Steering Issues - 2013

[lapisia]

Relax.....it will get fixed.

famous last words

[coolwater]

I wouldn't be so sure.
When I called AOA they said this was the first they heard of this issue.

-cW

[stoked_S4]

Relax.....it will get fixed.

Will it be during my ownership. That is the question.

[SilveR316]

Anyone in Toronto and surround area who's been to the dealer about this problem, can you pls let me know which dealer you went to and how clueless they were about the issue?

My car has a build date of August so def needs a new rack, and I have off center and notch issues. Due for the car's first service so thinking of talking to the service guys about it while refusing the 48k8 update cos I don't want to lose dynamic steering. Just need to make sure I go to a somewhat competent dealer.

I have an '14 model so I never had the notch issue, but I did have the off center wandering issue come up once it started getting cold.

I had a chat with Tim at Audi Downtown. He never heard of the issue before, but said he would have the techs apply the 48k8 update to my car. The 48k8 definitely fixed my off center wandering issue as its almost been 2 months and I haven't seen it return. The only downside to this update is like everyone else said... the steering resistance between dynamic and comfort isn't as pronounced anymore. However, the off center wandering issue was way more of an annoyance than the steering resistance, so I'm happy with the fix for now. The steering feels more like it is in dynamic more so than comfort most of the time. Hopefully later down the line they will have an update that fixes both issues.

[Silica666]

Issue 100% resolved.

I'm now the happy owner of a bmw 335d xdr M Sport

The 48k felt great for a short time but allowed too much feedback from uneven road surfaces, the 12 o'clock vagueness hand been dampened but I don't believe it was eliminated, lost all faith in audi getting this sorted after a year of trying.

The bimmer steering feels great after the S4, it's a shame really as I loved my S4

[stoked_S4]

Issue 100% resolved.

I'm now the happy owner of a bmw 335d xdr M Sport

The 48k felt great for a short time but allowed too much feedback from uneven road surfaces, the 12 o'clock vagueness hand been dampened but I don't believe it was eliminated, lost all faith in audi getting this sorted after a year of trying.

The bimmer steering feels great after the S4, it's a shame really as I loved my S4

I test drove a 335Xi msport and steering was very soft just like A6 so I passed on it. Are you saying that BMW dialed back on boosted electric steering now? If so I am jealous especially of the car you got because I loved my E90 335d RWD. We don't have the F30 version here yet but maybe we'll get it soon.

Congrats on your car.

Looking at UK BMW site now... Does it have single muffler in the back just like the online configurator?

[riegeraudi]

I have an '14 model so I never had the notch issue, but I did have the off center wandering issue come up once it started getting cold.

I had a chat with Tim at Audi Downtown. He never heard of the issue before, but said he would have the techs apply the 48k8 update to my car. The 48k8 definitely fixed my off center wandering issue as its almost been 2 months and I haven't seen it return. The only downside to this update is like everyone else said... the steering resistance between dynamic and comfort isn't as pronounced anymore. However, the off center wandering issue was way more of an annoyance than the steering resistance, so I'm happy with the fix for now. The steering feels more like it is in dynamic more so than comfort most of the time. Hopefully later down the line they will have an update that fixes both issues.

That is Audi dealers regular line that they haven't heard of the issue before. This goes for everything. Audi has a lot to learn in term of customer service. I would rate them last among the German manufacturers.

[Moto One]

I test drove a 335Xi msport and steering was very soft just like A6 so I passed on it. Are you saying that BMW dialed back on boosted electric steering now? If so I am jealous especially of the car you got because I loved my E90 335d RWD. We don't have the F30 version here yet but maybe we'll get it soon.

Congrats on your car.

Looking at UK BMW site now... Does it have single muffler in the back just like the online configurator?

I may be wrong but I think all BMWs with x-drive still have Hydraulic power steering. Or at least they did in the 2012 models.

Mark

[drob23]

I may be wrong but I think all BMWs with x-drive still have Hydraulic power steering. Or at least they did in the 2012 models.

Mark

Sorry, but you're wrong. Even new m3 will have eps. Maybe you're thinking of the e92 3 series coupe...f30 is all electric.

[stoked_S4]

Sorry, but you're wrong. Even new m3 will have eps. Maybe you're thinking of the e92 3 series coupe...f30 is all electric.

Yeap. The only 2014 Bimmer that I know of that comes with hydraulic steering is X1 and this year they added servotronic to it. I test drove X1 3.5 version(same 300hp/300lb/ft torque as 335i) but was not impressed with 6spd auto. The suspension was more like an SUV than CUV like Q5 . 335i steering felt just like the 2014 A6 in terms of softness. A6 loaner I drove had worst 12 o'clock issue by the way compared to my S4. Little off topic but AWD IS350 F sport had best electric steering in Sport+ mode during my test drives but did not like the 6 spd tranny(8 spd that beats all cars in C&D shoot-outs comes on RWD only) Overall I picked S4 due to power and sporty steering. I hope Audi fixes this damn steering issue soon because otherwise it is a great car. I have to chime in that Audi dealership experience especially with service dept is the worst. Every single BMW dealer person I spoke to admit that they screwed up the steering with F30 but Audi just denies everything.

