i have it in my '04 4.4i , the service ppl says they will need to change the steering rack, apart from the 1 or 1/2 inch play , no oil leak , click sound also not noticeable, is there a part I can change which will stop the steering wheel play? over here ppl call it STEERING WHEEL FALSE ---

Yup I got the same story from my mechanics, and they said it was very big bucks as they would have to disable the aribag in the sterring wheel etc etc, as per my previous posts get a slight clunk when turning steering wheel left of right when the car is motionless and there is a small amount of play, having said that my sway bar links are on the way out or are out.....

Sending my car tomorrow for new rack and double joint $4000 Job with parts and labor ,

I see, as long the play doesn't get any worse for me, I am not going to bother getting it done, may try another mechanic to see what they think, mine is 2004 e53 3.0d not sure if the steering differs?or whether or not my chopstics 'faults' could cause this play in the steering

Well yours is probably lot cheaper as we have to pay 100% duty on spare parts

what? nuts, I know the cars are assembled in Spartanburg s.Carolina, but the parts?china taiwan?in europe we pay silly taxes too on any import from outside europe, 30% on anthing over 100$, and shipping costs oh man...nightmare

Also if you are buying from the US ask for it to be shipped as 'repair and return' or 'warranty replacement' and you won't pay duty :thumbup:

Mine is RHD vehicle the part won't match US parts ; so have to order thru BMW Here

Take a look, I'm in the UK so RHD too. Some parts will fit. You could also have ordered parts from the UK. Not sure how tight your customs service are on import duty but generally in the UK they are pretty good if it's obvious that the package is a private/consumer shipment rather than commercial. Mind you a steering rack is probably rather conspicuous!