Power steering pump broke causing accessory belt to be thrown from engine at highway speeds, resulting in loss of steering and power. *Tr
Steering
BMW 540I Steering problems by year
4 complaints filed with NHTSA about the BMW 540I's steering. Loss of power steering, stiff or loose steering, wandering, column and rack problems.
Steering complaints by model year
Latest 540I steering complaints
Vehicle was driven at highway speed (55-60mph) and a loud metallic 'thunk' noise was heard as if something struck or bounced off the underside of the car. The serpentine drive belt was discovered to have come off the drive pulleys, and upon closer inspection the power steering pump was discovered to be loose. The upper mounting ear was broken, and the lower mounting bolt was missing entirely. It appears the break in the upper mounting ear cause the lower bolt to vibrate loose, and in turn the serpentine drive...
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belt was dislodged. The result was sudden loss of power steering that nearly caused an accident when attempting to turn at low speed due to sudden and unexpected increase in steering effort.
Started my car and heard a thumping noise and found out it was my belt being chewed up because the power steering pump brackets broke. *Tr
Steering wheel column adjustment fails. Making adjustment of steering wheel and vehicle safe to operate. Steering wheel and front seat adjuments fail to operate forcing operator to drive without ability to adjust steering wheel or seat. Has forced me to abandon vehicle.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data