Category Archives: Information

How Does BMW Power Steering Work?

Power steering is one of the key advancements in automotive technology that has given drivers more control over their vehicles. It only became common for the average car in the 1950s and 60s, and before that people had to control the steering wheel all on their own. Fortunately, today’s cars are much easier to handle. 

As a brand that prides itself on precision and control, BMW has been a global leader in developing power steering technology for decades. Look under the hood and check out how BMW’s advanced power steering systems work.

Hydraulic Power Steering

The most common type of power steering system is the hydraulic variety. You can find this system in most BMWs made before 2000, especially the classic models from the 60s through the 80s. If you’re interested in bimmers from this era, you’ll be happy to learn that power steering wasn’t so complicated back then.

Hydraulic power steering (HPS) relies on pressure generated by a power steering pump to assist the driver’s steering motion. The power steering pump is connected to the engine, which sends pressurized hydraulic fluid to steering gear to make the wheel easier to turn.

Here are the other key parts of an HPS:

  • Power Steering Fluid: Power steering fluid is the hydraulic liquid that provides lubrication and pressure to ensure smooth steering operation. It’s located in a reservoir next to the engine, which must store an adequate supply to keep the HPS functional.
  • Steering Gear: The steering gear consists of a rack and pinion assembly, which converts the spinning motion of the steering wheel into a lateral movement in the car’s axle, causing the wheels to turn. 
  • Steering Rack: The steering rack horizontally connects the steering wheel to the steering gear, converting the steering force applied by the driver to the turning wheels through the rack and pinion assembly.
  • Steering Column: The steering column vertically connects the steering wheel to the steering gear, allowing the wheel to transfer its torque to the gear during a turn.
  • Power Steering Hoses and Hydraulic Lines – The Power steering hoses and hydraulic lines move the pressurized power steering fluid from the pump to the steering gear. They are designed to handle extremely high pressure and keep the fluid flowing in any conditions.

If your BMW starts to make wider turns than usual and you notice that the steering wheel is harder to control, there is likely a problem with the power steering. This problem is known as “understeering” because the wheel fails to complete the turn despite the driver making the correct maneuver.

You are technically still capable of driving with dysfunctional power steering. You will notice a clunkier and heavier feel to the steering wheel, but it’s still possible to control the vehicle on your own. However, it is not safe to rely on HPS without power steering fluid. You need to replace this fluid roughly every 80,000 miles or two years depending on how often you drive.

Electric Power Steering

Electric Power Steering (EPS) is the newer type of steering system with most of the same parts, but with one key difference. Instead of relying on pressure from hydraulic fluid, an EPS utilizes an electric motor to assist with the driver’s steering input. This motor is connected to the steering column and can account for the vehicle’s speed and the overall driving conditions.

BMW first started using EPS in the Z4 E85 and E86 coupes from 2002 to 2008 and has adopted the technology for nearly all of its new releases ever since. 

Here are the other unique components of an EPS along with the electric motor:

  • Steering Column Torque Sensor – This sensor detects the amount of torque or rotational force that the driver applies to the steering wheel. This information goes to the power steering controller.
  • Power Steering Controller: The power steering controller is located in the vehicle’s electronic control unit (ECU) and is the brains of the operation. It receives input from the sensors in the motor and the steering column torque sensor and estimates the exact force the motor must exert to assist with the turn. 
  • Vehicle Speed Sensor – This sensor tracks the speed of the vehicle and gives the power steering controller constant input, allowing it to change the level of assistance based on the speed and driving conditions.

EPS has several benefits over HPS. Since the electric motor only consumes power when the driver requires assistance, it’s more fuel-efficient than HPS. The torque sensor also allows for greater steering response flexibility based on the driver’s preferences, the vehicle’s design or the road’s conditions.

Lastly, drivers can pair EPS with other electronic vehicle systems, including driver assist and stability control systems. These combinations lead to improved vehicle performance and much safer driving.

Know Your BMW’s Power Steering

If you own a newer BMW model, you need to learn the ins and outs of your car’s electric power steering system. Those who own classic bimmers should focus on learning about hydraulic power steering. In either case, you need to know your BMW’s power steering components to ensure a consistent driving experience.

