[ptpending]

for e9x and e8x its very simple
if your car has auto start/stop (vehicle stop engine on crossroads if car not moving and clutch is depressed and you have button for this function, then your steering will be electric
otherwise it will be hydraulic

[kdotjot]

Originally Posted by ptpending

for e9x and e8x its very simple
if your car has auto start/stop (vehicle stop engine on crossroads if car not moving and clutch is depressed and you have button for this function, then your steering will be electric
otherwise it will be hydraulic

I don't have start/stop on my car. The car also doesn't have a power steering reservoir or power steering pump.

[ptpending]

Originally Posted by kdotjot

I don't have start/stop on my car. The car also doesn't have a power steering reservoir or power steering pump.

ok, share your car VIN to decode options list or share option list from mdecoder by yourself
let's see

[kdotjot]

Originally Posted by ptpending

ok, share your car VIN to decode options list or share option list from mdecoder by yourself
let's see

I've attached the spec sheet from the dealership below:

[Silver Streek]

Originally Posted by ptpending

for e9x and e8x its very simple
if your car has auto start/stop (vehicle stop engine on crossroads if car not moving and clutch is depressed and you have button for this function, then your steering will be electric
otherwise it will be hydraulic

This is incorrect, mine does not have auto stop start and does have electric steering. I know it has it as I had to have the rack replaced as the motor was faulty.
I think you will find it may be the facelift (LCI) cars that have electric steering.

[ptpending]

Originally Posted by Silver Streek

This is incorrect, mine does not have auto stop start and does have electric steering. I know it has it as I had to have the rack replaced as the motor was faulty.
I think you will find it may be the facelift (LCI) cars that have electric steering.

what gearbox do you have ?

[Silver Streek]

Originally Posted by ptpending

what gearbox do you have ?

Mines a manual.

I also have an E92 pre facelift that's a 56 plate this has hydraulic power steering. I much prefer the electric rack in my 59 plate LCI E91. The hydraulic rack is too heavy.

[ptpending]

Originally Posted by Silver Streek

Mines a manual.

I also have an E92 pre facelift that's a 56 plate this has hydraulic power steering. I much prefer the electric rack in my 59 plate LCI E91. The hydraulic rack is too heavy.

lets decode your e91 option list

[ptpending]

Originally Posted by kdotjot

I've attached the spec sheet from the dealership below:

Attachment 3545415

so thats fine
your car has 1ca 1cb 1cd options and therefore it will have electric steering rack
if you had manual gearbox car with same options then you'll get auto start/stop button

[pmorg4]

Originally Posted by Silver Streek

This is incorrect, mine does not have auto stop start and does have electric steering. I know it has it as I had to have the rack replaced as the motor was faulty.
I think you will find it may be the facelift (LCI) cars that have electric steering.

Except 335i, which kept hydraulic steering through to the end of the E9x production.

[lordnikon]

Is this a Euro market thing? Both pre LCI and LCI e90s in North America still retain hydraulic power steering.

[pmorg4]

Originally Posted by lordnikon

Is this a Euro market thing? Both pre LCI and LCI e90s in North America still retain hydraulic power steering.

Most likely. I don't know specifically about the differences between Americas and Europe models, but given the European legislative obsession with standardised CO2 emissions testing (and the tax implications of CO2 emissions results) then manufacturers went to great lengths to optimise their performance on the tests. Electric steering would have been part of that, in reality the CO2 difference on the road is probably negligible but if it can contribute toward pushing the car into a lower tax bracket then it would be worth it.

It got to a point in Europe where standardised fuel economy test results were completely detached from real world performance, which ultimately resulted in the test methodology being changed to prevent the ability of manufacturers to game the results.