[JAE91]

I was away last week and since I’ve returned my steering seems to feel considerably heavier than before on my 08 325i E92. It is possible I’m imagining it however would like to rule out possible causes all the same.

I noticed in line with this that on ‘tilts’ in the road my steering wheel does seem to pull in the direction of the imperfections.. But on a flat surface (M5) with hands off the wheel it doesn’t pull either way. It just seems like I’m having to hold I slightly firmer grip when turning even slightly (slight bends in motorway/on dual carriageways etc)

The first thing I wanted to do was check the power steering reservoir level and excuse my ignorance but where the f*** is it? Do I even have one..?! (I’ve taken a picture of my engine bay but apparently the file is too big to upload, will try to reduce it but if anyone has a pic they could stick on that would be great)

I plan on getting the alignment checked this weekend as the conditions of the roads in the South West is horrendous at best presently, would that be a possible cause?

Does anyone have any other suggestions as to possible causes etc?

Cheers,
James

[wallsmk2]

power steering reservoir is the little bottle, top right with the flower shaped cap

[JAE91]

Originally Posted by wallsmk2

power steering reservoir is the little bottle, top right with the flower shaped cap

Dont suppose you could stick a picture on could you? or if you don't mind PM'ing me your email address/mob no i'll send you the pic of my bay so you could point it out for me?

[wallsmk2]

here it's on the bottom right, but the shape of the cap is the same. It may have a green sticker but may just be black.

[JAE91]

Yeh i'm fairly sure i don't have that... I've seen that video (and others) the cap always seems to look the same but none like that in my bay.. I'll try and get the photo on shortly..

[JAE91]

heres the pic (i think)

[wallsmk2]

that looks a bit empty! never seen one without a reservoir. Do you have active steering? I think this has a different cap sometimes but you don't seem to have any reservoir that's easily accessible. Stumped.

What year, engine model is your car? perhaps check realoem

[wallsmk2]

looking at the picture, those two prongs, top right, near the strut tower, is where the bracket for the reservoir is bolted on I think. No idea! hopefully someone else knows more

[JAE91]

Originally Posted by wallsmk2

that looks a bit empty! never seen one without a reservoir. Do you have active steering? I think this has a different cap sometimes but you don't seem to have any reservoir that's easily accessible. Stumped.

What year, engine model is your car? perhaps check realoem

My thoughts when I first looked for it… I’ll be completely honest, in my ignorance I don’t know if I have active steering although it looks likely at this point – anyway for me to tell for sure? (or entirely what it is… Electric powered instead of a pump running from the engine I presume?)

It is a 2008 325i 3L…

[wallsmk2]

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=407022

learn something new every.....

you have electric steering then. As I've never maintained a car with it, I'm totally ignorant

[JAE91]

That explains a lot.. thanks for your help.

Can anyone with experience tell me where I can find the PS Reservoir in my bay and/or offer any suggestions for the symptoms I’m describing?

[wallsmk2]

it's not a hydraulic system, so no fluid or reservoir, although I presume there must be some kind of lubrication.

[JAE91]

Originally Posted by wallsmk2

it's not a hydraulic system, so no fluid or reservoir, although I presume there must be some kind of lubrication.

Sorry on second reading I gathered that, thanks again.

Still have the (potential) issue of the heavier steering. Any suggestions on that front?

[wallsmk2]

I'd first check tyre pressures. When it's in for an alignment check, get them to pop it on a ramp and check the front rubbery bits, control arms, track rod ends etc. I presume, as it's an electric system there's some software controlling it which could require updating.

[safe d]

I am also having strange steering responses and I will soon change front drop links to see if this cures it.

[JAE91]

The more I think about the symptoms I'm experiencing I'm less convinced that alignment is my problem, I just don't understand how it could feel fine before going away for a week and then suddenly feel as heavy as it does, the only way I can describe it is as a constantly heavy feel even when only making alight adjustments to steering on motorway or dual carriageways.. tyre pressures are the first thing I checked (they were still at spec from the last time I topped them up)

After endless searches on this forum amongst others as well as general web searches I can't see any obvious suggestions..?

I'm also struggling to find any info on possible issues with what I now know is my electric power steering so no fluid etc to check (as far as I'm aware)

[wallsmk2]

if you have a problem alignment may not help, but it could show up worn components. Make sure you get a before and after read out which will highlight any potential issues.

But if it was me, I'd get it on a ramp before any alignment and have a good poke about, make sure rack bellows are in good condition, tie rods are good. If all checks out a dealer may be the best option, as I doubt many independents will have a great deal of experience with these yet.

[JAE91]

I had my first opportunity to check tyre weat etc in daylight this morning and it does seem that the inner edges of both fronts are slightly more worn than the outers.. Indicates that it is possible alignment issue?

Also I can confirm the steering as such isnt heavy in town driving etc, the only noticeable "heaviness" is when making gradual adjustment to steering ie when changing lane on Motorway, taking sweeping curves etc.. Also seems to be slightly more difficult on left hand adjustments than the right..

[wallsmk2]

isn't that what electric steering should do though, becoming heavier at speed?

a small amount of inner tyre wear is normal, excessive needs alignment checking.

[JAE91]

Had it up on ramps this morning, appears the control arm bushes had worn (about right for mileage on my car - 38k) had a local BMW specialist indy come out with me and confirmed thats what i'm feeling.

Also did a full health check on the car and everything else tight and tidy!

£250 worse off for it, at least its pay day!