have you checked the level of the fluid? I'd also give the pump a look at.

 

First on my list of things to do tomorrow morning. My first thought was the pump by when the noise started I figured it would more likely be the steering column. Unless of course the pump not working properly is putting my strain on bits of the column towards the steering wheel, where the noise is coming from

 

Just checked the fluid, level is fine. How do I check if the pump is working correctly?

 

Do you get any grinding or rough noises when turning?

Top strut mounts are also worth checking out as they are prone to going.

The strut turns on bearings that are part of the mount. As you probably know, if bearings become rough then they don't move freely:thumbsup

also, when my pump failed not so long ago the steering just became heavy as hell

 

A broken front coil spring can cause these issues as well...:thumbsup

 

Another very likely cause, as is incorrectly seated/positioned springs:thumbsup

 

I don't think it's a suspension issue, the clicking sound I'm getting seems to be coming from near the top of the steering column, near the steering wheel

 

Could be number two in this diagram

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BG12&mospid=47431&btnr=32_0635&hg=32&fg=30

 

Also check that the slip ring is lubricated as they can become dry:thumbsup

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BG12&mospid=47431&btnr=32_0611&hg=32&fg=35

 

Had another poke around with the column shroud removed a minute ago, I reckon the noise might be coming from the slip ring. Greased around the area as much as I could but this hasn't helped, I assume to do this properly I'll need to take the steering wheel off as well? Was thinking of doing this at the weekend anyway to see if anything in the other diagram you sent me is bust

 

Could well be, I take it number 2 is near the top? I remember seeing a similar part when I had the shroud off yesterday. Would I have to take the whole steering wheel off to change that bit though? Can see that being a pain with the air bag and all

 

Yes the steering wheel would need to be removed:hihi

This should help you also

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/tec.../techarticles/101-Projects-65-Steering-Wheel/101-Projects-65-Steering-Wheel.htm

 

yeah, wheel off matey. Give your ring a good old lubing :hihi

 

Yeh baby, I'm going to lube that ring up good :silly

 

I had what sounds the same on my VW Sharan.

Turned out it was just the drive belt slipping. Replaced belt, problem solved.

 

Dont forget if you are removing the steering wheel to disconnect the battery for 10 minutes before touching anything to do with the airbag to make sure nothing nasty happens.:thumbsup

 

I thought it was 15 minutes? In any case I'll be leaving it off for 30 minutes to be on the safe side. Really don't want the airbag going off in my face!

 

Surely if you disconnect the power supply to the air bag, it can't go off?

 

By disconnecting the power supply, do you mean taking the neg. terminal off the battery, or unplugging the air bag itself? In any case if you disconect the battery, the airbag can still go off up to a certain amount of time.

 

Use the guide I posted up and it tells you how long to leave the battery disconnected for:thumbsup

Just remove the negative terminal:thumbsup

 

Quick update, just removed the steering wheel to have a look at the slip ring. Everything looks ok, so should I lube it up hihi) and put it back on, or should I remove the the torx screws on the back and have a look around inside the ring? Or is this something that I shouldn't do due to it being a pain to put back together or similar...

 

Definitely lube up the ring:hihi

:thumbsup

 

I have exactly the same thing on my 318. I know excatly what you mean.

Started clicking, then squeeking, then heavy steering, then pinging like a jack in the box. I bought some spray silcone lube and lubed up where the column goes through the bulkhead, and all around the top bearing behind the wheel, left it over night and in the morning it was like new

 

Right, all is sorted now. Got the wheel off and lubed up that ring good :hihi was very dry and seemed to be no trace of grease on it at all. Smothered it and put it back together, now it's perfectly smooth. Sammy D, did you take your steering wheel off when you sorted yours?

 

I've got the exact same problem with my 328!!

Problem with mine is that its intermitant, one minute its completely fine and the next its a nightmare!

I also, mainly at low speeds ie parking, experience a plastic like clicking sound which sounds like something is catchin behind the wheel and also get the stretched spring sound.

Again, like you I have heavy steering to one side.

At the moment all seems to be fine... touch wood!

 

Lube the ring and let us know if it cures it:thumbsup