F30 330i Msport 2015 power steering failure

[raptor8]

Hi all. Hoping I could get some help. Today the power steering failed and message displayed 'Increased Steering Effort'. Unable to use the car which is very frustrating. Only low mileage at 17000 and well looked after. Yesterday the front bumper got caught on a curb and left side pulled out breaking clips and leaving gap between bumper and underneath, I didnt realise until today the bumper had pulled away, and its been raining heavily. Im wondering if this could be related? Does anyone know where the steering sensor would be located? thanks in advance

[Greydog]

Morning Jim

That will build your muscles up !! I don't have electric power steering but being logical the steering rack is mounted low down at the front so I would say your bumper issue and the lack of steering input are quite probably related.

I would check underneath to see if any connectors have been damaged or pulled out. Your rack will have a small electrically driven pump built in when you turn the wheel the pump is triggered and provides assistance. Have a look at www.realoem.com put the last 7 digits of your Vin in the search box it will bring up your model then look in the steering file. You can also look at www.newtis.info (I just did) There is an electrical connector there that may well have been knocked or damaged.

Fingers crossed it is that simple and a few fixing screws and expanding plastic rivets for the trim underneath and you will be OK

Dave

[raptor8]

Thanks for your reply.. well I went to a BMW specialist today and they plugged in their machine and read the errors and say that the Steering Angle Sensor is faulty and needs a new one.. No idea if this is correct or not and how the two could be linked.

[Greydog]

Hi Jim

Is the power steering back or are you able to drive without it? 

Looking at www.newtis.info I can see a steering torque sensor but no steering angle sensor? Looking at the drawings there are 3 connectors that are plugged into the back of the EPS (electronic Power Steering) 1 small and 2 larger connectors I still think one of these has been pulled off or damaged. The small connector from the diagrams seems to be connected to the steering torque sensor. Have a look at the attached picture from Newtis connectors 1 & 2 can be safely unplugged but if 3 is unplugged it seems the rack has to be re-calibrated.

So did they put it on a ramp and take off the under guard and check? Or did they just plug in and give the diagnostic? If the steering torque sensor is disconnected it would show as a fault but not necessarily be faulty. 

I would be checking myself before trusting someone who may tell me it needs changing at £xxx when all it needs is plugging back in or maybe an electrical connection repair.

I hope the information helps

Dave

Structure and inner electrical connection

Depending on the series, the steering-torque sensor is connected via a plug connection or a direct connection to the EPS control unit. The EPS control unit also provides the earth connection for the steering-torque sensor.

Depending on the model series, the plug connection has 6 pins (2 pins assigned) or 5 pins (5 pins or 3 pins assigned). The current pin assignment is located in the wiring diagrams in the ISTA diagnosis system.

[raptor8]

Many thanks for your response. Its not back no and it can be driven but is very difficult to turn the wheel. No they didnt check on a ramp, just plugged in diagnostics tool and said its the Steering Angle Sensor at fault. They were unable to comunicate with it apparently. Im not sure where these cables are located to check... Any help would be really welcome. Thankyou.

[Greydog]

Morning Jim

The black and grey unit in the picture is your power steering pump (Electronic Power Steering or EPS) it is part of your steering rack (viewed from the front underneath of your car.Under the front of your car there is a splash guard that is attached to your front bumper and the engine sub frame it is held on with screws and plastic clips. Once that is out of the way you will see the EPS and the plugs the small plug (2) is the plug that connects to the steering torque sensor, 

I don't have a 3 series I have taken this information from the websites I have given you but it still seems logical that one of these plugs has been dislodged or is damaged after your kerb incident.

Dave