[Zavanelli]

I was hit in the left front wheel, low speed in a parking lot. The wheel was turned sharply to the right in an effort to avoid the accident but I was basically stopped when I was hit. The wheel took the hit directly from the front end of a Honda Minivan. There was minimal damage to the body. Unfortunately the wheel wouldn't turn through its full range of motion and eventually I heard a pop and the wheel won't turn at all now.

I assume the tie rod is broken but seems like a fairly mild accident to cause that. Anybody have an idea of anything else that would break with a low impact to the wheel?

[Auricom]

If your steering isn't turning and taking a direct hit to the wheel, could be a number of items but your deduction of broken tie rod is spot on. The tie rod and boll joint are connected and tie rod to the electric steering box then to electric steering column.

You should be able to see the condition of the front axle support is turned - tension strut, wishbone, air strut, output shafts, carrier etc

Steering linkage/tie rods


Electric steering


Steering column


Front axle support

[Zavanelli]

Update:

Entire electric steering assembly has to be replaced due to some internal part damage.

I have no idea how a < 10mph parking lot accident could do that much damage. Makes me worry what a pothole on the interstate would do at 80mph.

[Zavanelli]

Originally Posted by Zavanelli

Update:

Entire electric steering assembly has to be replaced due to some internal part damage.

I have no idea how a < 10mph parking lot accident could do that much damage. Makes me worry what a pothole on the interstate would do at 80mph.

Update 2

Still in the shop after a 10mph hit to the LF wheel. Took 2 weeks to get a steering assembly. Another week to install it. Now needs a wheel bearing which for some reason needs to be shipped from Germany. Another 10 days before that gets here. This is nuts. Is this what I should always expect from the supply of BMW parts?

My guess is that I will now have constant problems with this vehicle. We'll see I guess. My first BMW so this parts problem may be enough for this to be my last.

[jmciver]

Originally Posted by Zavanelli

My guess is that I will now have constant problems with this vehicle. We'll see I guess. My first BMW so this parts problem may be enough for this to be my last.

Not necessarily, especially since BMW is failing conservative by replacing big item parts that may not need replacing - there are probably others that you don't know about because they are in stock stateside. As long as there isn't any frame damage (which I doubt based on how you described the accident), you should be fine once everything is replaced. At least the other guy's insurance company is footing the bill for genuine BMW parts. Sometimes that can be a battle in and of itself....

[Zavanelli]

Unfortunately, and as I worried, the vehicle is t the same after the repairs.

Have a new brake noise when releasing the brakes.

And more worrisome, have a new vibration felt through the steering wheel, seats, and floor.

What are the chances the cause will ever be found or fixed?

8 month old vehicle that was smooth and awesome in every way. Frustrating.

[MomoM3]

That blows. Did you take it to a BMW Certified Collision Center? I would take it back to your body shop ASAP and contact your insurance company about it too.

[Zavanelli]

Originally Posted by MomoM3

That blows. Did you take it to a BMW Certified Collision Center? I would take it back to your body shop ASAP and contact your insurance company about it too.

Yes. Took it back to my local dealership. Going to have them look at it again. They had to replace a wheel so maybe it just needs balancing. It definitely was not fun to drive on the interstate with vibrations in the steering wheel and seat.