One problem related to steering failed has been reported for the 2004 BMW X3. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
June 6, 2004, we purchased the BMW 545i from irvine BMW. While driving in July, in the middle of a turn, the steering wheel locked, I shut of the engine and the steering reset itself. The car was at the dealer for 3 weeks. Upon receipt, the steering failed again in October, the car was in service 4 weeks. Upon receipt, the car again failed in November, the car was in service 4 weeks. Upon receipt the active steering malfunctioned again in January 2005. The dealer offered us a replacement or a refund. The active steering malfunction causes the steering to lock in the middle of a turn. Two times I was in traffic and nearly escaped a collision. The safety of this car is absent.