Fat Tony

Hi, I have an 07 E92 M Sport diesel. I also have the 19" run flat tyres which cost approximately £250 per corner (I know this as I had to buy one last week). They last quite well but allot of people change all 4 to none-run flat and take the risk. Apparently the ride is better. I haven't done this so cant advise. I've done approx 10k on my run flats and they hardly look worn, loads of life left in them. An interim service would be in the order of £220 from a main dealer. (This is how much it costs from my local dealer) I'm not sure how much a main service would cost but I would expect it to be in the order of £450+. Service and repair costs aside they are a brilliant car and fuel efficiency is as good as most cars out there. I wouldn't swap mine for anything (apart from a newer one)!! Hope that helps.

Thanks for the responses. A friend of mine replaced the rack, he is a mechanic at Sytner BMW in Birmingham and I was present when the rack was replaced. The steering wheel was not removed, the only slightly associated item was the column was disconnected from the rack but all of this is done from under the car obviously. I am at a loss as to the problem. If a fuse then does anyone know which one? If its the multiplug then where is this located and what actually is it? Thanks in advance

A bit of a strange one this, I've recently had the steering rack replaced on my E92 with one off an accident damaged car. After having the alignment done all appeared to be fine until I realised the buttons on the steering wheel have stopped working (phone, radio, volume etc). Not even lighting up when you put the head lights on which means zero power although the horn does work. Surely this cant be related to the replaced rack can it? I cant see why it would be, the coincidence of something else breaking at the time of the rack being replaced is ridiculous. Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers for the advice people. Bought a rack of an accident damaged and all appears to be sound apart from one issue which I will start a new thread for. Thanks

I was thinking recon rack but have heard there may be programming issues. Is this correct or will any e92 rack work on any e92? Cheers

Ok, I've had the problem with my rack diagnosed. Apparently it's the pinion!?! Anyway my questions are 1. Can the rack be taken out and repaired and if so where that is local to the West Midlands? 2. Main dealer want silly money for a new rack fitted. So is there an independent specialist that can do the dame job for less? Many thanks

Yeah had a look on ebay also but have been told by 'specialists' that it is impossible to fit a 2nd hand steering rack due to programming etc??? I don't know how true that is but have been told the same from several people. I'm going to ask main dealer for break down of the price. As far as I am aware a new rack is £1200 so in excess of £2k to fit is ridiculous.

My steering was making a creaking/cracking noise when turning right at slow speeds so I decided to take my car in to BMW Sytner Birmingham. After diagnosis they said the rack is seizing and recommended replacement. After picking myself up off the floor I asked the service gent to repeat the quote for repair again. I heard right first time.........£3400!! My question is does this seem excessive? Can it be done cheaper elsewhere? Are there any other options? Cheers Tony

I took my 2007 E92 to BMW Sytner Birmingham about 6 weeks back. They told me at the time that they wont be getting the software in for approx 8 weeks (end of October). I left my details and was informed they will call when ready. I'm not so sure this will happen so will be popping back in again next week. They did inform me the upgrade would be free which was too be expected. This came out in the papers only a few days after buying my car and what makes it worse, the thefts were taking place about 5 miles from where I live in Sutton Coldfield!!!

Hi Alex, I have unfortunately already purchased new grilles now from BMW. I do still have the old black ones though that I took off the car. They are in very good condition and are now on eBay, if your interested the eBay item number is150904935990. Cheers, Tony

Hi all, picking up my 2007 M Sport coupe tomorrow and its got a black kidney grille fitted. Id like to put this back to original so as long as I can get it off the car without breaking it would anyone be interested in a swap? Cheers all.