggressive.

Originally Posted by Nelquan

Ray Catena, BMW of Westchester. I know...I have to get the pics done asap!! Btw...went with the Black "performance " grille on the front - huge difference...looks much more aggressive.

Where did you buy the grill, from the dealership? How much? My 550iX M Sport arrives in a few weeks. Nervous about the handling though. And now of course the noise you've mentioned.

Got it from the dealership (they ordered, received and installed it within 3 days before my pick-up)...think it was around $150 + labor. Again, haven't heard the sound or felt vibrations since Saturday so keeping my fingers crossed. Outside of that "incident," the car drives great. I havent seen another M Sport in the NY area at all...Mine was the first delivered to that dealership and people were all over in the lot. You're gonna love it.

Is there anyone here who has taken delivery of a dhp equipped F10 in November or late October who do not have this issue?
I left my car at the dealer for the 2nd time for this issue today.

Originally Posted by solstice

Is there anyone here who has taken delivery of a dhp equipped F10 in November or late October who do not have this issue?
I left my car at the dealer for the 2nd time for this issue today.

Didn't the tech take yours home the other day and verify he heard/felt it?

Originally Posted by markl53

Didn't the tech take yours home the other day and verify he heard/felt it?

No that was biggerkahuna. He is further along the process waiting for a new valve block ( He is at the same dealer as me ). I had to wait about a week for a loaner to become available which is today.

Brought my 550ix into dealership this morning for the 3rd time regarding the grinding sound. They, once again, were unable to replicate the problem. Not quite sure what to do next if they can't her what happens when I dive it.

All,

Quick update. I'm in Cincy and the temperature dropped about 30 degrees over the past day to about 35 degrees in the morning. The grinding is now really noticeable at nearly every turn, even at higher speeds. It seems to be a problem that gets worse over time (I now have about 700 miles on car) and with the weather. Called BMW Customer Service today to report the problem. I will let you know when I hear from them or the dealer.

Originally Posted by solstice

No that was biggerkahuna. He is further along the process waiting for a new valve block ( He is at the same dealer as me ). I had to wait about a week for a loaner to become available which is today.

Solstice, any luck yesterday while your car was in service?

Originally Posted by x5 '08

Solstice, any luck yesterday while your car was in service?

Not yet, which is expected. The dealer told me that it will take a while ( many days ) when I dropped the car off. I think they want to reproduce and then analyze and compare with the experience/data from biggerkahuna's 550. I would be pleasantly surprised if I have it fixed within 2 weeks. I'll let you know as soon as I hear of any progress.

Below is the response I received this morning from the Service rep @ the dealership pertaining to the steering/grinding issue:

"Not sure about weather. We drove the car today, noise was there after driving 20 minutes. We put the vehicle in the air and checked underneath. There was a small rub spot on the fuel tank. We adjusted the metal line and put a rubber insulater on it and drove again. No noise this time. We will try again in am."

I will keep everyone posted when I hear back from them tomorrow morning. Something tells me, though, that the problem still exists.