steering angle -- HELP PLEASE

[mojo719]

So after a month at an Indy getting my X5 all fixed up after an over advanced timing issue and control arm problems... I drive the car home and the DSC/ABS/BRAKE lights go off.

The car is a 2000 X5 4.4i automatic with the sport package. I've had the car for about 10,000 miles and never had these show up. The Indy read a steering angle implausible and right rear speed sensor fault on the GT1 but once he reset all the codes and drove the car around for about 60 miles and it never popped up for him. I was never aware there was a problem with the steering angle or speed sensor till he saw them on his machine. He saw a lot of old codes that the computer had been hanging on to but were not setting off SES light.

What I'm noticing now... when driving straight the steering wheel is turned about 45 degrees to the left. However when I make a hard turn to the right, the steering wheel goes back to about center when driving straight. After a while driving straight, the wheel works itself back to the original 45 degrees to the left. The steering is not loose, it is very responsive even if it is not centered.

Any thoughts to what might be the problem? I'm going to take it to a local shop and have them check all the connections in the steering and make sure nothing is loose/worn. My Indy is 120 miles away and he is the closest BMW mechanic to include "stealers" so I would prefer not to have to drive it back down to him. I just don't want to be driving or have my wife driving and the steering go out completely.

Thanks in advance.

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by mojo719

So after a month at an Indy getting my X5 all fixed up after an over advanced timing issue and control arm problems... I drive the car home and the DSC/ABS/BRAKE lights go off.

The car is a 2000 X5 4.4i automatic with the sport package. I've had the car for about 10,000 miles and never had these show up. The Indy read a steering angle implausible and right rear speed sensor fault on the GT1 but once he reset all the codes and drove the car around for about 60 miles and it never popped up for him. I was never aware there was a problem with the steering angle or speed sensor till he saw them on his machine. He saw a lot of old codes that the computer had been hanging on to but were not setting off SES light.

What I'm noticing now... when driving straight the steering wheel is turned about 45 degrees to the left. However when I make a hard turn to the right, the steering wheel goes back to about center when driving straight. After a while driving straight, the wheel works itself back to the original 45 degrees to the left. The steering is not loose, it is very responsive even if it is not centered.

Any thoughts to what might be the problem? I'm going to take it to a local shop and have them check all the connections in the steering and make sure nothing is loose/worn. My Indy is 120 miles away and he is the closest BMW mechanic to include "stealers" so I would prefer not to have to drive it back down to him. I just don't want to be driving or have my wife driving and the steering go out completely.

Thanks in advance.

Okay, try this first as it won't cost you anything. Hopefully I remembered everything correctly but search just in case:

1) Put the key in the ignition and turn to position 2 but don't crank the engine. You should see the yellow triangle idiot light, 4x4, etc.

2) Turn the steering wheel all the way to the left then all the way to the right. Return the steering wheel to the center. Others do this with the car started but I don't think it makes a difference.

That should get rid of the DSC/ABS/BRAKE lights and hopefully your problem. The steering angle sensor is basically being reset with that procedure. This needs to be done if any suspension work is done, etc that affects the sensor.

Here's a thread that might be helful. Search and you'll find more:
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...eedometer.html

If this doesn't work then it might be your steering angle sensor and/or another sensor.

BTW ... if this fixes your problem ... I'd find another shop to bring your X! Good Luck!

[killcrap]

The steering angle sensor will not cause this concern. It just monitors the position of the steering wheel. Perform a 4 wheel alingment first. Make sure all suspension components are tight as well.

[anerbe]

I agree - check your suspension/steering components, including the ball joints/tie rods. These typically affect your steering wheel centering.