06 530d Active Steering Failed with smoke

I am trying to figure out what happened and what I will have to fix my Active Steering

I was pulling a U turn at full lock right, when I tried to straighten up I couldn't almost ran up the gutter. The steering felt like it was locked

When I stopped I noticed a cloud of brown smoke come from under the bonnet/ car
I then got a message on the screen saying charging fault. a few seconds later the steering freed up and then I get a message saying active steering fault.

I turned the car off and back on, I am not getting any error messages but the steering does not feel right especially when you start to get close to full lock.

I am guessing the electric motor burned out hence the smoke and the charging fault caused by the huge current draw from the motor burning out.

Can anyone shed some light, This is a very dangerous fault having the steering lock up like it did, luckily I wasn't going very fast and was able to stop.

Thanks Ash

Originally Posted by moggie707

...
I then got a message on the screen saying charging fault. a few seconds later the steering freed up and then I get a message saying active steering fault.
...

Did you open the bonnet and check? Look at the drive belt, possibly that drive belt broke. For your car's engine, I am not sure if you have one belt or 2 belts. Very likely the belt that runs the alternator [along with other accessories] must've broken.

Originally Posted by pcy

Did you open the bonnet and check? Look at the drive belt, possibly that drive belt broke. For your car's engine, I am not sure if you have one belt or 2 belts. Very likely the belt that runs the alternator [along with other accessories] must've broken.

Yes I checked that, There is no charge fault or steering fault in the idrive now, But when I start the car and move the steering wheel now it doesn't feel right and I can start to smell the burning smell again.

When the car is off and I move the steering wheel lock to lock about 3/4 of a rotation in each direction from center the front wheels only turn a little bit is this normal?

I'm not an expert but sounds like your power steering rack is toast, check your fluid level, belts, pump and hose's
I wouldn't drive it at this point if you are getting very little movement in the wheels when trying to steer, That is not normal.

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Bimmer App

I'd start with the steering rack, but would also be concerned about the power steering pump.

Unfortunately, both of these items are a fairly big ticket to replace. I thought my pump was going, but it turned out to be a loose belt so here's a link to the pump I was about to buy.

Might want to double check fitment for your exact car, but this is the pump for the M54 530i WITH active steering AND WITHOUT dynamic drive.

http://www.autopartswarehous3.com/sk...n+%26+Steering
replace the 3 with an "e" above to get the link to work

Its re-manufactured, but only 1/2 the price of what a dealer would charge you.

As for the steering rack itself - of course you'll need the more expensive one that accommodates active steering. I believe you can find those re-manufactured for low $1000s.

You could probably do the pump yourself with the right guide if you have the tools and are mechanically inclined, but replacing the rack is a bit more involved.

Well I did some more investigation today, found that the harmonic balancer is stuffed. Everything looks fine untill you get some load on it, then all the pulleys stop turning and smoke starts pouring out of the balancer.
Thanks everyone for your replies.