1989 750il, 50k miles, extremely stiff steering suddenly, can't turn!

[E32miamiguy]

Hi, I bought an '89 750il a few months ago and had it shipped from Vail, CO, extremely well kept, 52k miles, no snow or anything. A week ago I went through the car wash in neutral and when I got out, the steering I noticed was getting really stiff and there was kind of a wub wub wub noise as best I can describe it, like something is rubbing internally I guess in the steering. A few days later today I tried to take it out and it can't turn like, period. It is so stiff. That noise is much more prominent, too. I just have no idea about transmission, steering, anything DIY unfortunately. Just wondering if need to take to specialist, though as I said I don't know if I should even try to drive it honestly, or just a general place.

The deal is, I want to sell this car already before this happened, just realized even though I love the v12 and luxury combo, I'm in my 20s, want something newer, not a mechanic kind of mind and so probably not best person to own this car and appreciate it even. I paid 12k for it, not super freaked out or anything about the $ involved here, just want to put my best foot forward in selling it and now this stiffness that now is to where I like can't turn period, I'm wondering if anyone knows what this is and where I should take it to, how to proceed with going to autotrader or try locally craigslist since I'm in Miami. I want to get at least like 7k for the car, not about to invest a ton in repairs. I don't think anything big time engine wise is in any trouble, just steering. I just dont know cars well, and think I'm better off in a leased luxury car after this is all through. Anybody have any idea on this? Really appreciate the help. thanks

[E32miamiguy]

Posted this few mins ago it looked like body was missing for some reason. I bot this 750il few mo. ago, shipped to Miami from Vail, $12k. Had decided few wks. ago just don't want to have this car crazy as that sounds. Respect for the v12 and luxury and all, but want something newer, lower potential maintenance. Not a DIY guy and don't know cars. This car had been going great though driving-wise, 50k miles, like 9.5/10 I would dare say, but went through car was the other day standard sit in neutral, etc, and I got out and the steering started being really stiff like turning the wheel period. Kind of a wub wub wub noise going on I think in the steering sphere but could be engine or something. Nothing sounds like it's misfiring or anything, just the wheel now like today, I cant turn the car like just about period. At all. It's like the wheel is locked up.

Given I had wanted to sell this, I'm just wondering if anyone has any suggestion as to who to take the car to (if I can get it there, unfortunately, w/steering issue) if it needs to be a specialist in Euro luxury cars or just general? I don't have any car know how so like I said, not the car for me, in my 20s, just had decided anyway I don't want this. I really probably just want to at least get like 7k for this car, try craigslist local since I'm in Miami market here, then autotrader. So any help with this I'd appreciate greatly. I'm not panicking about the potential $ amount just trying to be smart about identifying the issue, and if it is big time like transmission/engine, then I realize the car is down to like a couple grand only. Just how it is.

[shogun]

So after car wash it started? Check if the belt on the power steering pump is broken or slipping. http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/part...MW-750iL&mg=32

[e30luv318i]

also check fluid level.

[f00g0057]

Keep in mind that your Brake booster has pressure supplied to it by the power steering pump also. If the pump is not producing enough pressure you should get a pressure warning on the dash and and a red light warning by the ABS light.
In my case the pump was usually bad. With low fluid you will hear the pump groaning if it is too low.

[SergeBMW]

There is a guy in Pompano named Peter with a shop called German Autos. I use him for work I can't do, usually the heavy stuff. Look him up, he's got great prices too, all he does is BMWs and me and another member here are regulars for him.

For the other members here, could a clogged servotronic sensor cause this as well? I know this can be an issue but it should not be coupled with groaning noises, just hard steering correct?

btw I would love to see that 50k mile 750, i'm in Boca, wish I had the money to take it off your hands!