[s4aficionado]

New 2014 owner checking in. Noticed the 12 o'clock "bump" sort of feeling for the first time today; had to sort of steer left and right alternately to track straight on the highway, like the wheel didn't want to sit right at 12 o'clock. This is at around 250 miles...sigh. I started reading this thread from the beginning and was hoping that after nearly a year since the original post the issue would be completely resolved. Looks like it's not quite 100% yet, which is unfortunate. I did have my car checked for sw updates when I put winter tires on, but nothing showed up. I wonder if I'll also have to try to force the 48K8 update as well.

[Silica666]

Stoked_s4

It does have a single muffler with twin pipes, the steering is light in Eco and comfort mode but stiffens up in sport and sport+. You can also configure in sport mode the drive chain sportiness on/off and with the adaptive suspension you can firm up the ride, I have my sport mode setup to firm up suspension and steering but no change to the throttle response, however in sport+ mode the gloves come off :)

[mlg321]

Taking my B8.5 in for 15k service on Monday, should I avoid the 48k8 update? I'm feeling slight pull to my right during 12 o'clock steering. Don't want to loose dynamic steering.

[stactum]

I had my 15K service done about 300 miles ago and I skipped 48k8 update. I have DSR disabled and really like steering feel the way it is.

Taking my B8.5 in for 15k service on Monday, should I avoid the 48k8 update? I'm feeling slight pull to my right during 12 o'clock steering. Don't want to loose dynamic steering.

[dbX79]

Just an update I opened a complaint with AoA yesterday and went to the dealer this morning. They told me that people were complaining that the steering was too heavy. I mean maybe people don't know what dynamic means? I just want them to come out with a update that brings back the tighter steering in dynamic mode. Come on people keep pushing and calling them about it.

[millerrh]

Wow, that's just silly. If you think it's too heavy, just don't put it in dynamic. It's why we have a choice.

[drob23]

I had my 15K service done about 300 miles ago and I skipped 48k8 update. I have DSR disabled and really like steering feel the way it is.

Same thing here, steering feels great to me and I have no complaints.

[stoked_S4]

Just came from a drive and outside temperature is in single digit F. The steering feedback was the worst I felt ever at 12 o'clock and I had to correct it all the time on the highway. I guess steering gets worst as it gets colder.

[s4aficionado]

So I'm not the only 2014 experiencing the 12 o'clock thing. I can't decide if I should pursue the 48K8 update or not. This has been the only real flaw that I've noticed so far in my car (coming from an '07 335xi).

[Wilbur]

Mine goes in Friday.....I'll let you know. A month ago they told me that the new "fix" doesnt fix anything.

[aka5]

Took my car in for the 5k service. I complained about my cold notchy steering for the 3rd time

They called and said the dealer I bought my car from never performed the steering updated when it says it was performed in the system........ So they did it today. Wow can't believe that

[stoked_S4]

Took my car in for the 5k service. I complained about my cold notchy steering for the 3rd time

They called and said the dealer I bought my car from never performed the steering updated when it says it was performed in the system........ So they did it today. Wow can't believe that

So, after the 48k8 did you lose dynamic steering feel? Could you find out from your dealer if this software was updated recently.

[aka5]

So, after the 48k8 did you lose dynamic steering feel? Could you find out from your dealer if this software was updated recently.

dont have the car back,will update when i pick it up

[lapisia]

Brought my car in for its first service yesterday. I actually was hoping to refuse the 48k8 update but the recent cold weather has made the steering really terrible and the hopes of having the steering consistent again far outweighs having the different steering modes intact so I opted for the update.

When I got my car back I immediately noticed how loose the steering has become and when I scroll between the three modes the steering resistance feels exactly the same. I would say the car's steering now feels like it was between comfort and dynamic mode before the update, so it's definitely not as loose as the "old comfort" mode but nowhere near as tight as the "old dynamic mode" either. I took the car for a drive yesterday and today after it has snowed overnight and I have to say the off-center inconsistency is gone completely. The steering is now a lot more consistent on center and gives me a lot of confidence driving. Despite losing the different steering modes, I have to say I'm happy to have consistent steering for once since this winter started. Hopefully the steering feel will stay consistent throughout the winter. I still think it's dumb they took away a feature just to fix another one though and hopefully they can release a second update to give us back the modes without compromising the steering feel on-center. Otherwise, I think we deserve some sort of refund or something in return for taking away a function that we have and use regularly, which we paid for.

[Neuro]

I've got my 2013 going in to the dealer to get this same issue looked at tomorrow.

[SilveR316]

Otherwise, I think we deserve some sort of refund or something in return for taking away a function that we have and use regularly, which we paid for.

