F30 328i Electric Power Steering Headache

[ziadtn]

Hello everyone,

I recently bought a 2012 328i. Car has 50000 miles and is generally in like new condition. I am facing a new problem that no one seems to have posted about or others have posted about but the problem was fixed by the dealer who told them it was a programming issue!

A few days ago I turn the car on and start turning the wheels and BAM! No more power steering. While stationary the steering wheel is extremely heavy but once rolling the car becomes driveable. I took the car to a mechanic who disassembled the steering rack and separated the electric actuator.

Turns out there is a small rubber belt that connects the rack to the electric actuator that broke. I asked the dealer for a replacement and they said that they only sell the steering rack as a whole for $$$$$$!!!! Online catalogue also show the system as one whole peice! This belt does not have a separate part number.

IMG-20170211-WA0001.jpg

Anyone else had this problem and found a replacement belt?

[Hallen00]

I feel your pain. I had a similar thing happen with a relay on the electric cooling fan for my old E46. Couldn't get the relay. Had to buy the full fan assembly.

Have you considered calling ZF directly? They might actually have that part available since they make the assembly. I have had some luck in the past getting them to respond to situations like this.

I suspect that BMW doesn't have the part because it's not something they ever expect to fail. If it does, they probably send it back to ZF for credit.

[KOTULCN]

The dealer just replaced the steering rack on my '12 328i under CPO warranty. While I'm sure an Indy could save you some money the cost to replace this part is still $$$. Here's what it would have cost if customer pay.

[TwoThumber]

The dealer just replaced the steering rack on my '12 328i under CPO warranty. While I'm sure an Indy could save you some money the cost to replace this part is still $$$. Here's what it would have cost if customer pay.

Oh my Gosh, That's scary. Maybe I better stay off these forums. I'm going to have nightmares about that total tonight.

[TwoThumber]

The part is referred to as 32106883264
The best price I Could Find for the part was $1712.50 at Parts.com https://www.parts.com/index.cfm?fuse...port-GEAR-ASSY
You might try to buy used at part request.com but you have to request the part, they didn't have it posted.