The Road to Global Dominance: Analyzing BMW’s Expansion Efforts

BMW is one of the most successful names in the automobile industry. For over 100 years, the automaker has made its mark with the i8, 3 Series, 4 Series and its line of motorcycles.

Nowadays, you can find BMWs in all six inhabited continents, with plants in Europe, Africa, North America, South America and Asia. How did BMW get so popular? Here’s a timeline of their expansion efforts in the last century. 

The Impact of World War II

World War II devastated BMW as the Allied forces bombed or dismantled its plants across Germany. The company relinquished control over its manufacturing sites for nearly a decade. During this time, BMW slowly rebuilt its post-war production with motorcycles and models like the 501.  

By the early 1960s, BMW returned to its pre-war status in the auto industry with the 1500 sedan. Twentieth-century Bimmer drivers lauded the 1500 and sparked a decade of excellent sales numbers for the manufacturer. In 1967, BMW outgrew its plant in Munich and needed to expand, so it acquired facilities in Dingolfing and Landshut, Germany. The company only needed a few more years before looking to another continent. 

First Expansion Efforts

In the late 1960s, BMW assembled the Glas 1800 at a plant near Pretoria, South Africa — the country’s administrative capital. By 1972, the automaker’s board members decided to purchase the production facility. BMW’s plant in Rosslyn became known as BMW South Africa — the first manufacturing facility for BMW outside of Germany in the country’s history. 

The Pretoria plant became significant for BMW as it continued producing the Glas 1800 SA and the BMW 2000 SA. In 1984, a decade after establishing the South African plant, the company began producing 3 Series vehicles here. 

Heading to the U.S.

The next expansion came nearly two decades later. In 1989, BMW wanted to build a plant in the United States. The country is very car-centric and has been for almost a century, so it makes great sense to build here. By 1980, nearly 90% of Americans owned at least one car, so establishing a BMW plant would be a significant step for the automaker.

In 1994, BMW opened its first American production plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The location gave BMW a foothold in the southern United States and a spot near the Atlantic coast. BMW initially used the Spartanburg plant to build the Z3 Roadster — but now it produces the X3, X4, X5 and X6, making it a pivotal location for the manufacturer. 


The facility is crucial for BMW’s presence in America and South Carolina, employing 43,000 people and contributing nearly $27 billion annually to the state. 

Acquiring a Big Name

BMW’s international expansion began to accelerate in the 1990s. At the end of the century, auto manufacturers, tech companies and other corporations realized globalization leads to better products at lower prices in nearly every industry. After American expansion, BMW looked to the U.K. for its next global opportunity.

In 1994, BMW purchased the Rover Group, the manufacturer of the Land Rover, the Mini, the Triumph and more. It didn’t last long, with the automotive group selling Rover by 2000. However, they kept the Mini, a staple for Bimmer fans today. 

In 1998, BMW made a massive decision by purchasing Rolls-Royce — one of the world’s most famous luxury car brands — away from Volkswagen. The automaker built a new headquarters and plant in Goodwood, a hub for motor enthusiasts in southern England.

Expanding to Asia

In 2003, BMW began producing Rolls Royces at its Goodwood location and made plans to expand into Asian markets. The manufacturer announced it would construct a plant in Shenyang, northeast of Beijing. BMW vehicles rolled off the production lines in 2004 for Shenyang residents. By 2012, BMW grew again with another plant in Shenyang — Plant Tiexi. 

Crossing into South America

By the 2010s, BMW left its mark on Europe, Africa, North America and Asia. In 2014, it expanded into South America for the fifth continent with a manufacturing plant in Araquari, Brazil. The southeastern Brazilian plant produced its first car in early September and has been integral to BMW’s presence in Latin America since. 

BMW in Mexico

The most recent development for BMW is opening a plant in Mexico. The San Luis Potosí facility opened in 2019 and will be a significant part of the future for the manufacturer as it looks to electric vehicles (EVs). BMW announced substantial investments to build high-voltage batteries and hire more employees to meet the demand for EVs. 

