"Steering Response Affected"

"Steering Response Affected" was the message I got on my console this morning when I backed my 2012 X3 i28 out and thought I was going to go exercise. The steering wheel was almost impossible to turn and was all but useless. I strained to turn the steering wheel so that I could drive the car to a place that was easier for the tow truck to load up. I have 7,626 miles on it.

Has anyone else had this problem and what was the outcome?

I suppose the only good thing is that I was at home and not out on the road.

Also, I wonder if this can happen when the car is moving?

That sounds like power steering pump issue. Really heavy steering wheel is one tale2 sign of the (electric) power steering is not assisting/operating.

Originally Posted by Sugarrushbmw

That sounds like power steering pump issue. Really heavy steering wheel is one tale2 sign of the (electric) power steering is not assisting/operating.

Will post the outcome.

Found this for reference which also contains some additional links:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=592642

When that happens the best strategy is shut the car down and restart it. For me it has always gone away on my BMW's.

Originally Posted by pharding

When that happens the best strategy is shut the car down and restart it. For me it has always gone away on my BMW's.

Thanks for the reply, but that did not help. It was restarted several times and the steering stayed screwed up.