Just picked up a 2004 325xi. Had it about 3 weeks. Power steering was fine when I test drove it, but there was pulley noise and/or belt noise at the time, and figured belts and other issues would be coming up soon. After the first week power steering started getting weak. Not sure if this is standard German steering being stiff to begin with. The steering seems to "catch" and gets stiff while turning corners in a very narrow range of the turning radius. After the initial turn, the steering feels to return to normal. Fluid levels are good. The previous owner it was noted had the steering column gear replaced. I've seen that the original power steering pump on these was a poor design and the shaft would sheer. As I begin looking into this, just trying to get forum input on what might be going on. I may be premature in posting this until further investigation.
Check the power steering fluid reservoir for fluid level. The power steering system uses Dexron3 automatic transmission fluid.
My 04 325xi is Dex III. The issue with my power steering is my passenger side upper strut mount has decided it doesn't want to be one with the gaseous shock so the rubber has cracked and separated. I don't have the time or the money to buy a spring compressor to fix it either.
New Daily:
2011 Audi A6 Avant 3.0T prestige. 1 of 368
----FOR SALE-----
04 BMW 325xi 143k
The Fun car:
94' BMW 740i 308k miles
Fresh 72k mile engine with all new seals. True E34 Manual Trans Engine Harness. 6spd Transmission Swap, Getrag 420G. RHD LW Single Mass Flywheel. E39 M5 Clutch. E39 M5 Shifter. Factory Car Phone. Factory 6CD Changer. Factory Electric Sunshade. Not So Factory Factory Electric/Heated Rear Seats. E38 Heater Valves. E43 M5 calipers/brakes
Sold:
1996 Oldsmobile Aurora; 194k miles but with a bad paint job and dented fender resulting in a payout to buy the 740i
All E46s’ power steering systems use Dexron3. There has been confusion because some replacement ZF reservoirs have the Pentosin label.
Bookmarks