[Lucky]

I need help with a steering issue that just cropped up on my wife's X3. It is a 2019 with electric power steering. 83K on the ODO. No recent software updates.

At low speeds steering feels just fine, no oddities. At highway speeds (~50+) it feels "stuck" at center and reluctant to move until you overcome a fair amount of friction. Once you get the wheel turning, it feels better but it still feels like there is some mechanical friction until you get the wheel over 1/4 a turn or so, then it feels normal.

I'm thinking the rack is worn, but I'm sure there are other possible issues (EPS pump, u-joint in column, etc.).

Any ideas or troubleshooting steps are much appreciated!

[Trak Ratt]

Does BMW have something like Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology?
It sounds like their tech to keep you from drifting out of your lane. We found it disconcerting when we first experienced it In our car it’s easily turned off.

[Lucky]

Originally Posted by Trak Ratt

Does BMW have something like Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology?
It sounds like their tech to keep you from drifting out of your lane. We found it disconcerting when we first experienced it In our car it’s easily turned off.

Yes, there is a lane departure warning that shakes the wheel to get your attention. As part of my troubleshooting I disabled it and there was no change to the problem.

BTW, we've owned this car since new and are very familiar with all the (somewhat annoying) electronic nannies. The change in steering effort as I describe in my initial post is brand new behavior that started on Wednesday.

[Trak Ratt]

We’ve owned several legacies too. Neither “vibrated”, just resisted lane changes . I was thinking more about an electrical issues with that option rather than owners not being aware of it.
I look forward to the learning about the culprit, as I have little knowledge of electric power steering.

[cmartin]

Lucky!

Check the build date and look for a recall. I saw one recently that got a new rack for free. I dont remember the details but worth a look.