Power Steering

[ilya2193]

Hey guys,

I've been wondering how hard is it to turn for you guys. I've had my e39 for 2 weeks. After driving my dad's hyundai, my moms impala, and my bro's e32, it seems like my car has no power steering at all! It's really hard to turn but when you come out of a turn the wheel practically goes to the center position by itself. I've check the power steering fluid and it was really low but after I added it, it pretty much stayed the same, maybe a little easier. is it suppose to be like this or do I have a problem?

Thanks

[Eire]

Turn the ignition on so that the power steering pump is running when checking the level in the reservoir. Make sure you use ATF Fluid in the power steering reservoir, some caps say "ATF Only" and others just say ZF. Dexron IV is readily available at any autoparts store.

Using synthetic fluids may make the steering considerably smoother and easier to operate, I have had good experience with Mobile 1 Synthetic but you may also try some of the more expensive brands such as Royal Purple or Amsoil. Replacing the resevoir and its built in filter may also improve the ease of function. If you have a leak, there are two hoses that are very prone to leaking and are very easily replaced. If you have confirmed a leak, post back here and I will walk you through it. I recommend removing the drip pan under the car and degreasing the soiled areas so that leaks are more easily identified.

Get acquainted with websites like realoem.com if you haven't already.

The power steering diagram may be a little off on some vehicles when it comes to the power steering oil cooler connections but the slotted side of the clamp will be on the hose that goes from cooler to reservoir regardless of whether the slotted/open side of the clamp is on the top or the bottom.

-Jack

[HeymanE36]

I think it could be the Power Steering Pump ... I have the same problem ... more so when the revs are up ... its scary when your on an off ramp and the steering is stiff as manual very hard to turn the wheel

[x13alle12x]

Anyone else? I think that's how our cars are. I've always noticed our steering is more stiff than most cars.

[epeppino]

Anyone else? I think that's how our cars are. I've always noticed our steering is more stiff than most cars.


+1

[jnyost]

I've driven several that steered just fine.

[BMW 528]

Bad power steering pump, not enough pressure.

[jnyost]

Agreed. Most likely cause....

[ilya2193]

well its stiff but its not hard to enter on a freeway ramp one handed. It just surprised me when reversing from my driveway at slow speeds took two hands to turn very quickly. and Eire, I didn't see any sign of a leak.

[Eire]

yeah, don't let anyone scare you. That's normal for e39's. It's not like a pinky steering lexus or mercedes benz. You really don't notice until you jump from one car to the other and are parallel parking. Well, try sucking out some of the fluid and using synthetic, it makes a noticeable difference. If you still find it rough then try replacing the reservoir. The whole thing is about $30 in parts($42 if you buy a fluid transfer pump to do a clean job) and oil and will make it easier on you.

It's a new car for you and you still need to get the feel, I doubt that it's your powersteering pump, although it's possible.

[Jackcat559]

change the fluid & reservoir first. It helped mine tremendously.

[jnyost]

Stiff steering is NOT normal on an E39. You may get used to it as your pump wears out but it is not normal.

Most of the time you can get a PS pump cheaper locally than you can from any of us. The rebuilt LUK/ZF we offer are more expensive than the cheap cardones you'll find locally.

Jared

[Alpina540i]

So is cardone a good replacement or not ? good quality? last another 70 k miles?

[jnyost]

I'm usually not a cardone fan but for the price difference and lifetime warranty I think they are worth giving a shot.

I'd love to sell everyone one but you'll save a lot more by grabbing a cardone.

Jared

[Eire]

You'll have to compare it to another E39, of the same model and year. I believe some are hydraulic and some are electrohydrualic(servotronic) systems, stock in the M5's and 540. I know the gearing is different between the two and feels different to the operator. I have driven brand new E39's and their Power Steering is considerably weaker than Lexus or Mercedes. There is just less power assist in BMW's in general compared to other luxury cars(some newer models are exceptions, especially after '03 with the adjustable gear ratios/Active Steering). The Active steering can feel unusually tough in some situations but it's quite buttery most of the time. In my opinion brand new BMW's have about the same steering wheel feel as a Nissan maxima

I like the feel of older models personally, I think they're more responsive to the driver's touch. The new f01 doesn't have it at all. It's another pinky steer vehicle. It feels like any other ultra-luxury car, designed for minimal effort and maximum comfort.

The wheel should never be difficult to turn though and should always be possible which just a single hand. If it's any more than that you have a steering problem. If you feel like you're getting a forearm workout, then there is something wrong.

You can find cheap overhauled LUK PS pumps through parts recyclers. Do your homework on the recyclers before buying one. BMRparts.com for instance, has pretty mixed reviews.

Sorry for the rant, but it's something that I find sort of interesting. The shifts in the automotive industry are strange, 91' Chevy Lumina's have the same amount of power steering feel as 2009 BMW 7 series.

[deathwarden5]

I think E39's have heavier steering than other cars, but not stiffer.

[ilya2193]

Well I can't really tell. It's completely possible to turn one handed but tough to parallel park quickly with one hand. I'm just going to have to compare with another 528 e39. I just think its strange though. In my bro's 1991 e32, you can turn from left to right in park with one, hand in a matter of seconds. As a matter of fact you can do it with one finger. Mines not close to that.