latelly I noticed that steering was hard on high rpms at first. now it seems like its hard everytime. I inderstand that those cars have speed sensitive steering and its hard to steer when going fast but why would it do it on low speeds?

hows the fluid in the Power Steering tank looking? it's labeled ATF only.

Yup, sounds like your fluid is low...Or it could be leaking out?

sounds like your servotronic unit may be cloged. the part number is
32131092412. in order to diagnose this, you must use a GT-1 and go through component activation, and activate the servotronic.

sounds like your servotronic unit may be cloged. the part number is
32131092412. in order to diagnose this, you must use a GT-1 and go through component activation, and activate the servotronic.

can it be unclogged or should it be replaced?

I'm having the same problem, but at low RPM, fluid level is fine....Could someone give more info??? GT-1, is this an engine analyzer? Thanks

needs to be replaced. a gt-1 is a diagnostic computer.

killcrap,

I had issues (2000 540i 6sp) at similar to this during an autox (would feel as if the power assist would go away when going left and right through the slalom). Fluid level was fine. Most likely the servotronic unit?

Thanks,
Chris

I am glad I still have a waranty. I kind of like way it feels though. steering feels very firm and the car feels very stable.

are you sure 540i has a servotronic? mine was made in april of 2000. I did a search for it and seems like only M5s have it.

yes 540's have servotronic. if your car wanders at high speeds, then replace it.

I"m having the same problem. Is this something thats DIY or should I take it in? What kind of cost should I be looking at?

BTW, I did replace all my hoses and fluid and it didn't go away.

I'm interested in this as well- does my 528i even have this setup? My steering is firm yet powered- I actually love how it feels, very positive, but I don't like not knowing about something in my car that may be damaged..

i wish i could throw out my recirculating ball bearing setup and switch to a rack and pinion setup. There is so much more feel in it.

I think i have the same problem. When i turn the wheel fast left to right, it will get unusually stiff for a brief period of time.

Do you hear a bearing/grinding sound? Especially very low speeds and in the cold? Ever replaced or checked your power steering pump? That would have been my first guess. Let us know what you find.

Do you hear a bearing/grinding sound? Especially very low speeds and in the cold? Ever replaced or checked your power steering pump? That would have been my first guess. Let us know what you find.

Any update from those that had this problem? Symptoms, resolution, and difficulty of a DIY project? thanks!

I've noticed sometimes that if I brake hard and slow down to like 5 mph, and make a turn at the same time, sometimes the steering becomes difficult if not impossible to turn. Mechanic said that the power steering pump may be wearing out. It's minor right now though.

I have been hearing high pitched squiling noise when my car's engine is hot and rpms are in 2000-3000 range. I did some some reading on bmw forums
and people who had this squiling noise have fixed it by replacing a power steering pump. My steering still sucks especially when I am doing high rpm manevours. it almost gets stuck. So I am going to go to a dealer in next few days. I will have them change a power steering pump and I will post here if it helps.

I went to a dealer today. they said steering difficulty and high pitched whistling at high rpms is caused by a failing steering pump. I am having it replaced next week. hopefully it fixes it.

Did they give you a quote? Just curious if I am ever going to DIY mine or not.

Did they give you a quote? Just curious if I am ever going to DIY mine or not.
you were right. it absolutelly was the power steering pump. I had it changed yesterday and now my car steers like when it was new. Total replacement was 780$. just the part was 380$. my extended warranty paid most of it. the pump on pelicanparts is 350. I am sure it is an easy DIY. If I did not have the warrant I would do it myself.
Actually the steering wheel was vibrating in between 40 and 55 mph and I was about to change suspension parts but replacing the pump got rid of that problem too. now it's unbelievably smooth and free of any vibrations.