Table 1 shows two common steering related problems of the 2003 BMW 5 Series.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Lose Power Steering problems | |
| Power Steering Pump problems |
I was driving appx 40mph while on a local road slightly uphill, engine shut off without warning, lost power steering and brake assist. Luckily no cars around me so I was able to barely roll over to the roadside. Car would not start again, was towed to dealership. Replaced ecu for a total cost of $2k.
The 2003 BMW 540i power steering pump spool valve was found (disassembled and judged by BMW technician) to jam at lower rpm thus causing complete loss of power steering assist, especially in reduced rpm turns off highways. On several occasions I nearly crashed into the median-wall because of it. I sent a letter to BMW but all they told me is that it would be forwarded but that I would never hear back from them again. I consider this a material/part flaw that BMW has to consider as serious and offer some form of repair/replace plan or customer-directed action as it can lead to serious crashes during turning maneuvers!.