EVs are the future for BMW and other manufacturers, but what about hydrogen-powered cars and other alternative energy sources? Currently, BMW produces hydrogen-powered vehicles at its Munich plant, but watch for even more international expansion as technologies and markets evolve. 

BMW’s Global Impact

BMW is one of the most recognizable names in the automotive industry. For over 50 years, the company only produced in Germany, but its gradual globalization has led to success on multiple continents. 

How Often Should You Replace Your BMW’s Windshield Wipers?

Windshield wipers are one of the most high-maintenance parts of any vehicle, let alone a luxury car like a BMW. Although they serve a basic purpose, they are crucial parts of creating safe driving conditions and preventing accidents. That’s why you need to stay on top of your windshield wiper maintenance.

This guide explains how often you should replace your BMW’s windshield wipers, explores the telltale signs of wiper damage, then goes through four easy steps to replace your wiper blades.

When to Replace Your BMW’s Windshield Wipers

There is no universal timeline for windshield wiper maintenance, but you should replace them at least once a year to avoid visibility problems when driving. Every car has slightly different wiper blades, which means they wear down at different speeds. 

Your location also plays a role. If you live in a climate with high precipitation, the blades will dull more quickly. On the flip side, constant exposure to direct sunlight can cause the wiper frames to warp and bend, rendering them useless.

While one year is a reasonable timeline, your local BMW dealership might recommend replacing your windshield wipers every six months just to be safe. Luxury vehicles have more strict maintenance requirements than the average car, and the windshield wipers are no exception. All BMW parts are high-quality, so it takes a little extra work to keep them in good working order.

Signs of Windshield Wiper Damage

If your BMW’s windshield wipers aren’t performing like they used to, you need to do an inspection and assess the damage. The most concerning sign of damage is bent or warped wiper frames because they can permanently scratch your windshield and leave huge watermarks that impede your visibility. 

Here are some other signs that your wipers need to be replaced:

  • Dry or dirty rubber: Take a close look at the rubber on your wiper blades. If they are covered in residue or starting to crack from being too dry, it’s time for replacement wipers.
  • Loose blades: If the blades are loose, they aren’t wiping your windshield properly. They can also fall off if you neglect to replace them. The wipers need to form a tight seal against the windshield without any wiggling or jostling.
  • Squeaking noise: You might be familiar with the annoying squeaking noise that wiper blades make when they start to break down. This noise could be the result of an unstable part or exposed plastic rubbing against the glass.

If you notice any of these signs of damage, you need to replace your windshield wipers as soon as possible. Driving with dysfunctional wiper blades poses a risk to yourself and other drivers on the road.

How to Replace Windshield Wipers in 4 Easy Steps

Fortunately, windshield wiper replacements aren’t complicated. This project is one of the few DIY automotive repairs that anyone can do at home in just a few minutes. Just follow these steps and your BMW will have fresh wiper blades in no time.

  1. Get New Wiper Blades

First, you need to get new windshield wipers that match your vehicle’s design. You should be able to get exact replacements of your old blades from BMW’s accessory shop or a local auto parts store. Double-check the specifications just to be sure you have matching blades. You can also get new blades from another reputable brand such as Bosch or Michelin.

  1. Access the Base of the Wipers

The base of your windshield wipers is located under the hood. To make the replacement process easier, turn on your vehicle and activate the blades. Turn the vehicle off when the blades are in the middle of the windshield so you can stand them up and get full access to the entire mechanism. 

  1. Remove the Blades

Look for a release button at the base of the wipers and press it so you can gently slide the blades out of their holders. Most newer BMWs have adapter systems that keep the blades in place while driving and makes their removal easier.

  1. Install the New Blades

Install the new blades the same way you removed the old blades. You should hear a distinct clicking sound if you properly install them. Make sure the release button isn’t activated. Put the wipers back in their original position and turn on the vehicle to test them out. If everything is working properly, you’ve successfully replaced your windshield wipers.

Enjoy Your New Windshield Wipers

Driving with dysfunctional windshield wipers is a huge pain. They sound annoying and they do nothing to improve your windshield’s visibility. After you replace them, it will feel like you’re driving a brand new car.

Just follow these maintenance and replacement recommendations, and you will get to enjoy a fresh set of windshield wipers on your BMW in no time!