[JB4N]

I have a 2011 335i with the N55 engine and I am experiencing problems with what seems to be the steering. Every time I turn the steering wheel half way, the engine starts to die and the car starts jerking forward. I't does it when I turn left and right. Just noticed this today as well, but the xenon head lamps dim like the car is struggling to keep power. This only happens every time I turn the wheel a fair amount as said above. Other than that I have no problems. There are no codes and I have not been able to find anyone else that has had this problem. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[Dabrwright]

I have the same issue with my 2011 335i E92. Whenever I am maneuvering in tight spaces and using a lot of steering lock at slow speed, the engine surges making it difficult to control the car.
I have discussed this some time ago with my dealer and they know of the problem. It's due to the ECU increasing the idle speed to compensate for the power drain of the steering on lock, to avoid stalling the engine. They did do a software update which seemed to make an improvement it but it now I think it's just as bad.
I've just got use to it.

[JB4N]

Originally Posted by Dabrwright

I have the same issue with my 2011 335i E92. Whenever I am maneuvering in tight spaces and using a lot of steering lock at slow speed, the engine surges making it difficult to control the car.
I have discussed this some time ago with my dealer and they know of the problem. It's due to the ECU increasing the idle speed to compensate for the power drain of the steering on lock, to avoid stalling the engine. They did do a software update which seemed to make an improvement it but it now I think it's just as bad.
I've just got use to it.

So the update they performed really won't make a difference? I wonder if there is an actual fix to this problem. It's just really annoying and honestly makes maneuvering the car difficult.

[robthewrench]

I experience the same issue, but not as severe. My engine doesn't come close to stalling, but it does increase the idle RPM due to compensate for the load introduced by the power steering and it feels like the car surges around a bit. If yours is stalling, it sounds like you should take a trip to dealer.

[JB4N]

Originally Posted by robthewrench

I experience the same issue, but not as severe. My engine doesn't come close to stalling, but it does increase the idle RPM due to compensate for the load introduced by the power steering and it feels like the car surges around a bit. If yours is stalling, it sounds like you should take a trip to dealer.

The car does start to die when the wheel is turned hard enough, like rpms drop way down. But soon as I straighten out the wheel it stops and goes back to normal. May have to take a trip to the dealer to see what's up.:

[caltrinity]

2011 N55 335i Sedan here. I too experience the same symptoms as RobTheWrench. Not as severe as OP. Never thought anything of it.

[Dabrwright]

It may be worth getting a software update.
I have found a SIB that addresses this problem.
SIB 12 09 12 of April 2013
It states that update E89x-13-504 completely cures the problem but that has not been my experience.
Hope this helps.

[e90ca]

Great thread going for this as i believe I was having this same issue. I only get this when I get home from work, after driving about a hour and when turning steering wheel to the right to pull into my garage. I feel the car jerking/surging and hesitating. Sometimes I would get it while backing up out of garage and backing up of a parking space. But after I replaced my spark plugs about 3 weeks ago, it seemed to make the problem go away.

Does anyone know if this issue is because spark plugs are due to be changed?

[e90ca]

Originally Posted by Dabrwright

It may be worth getting a software update.
I have found a SIB that addresses this problem.
SIB 12 09 12 of April 2013
It states that update E89x-13-504 completely cures the problem but that has not been my experience.
Hope this helps.

If my car is out of warranty, can I take it into the bmw dealer to get this SIB done?

Is there anyway for me to check if my car has gotten this SIB done? I bought my car used and no service records were included at all, so I have no clue what my car has or hasn't gotten done.

[JB4N]

Wonder if it could be spark plug related like almost a misfire? Or something different.:I checked with my SA today and he told me I had the latest update available already on the car for the Dme. He said I could bring it in for him to look at, but the car already has the latest update. What else could he do?

[Teufel_Hunden]

Are these autos or manuals? My 2011 e92 is a manual and I haven't noticed this issue.

[JB4N]

Originally Posted by 335iM-Sport

Are these autos or manuals? My 2011 e92 is a manual and I haven't noticed this issue.

Mines an Auto

[NW 335i]

So I know I am stating the obvious. Check the PS fluid level.

I had a similar issue a few months ago. Shudder when pulling into a parking spot, backing into a spot etc. The shudder went away when I switched out the crappy worn run flats that had some decent inner wear. I am running M3 front UCA and LCA though and about -1.5 deg camber up front.

[Dabrwright]

Mine's an automatic, too
Don't think it's anything to do with PS fluid as mine is topped up.
I have just had the spark plugs changed at a routine service. I'll report if there is any improvement.

[Redfire03]

My 2011 auto does the same thing! Car only has 30k miles and just had spark plugs and all fluids flushed, there was no improvement.

[Dabrwright]

I have just had the spark plugs replaced and there does seem to be an improvement in the surging problem. Not 100% gone but a definite impriovement
Let's hope it's permanent.

[335MRod]

Originally Posted by robthewrench

I experience the same issue, but not as severe. My engine doesn't come close to stalling, but it does increase the idle RPM due to compensate for the load introduced by the power steering and it feels like the car surges around a bit. If yours is stalling, it sounds like you should take a trip to dealer.

Hey did you figure out what was wrong with your car? I'm experiencing the same exact issue..

[fscuderia23]

sub'd! just picked up an 11' e90 n55 AT sedan with 72k miles and I'm experiencing the same symptoms. Would love to know if anyone has a fix!

[bman5150]

Same issue with mine. Didn't really notice it much until this past winter. I figured it had something to do with the fact it was an AWD car and when you turn sharply, the differential will bind a little. But I'm assuming some of you have rear wheel drive cars?

[335MRod]

Originally Posted by fscuderia23

sub'd! just picked up an 11' e90 n55 AT sedan with 72k miles and I'm experiencing the same symptoms. Would love to know if anyone has a fix!

I had the same issue with my car. Talk to Joe@TopGearSolutions .. He coded my car and fixed the issue!!

[335MRod]

Originally Posted by bman5150

Same issue with mine. Didn't really notice it much until this past winter. I figured it had something to do with the fact it was an AWD car and when you turn sharply, the differential will bind a little. But I'm assuming some of you have rear wheel drive cars?

I had the same issue with my car. Talk to Joe@TopGearSolutions .. He coded my car and fixed the issue!!

[Flyboy161]

Originally Posted by BimmerGeeks

We can update the DME to the proper version per the SIB. For most, it has indeed completely cured the problem.

According to the S IB, using ISTA/P to program the DME would also update all modules that do not have the latest software. I ask because I have been experiencing the surge described in both my daughters E90 and my E92. Feels like a downshift while pulling onto the garage (90 degree turn) and foot on the brake. Idle speed turn. Would this change a TCU flash?