terrible steering wheel noise

[micahz3]

hi all.

my Z3 has developed a terrible steering wheel noise.

please follow the link to 11 second video i have uploaded to youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGThCsOf0UE

it really is terrible. fortunately it's only occasional.

my local BMW garage advised i present the car when it next makes the noise. the noise is usually short lived and in any case i don't really rate my local BMW garage.

what's making the noise? will a non-BMW garage be able to fix it?

cheers!

[Tufarlian]

Sounds like it could be the slipper ring that's dried out.

If you take the steering column cover off you should be able to direct a some silicone spray into it with one of those long nozzles that come with aerosol lubricants (if you haven't lost it like I usually do).

[Southernboy]

I'd recommend removing the steering wheel and examining what is actually abrading against what and correct it. It's a simple enough job (First disconnect the battery negative terminal !!)

[micahz3]

thanks folks.

i think it's the 'clockspring' aka 'slip ring' aka 'contact ring'.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vgW5oXGeWQ