On this advice page we explain the BMW messages: “ Active steering defective ” and “ Changed steering behavior ”.
We will look at the symptoms , possible causes and also the costs of potential solutions .
What is the cause of this error message – which BMW models are affected?
Please do not confuse: This article is only about BMW Active Steering and not about BMW Integral Active Steering .
Unfortunately, the cause of the error message cannot be determined specifically or conclusively at this point and therefore cannot be definitively answered, since even BMW has no explanation for it.
In the following we will only discuss our assumptions regarding the cause.
According to the error message or defect, all BMW vehicles and models with an installed active steering system can be affected by the problem.
Symptoms: How does the error manifest itself in the car?
The error message “Active steering defective” is displayed in text form on the on-board computer (Fig. 1).
If the active steering fails, the steering wheel can turn by up to 60 degrees (not while driving) and the vehicle could therefore become an unpredictable accident risk due to the axially adjusted steering angle (Video 1 below the article).
In our opinion (including DEKRA and ADAC) and therefore contrary to the manufacturer’s statements, the vehicle should no longer be driven in this case .
Problem analysis/troubleshooting
Due to the fact that the problem is both incomprehensible and apparently extremely complex, we do not wish to publish any speculative opinions here.
According to BMW, the vehicle should be able to continue driving normally after the active steering system fails (Video 2). However, Video 1 shows that this is not always the case.
While it is true that the adjusted steering wheel has nothing to do with the vehicle’s tracking, it is extremely irritating because the driver no longer knows whether he is driving straight ahead or cornering based on the steering wheel position.
In addition, the controls on the multifunction steering wheel are offset in such a way that they can no longer be operated optimally by the driver.
In the course of solving the problem, BMW authorized workshops had identified the following (alleged) causes in the past.
- a defective or not fully charged battery
- a problem with the control unit of the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
- a defect in the steering angle or lateral acceleration sensor
- a defective steering gear
In most known cases, however, these solutions to the problem, or rather attempts at solutions, did not lead to a positive result .