Welcome to Tech Talk, where our resident BMW tech Nick Owen answers all your pressing BMW technical questions, frustrations, and issues. Have a question for Nick? Email him at techtalk@roundel.org. Let’s get into it.
E83 Steering Wheel Clicks
On my 2004 BMW X3 E83 (I am the only owner, well maintained all its life), the steering wheel makes a plastic, tinny type of click when turning the steering wheel off center either clockwise or anticlockwise, in the 11 and 1 o’clock positions. I can hear it even when the turn signal is not engaged. Happens when stationary or moving. No warning lights on the dash. Steering wheel controls and turn signals work just fine. The click sound is coming from near the turn signal stalk, not from the outside or near the foot.
The BMW forums/videos suggest replacement of the turn signal stalk or lubrication (not sure where or what type of lubrication) or replacement of the clock spring part.
This click did not bother me as it was intermittent, but now has become more of a regular dose of clicks every time the steering wheel is turned. How should I look to diagnose to find the source? If it’s a known issue, what part should I replace?
Naresh Coppisetti
Pennington, NJ.
You will need to remove the steering wheel to access the turn signal stalk to see if the noise is coming from there. It’s probably a safe guess to get a new turn signal stalk coming but I wouldn’t assume what’s failed until it’s in my hands. It is quite possible something in the clock spring has failed. My recommendation, since you’ll be in there, is to replace the clock spring and turn signal switch at the same time.
Online BMW Repair Manuals
I have several BMWs, my newest is my wife’s 2017 750i xDrive M Sport. I also have a 2013 M3 Competition with a six-speed and a 2006 M Roadster. I have always done most of my own work, once a car is out of warranty. I’m looking for a good solution for an online repair manual. Primarily for torque specs and stuff like that. Do you have any recommendations?
Jeff Wheatley
To my understanding, repair manuals are things of the past. The last repair manual I had was a Chilton for my 1995 M3. The vehicles you currently own only have (digital) repair manuals provided at the dealership level or aftermarket software (like I use at my shop) called All Data.
