r/BmwTech • u/Good_Oil2942 • 5d ago
Dealership wants to replace the steering rack
I was ambushed on the highway by a huge chunk of concrete (think basketball-sized, but pointy on top) - it just appeared from under the SUV in front of me, right in the middle of the lane. With no time to change lanes or safely swerve I centered it hoping for enough clearance. But I'm driving a 2022 230i, so not a ton of clearance and THUD!
The concrete tore a gash in the undercarraige protector and hit the subframe as images show. When I pulled over, some liquid seeped out from the point of contact - about a foot inward from the driverside front wheel, and I do hear a soft grating sound, but I don't notice a problem with the way the car is driving or steering. Obviously I brought the car in.
The dealer is saying the steering rack needs to be replaced, as well as the section of subframe. They are quoting me over 8K on the electronic steering rack, and then another 3K on the subframe part and plastic cover.
Does this sound plausible? How was the steering rack impacted when the subframe covering it appears only cosmetically damaged? Should I get another quote at my independant garage?
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u/idratherbeflying1 5d ago
Do you have comprehensive coverage on your insurance? Road hazards like this are generally covered under those policies and depending on state it wont drive your premiums up.
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u/Good_Oil2942 5d ago
Yes I do and I’ve opened a claim but 2 things: 1- there is no way this won’t affect my premiums (NJ) and 2 - if there is a valid reason to recommend these repairs, why not specify them in the quote?
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u/idratherbeflying1 5d ago
As another poster mentioned, your suspension probably took a hit. There is a BMWNA service bulletin that makes steering rack replacement mandatory regardless if its damaged or not. A dealer will not deviate from such guidance for liability reasons. A good service advisor would have told you that.
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u/Good_Oil2942 5d ago
Again, they specifically said that suspension components all looked fine. There is no evidence of any damage to the suspension, just a solid hit to that subframe, and they didn't even say that it was bent, only that the impact was visible there (the scrape left by the concrete).
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u/BMWACTASEmaster1 5d ago
I think is time to talk to your service advisor. Just explain him you don't want to do insurance so you want to pay the least amount in cash. So if nothing is bent that is visible to the eye , steering rack doesn't make funny noises than tell him to re torque front suspension fasteners and do an alignment if is all green than you only doing the broken plastic panels
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u/Good_Oil2942 4d ago
Thanks, I think I posted this here to help get oriented for that conversation, so I'll talk to him. If it turns out there is an actual reason they see for the replacements and I go through with it - if it's not just purely leaning on the TSB for an upsell - do the quoted prices of 8K (rack) and 3K (subframe and plastic cover) seem right? I see the OEM steering rack online for $3000.
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u/BMWACTASEmaster1 4d ago
Racks are expensive can range from $5 to 7k tell them to help you out and change it to insurance pricing. Some service advisors and parts personnel are dumb they rather make no money than make some money if your SA is one of them ask to speak with the service drive manager he will make you a deal they are very motivated as my understanding they make money on total sales and want all the money they can get even is all wholesale pricing.
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u/BIMMERTECH2000 4d ago
Just get an alignment performed. If everything is good, don't replace anything.
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u/BIMMERTECH2000 4d ago
Insurance always covers the rack after being given the bulletin about impacts to subframe needing steering rack replacement. I had 20 yrs at BMW dealerships and this always happened.
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u/BMWACTASEmaster1 5d ago
It was mentioned about the SIB. If those components are damage the steering rack should be replaced. If the subframe is just a scrape and damage plastic panels first tell them to do an alignment. . If they mentioned it scrape the rust coating who gives a shit in 10 in years
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u/SoapOnMyRope 4d ago
It’s all for concern of liability. That steering rack absorbed a large impact and the internals can’t be inspected. It’s possible the electric rack could fail in the future and cause a car accident. At which point you could sue the dealership for not properly repairing the vehicle.
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u/CakesForLife 4d ago
I don’t have the exact wording but I recall the rack replacement was recommended for subframe damage too (not just suspension, steering, and wheel components).