Seriously... dynamic steering is an option on 2014 models and comes at a price of $1500.

[aka5]

Software was just done. Feels a tad lighter but for now has eliminated cold weather notchyness which was soo bad

[Neuro]

So my car had a steering update back in November (not sure what the details were) before I purchased it. I have had all the same issues everyone else is experiencing. Just had the dealer do another steering update (48k8) on Monday. This has solved all the issues I was experiencing. My dynamic steering setting seems to have lost some of its heaviness as expected, however I can still tell there is an obvious difference between comfort and dynamic.

[Toadusmodus]

I live in the UK, and had the 48K8 update done August 2013 (at least I have a piece of paper saying it was done). Notchiness is back now that things are a bit colder, just as before the update, and as others I have lost the difference in steering weight between comfort/dynamic etc. Will give my dealer a call tomorrow and see if they know of any progress on this.

[LIM1TED]

I live in the UK, and had the 48K8 update done August 2013 (at least I have a piece of paper saying it was done). Notchiness is back now that things are a bit colder, just as before the update, and as others I have lost the difference in steering weight between comfort/dynamic etc. Will give my dealer a call tomorrow and see if they know of any progress on this.

Bulletin didn't come out till Sep 27,2013 you should get that checked out.

48K8 UPDATE – Power Steering Control Unit Software (NVLW)
September 27, 2013
Model(s)
Year
Affected Vehicles
Vehicle-Specific Equipment
A4, A5, A5 Cab, Q5, A6, A7
2012 - 2014
See Campaign/Action screen in ElsaWeb
None
REVISION HISTORY
Revision
Date
Purpose
2
September 27, 2013
Warning added in SVM Update Instructions
1
August 22, 2013
Original publication
Condition
This Update has been proactively released to prevent the following condition from occurring in the vehicle:
When making minor steering movements while driving in a straight line in Audi vehicles with electromechanical power steering manufactured within a specific period, the customer may occasionally perceive slight irregularities with the assistance provided by the power steering. This phenomenon mainly occurs when the temperature is around the freezing point. This is a comfort-related issue; therefore no warning symbol lights up.

[Wilbur]

famous last words

48k fixed mine.

[jackal15]

So my car had a steering update back in November (not sure what the details were) before I purchased it. I have had all the same issues everyone else is experiencing. Just had the dealer do another steering update (48k8) on Monday. This has solved all the issues I was experiencing. My dynamic steering setting seems to have lost some of its heaviness as expected, however I can still tell there is an obvious difference between comfort and dynamic.

Hmm...very interesting. I have the 48k8 update from last fall and am suffering from the lack of differentiation between the steering modes. Has anyone else experienced this change via a more recent software update??

[lapisia]

Hmm...very interesting. I have the 48k8 update from last fall and am suffering from the lack of differentiation between the steering modes. Has anyone else experienced this change via a more recent software update??

Same, there is basically no differentiation between the modes as a result but it did fix the on-center problem.

[SteveYem]

Man this is disappointing. I was considering trading my 2012 for a lightly used 2013 or 2014 so that I could get one with sport diff and the updated MMI, but now I'm thinking I would be better off sticking with my 2012. What good is a sport diff if the steering feels disconnected?

Seems that most are reporting that the problem(s) are exacerbated in the cold weather.....you would think that Audi would have tested this system in low ambient conditions to find any such problems.

[Toadusmodus]

Bulletin didn't come out till Sep 27,2013 you should get that checked out.

Maybe it was released in the UK earlier?? I didn't ask for it, was told about it when the car was booked in for its first service. Don't see why they would have told me they were doing it if they weren't able to perform the update? And as I said, have definately lost some of the variation in the various steering settings.

[m j b]

I was considering trading my 2012 for a lightly used 2013 or 2014 so that I could get one with sport diff and the updated MMI, but now I'm thinking I would be better off sticking with my 2012.

I originally subscribed to this thread because I was thinking of buying a new S4, but after reading all of these tales, and my general impression of the steering in the new cars, I bought a very lightly used 2012 S5. I was fortunate to find one with sport diff.

[mmmkam]

Just as another data point my 14 was built in early Nov. I haven't experienced any of the steering issues even driving it in the cold, fingers crossed that it wont crop up, and I can definitely feel a difference between comfort and dynamic settings.

[millerrh]

Just as another data point my 14 was built in early Nov. I haven't experienced any of the steering issues even driving it in the cold, fingers crossed that it wont crop up, and I can definitely feel a difference between comfort and dynamic settings.

Exactly the same for me.

[drob23]

Seems like we need to start a poll, because my steering has been fine. Question is whether these steering problems are experienced by 20%, 50% or 90% of the posters here. I'd guess somewhere between 20-50%.

[sworksone]

Exactly the same for me.

Same here as well. In fact the steering is better than it was on the 2010. There is less difference between the settings, but not that it's an issue. I always found the old dynamic too artificially tight anyways so usually left it in auto, which I find is close to dynamic on the 2014.