How did you get them to cover the sleeve? I mean, what were the symptoms?

The Sleeve is covered under a Gasket and Seals Warranty that I purchased in conjunction with the extended warranty (Knowing these cars love to go through seals)

Update on the steering. They found nothing wrong with it. Did a 4 wheel alignment, found it to be off badly, tightened everything back up and it drove fine. I got back in it and It feels great, tight and responsive....well as responsive as active steering can seem.

Ill say this. Being in an X5 without it.....Ill never not have it again.