Help, pls...Heavy steering wheel

[CheapCheap1]

Just bought a 95-540i/e34 (w/ 64K miles) from my colleague yesterday...

While I was driving back home, I noticed the steering wheel was a bit too heavy. This morning, I checked the fluid...it is actually full, at the level on the dip-stcik.

I would be very appreciated, if you guys could pls give me some advices on what could be wrong & where to start... (Well, I had Audi-A6Q which is using R/P...I have no clue about the 540i's RB.)

Many thanks & Best regards,
CC1

[Kaz]

It's probably normal. (older) BMWs don't have Buick-like power steering. A V8 E34 even moreso since it would definitely have a recirculating ball steering box, not a steering rack.

[Plaz]

It's supposed to be heavy. That's the way a driver's car is supposed to feel.

[CheapCheap1]

Kaz/Plaz, thanks a ton for your kind response.

Yeah, I'm a bit nervous...b'cuz the service records has shown a replacement (w/ a re-built) steering box back in '93 (at 53K miles) - done by a BMW "specialist" in NJ...???

Hopefully, it'll be no problem (& I'll get used to it).

Happy Bimming...
CC1

'95 540i/e34 (64K miles)

[Phillybluntz]

On mine it only feels heavy when driving slow, it feels alot better at normal road speed. I believe again as Kaz said it will not be over assisted like a Buick or Caddy

[AusBmw]

Dont most bmw's have speed sensitve power steering? Could this be it? I know my car's heavy at low speeds and light at high speeds.

[gtopaul]

might be too low

[bimmer dot info]

The speed sensitive steering reduces the power as you go faster. This helps maintain the weight of the wheel over different speeds.

Servotronic (speed sensitive) steering was available on the e34. Not sure which cars or when or how many....

AusBmw what your car is doing is normal for a car without servotronic. (The servotronic cars might do it but to a lesser degree. I havent had a chance to drive an e34 with it)