Service reset
Is this a known problem with the 3-Series? Have you any suggestion about the cause of the noise and a possible cure? David Lister I am assuming that this is a fluid noise from the steering rack and not a noise from any part of the front suspension. A dry lower swivel joint can also make a similar noise to the one you describe – this is apparently more common on the 3-Series.
The groan is most likely caused by a sticking or lightly vibrating valve in the steering rack. This may be caused by wear or by a small piece of debris in the system. Replacing the steering fluid may help and I would try this before going to the expense of changing the rack. According to my data, there are two different fluids that can be used in your BMW and the steering reservoir cap should be clearly marked with the correct fluid. I own a 2009 BMW 320d Tourer fitted with automatic transmission, engine number 93097158. I would like to know how to reset the service interval display. I have a Haynes manual for the BMW 3-Series, but it does not cover the 2009 model and, to the best of my knowledge, Haynes has not yet produced a manual for my vehicle. AE White The service items must be set individually. The procedure to reset the service display items on your BMW E91 is as follows: sit in the vehicle with the door closed and turn on the ignition. Press and hold the small button to the right of the dash until the service item is displayed. Using the up/down button on the left stalk, run through the menu until the item that needs resetting is displayed on the dash. To reset the item, press the end button on the stalk for three seconds and the word ‘reset’ should be displayed. Now release the button and press it again for a further three seconds. Once all the items that need resetting have been attended to, turn off the ignition. The next inspection date can be set using the up/ down buttons on the stalk and moving to the next item by pushing the end button.
If the brake pad warning light wires are faulty or have been breached then it will not be possible to reset the brake service interval without first attending to the problem. I would also warn you that it may take more than one attempt to clear all the items.