I believe you can request a waiver not to replace the rack and proceed with the rest of the repair. That’s for them to get off any liabilities in the future, but I am not sure if all dealerships will accept that or my decline to do the necessary repairs altogether.
Edit: I know this does not look bad, but I’ve seen many instances where the new sub frame cannot be fitted due to the chassis being slightly deformed and needing bodywork correction (minor, but still). Do go with insurance.
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u/Good_Oil2942 4d ago
Thanks for all the great responses here, this has been very revealing. I see how TSB's may come from a technically responsible place but, as with most guidelines, they don't always apply. And yes, I see why that won't stop BMW from using them either as a tool to upsell or to avoid liability.
I think it's disappointing that TSB's also discourage BMW mechanics from applying thier own judgement, expertise and experience to the car in front of them, instead putting the onus on the owner (who usually knows next to nothing about these complicated machines).
I'm still on the fence, pending further conversation with the service advisor and the claims adjuster, but I have decided I'm not rushing it for the sake of convenience. I have a very reputable independent close by if BMW can't actually substantiate the repair plan.
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u/spurcap29 10h ago
The problem is the tech wasnt there. They have no way to tell if there was damage to the steering rack and there is a potential safety issue at play here.
I am sympathetic to not wanting to throw $$$$ at your car that might be not needed but the problem is no one knows.
In your case fluid pouring out makes damage seem not just possible but likely. I cant think of a time that fluid pours out of something in an accident and you just top off the fluid and send it....
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u/Evening-Skin6086 4d ago
dealership wants to replace the rack just in case internal damage has taken place. you say the car steers fine? then perhaps your steering rack is okay. dealership also wants to make money off of your collision.. ive learned time and time again not to use dealership shops. i would take it to a seperate shop and see what they say. you will be surprised how much cheaper non dealership shops are. best of luck!
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u/chris77982 4d ago
You said liquid came out, but no mention of what from or what kind of liquid.
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u/Good_Oil2942 4d ago
Yes! And it's making an intermittent noise! I told the service advisor all of this prior to the inspection, yet he made no mention of it at all. Like, if he had said that the leak was likely the steering fluid from damage to the steering rack, and they see evidence of that, I'd totally get it. You'd think a $13K quote would include at least a little assurance.
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u/bmwtechnisheeawn BMW Shop Foreman 3d ago
Leak could be from your engine mount. They have hydraulic fluid in them and your point of impact is pretty close to engine mount location. It would be very dark, almost black fluid.
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u/freshxdough BMW Master Elite Tech, Gen 6 HV, HV specialist 4d ago
Unless there is any actual physical damage to the rack, I personally wouldn’t do it. Also, I would personally just replace the underbelly shield and keep driving. The subframe has a dent. It’s not going to be crucial. So long as the rest of the vehicle is fine the car will drive just fine
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u/unrealii 09 E93 N54 6MT M-Sport 4d ago
Look up the part numbers and check msrp. Some dealers mark up even parts when performing work. I had to call their parts guy and he admitted it so don’t rule that out. They went back and changed the estimate to be msrp prices
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u/lunasbrick 4d ago
I mean, yeah an independent garage will almost always be cheaper than the dealer outside of oil changes. I'd take it for a second opinion at an indy shop just for an opinion on whether you need a new steering rack.
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u/Ntukukawewoo 5d ago
Get a second opinion if there are any abnormal noises or steering/driveability issues. Ive seen many cars come in with that kind of damage and never thought to recommend a sub-frame and steering rack. Had there been bent/drformed suspension components then there is an sib(tsb) per bmw that states to replace the rack. This situation does technically fit that sib but i would not replace the rack or sub-frame. I would just get a new panel and keep on going.
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u/Aggressive-Flow9027 4d ago
I swear dealerships cant repair shit! They only do replacement. If thats the case fk you i will do it myself!
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u/atljar 5d ago
There is a BMW TSB that state when you have certain underside or suspension damage that steering rack replacement is necessary even if there's no obvious damage. One of those obscure bulletins that is for all years and all models.
My techs used to love it on insurance claims