E83 2007 X3 3.0si Steering Wheel too hard

I bought my car 2months ago & I feel the steering wheel is way too hard. I literally have to use both hands with lots of strength to turn around. Is it how it is suppose to be? I remember it wasn't really bad with my 2002 330i with 100k miles on it. Any suggestions or inputs. Thanks!


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Sounds like you should have your power steering system looked at... When the car is running, you should be able to spin the steering wheel with a finger basically.


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Originally Posted by Kashboots

I bought my car 2months ago & I feel the steering wheel is way too hard. I literally have to use both hands with lots of strength to turn around. Is it how it is suppose to be? I remember it wasn't really bad with my 2002 330i with 100k miles on it. Any suggestions or inputs. Thanks!


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Check your fluid level and also fluid type. Your model uses Pentosin CHF11S which is slightly dyed green in color. Your feel could be that someone improperly filled it with ATF (not a good thing btw).

If not, test drive another e83. These cars do have tighter feeling steering than Japanese cars and I always notice that after hoping back into my x3 at the airport after a week with a Japanese econobox rental. The next gen x3 (f25 from 2011 on) has electronic steering which purist hate (including myself) but it is a light and fluffy steering feel a la Honda and Toyota.

Power steering feel is extremely subjective. What feels like a Mack truck to one is what another person considers tight Miata feel.



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One finger for sure , I like the heavier feel of my e39 and e36 this 83 is like really light and sensitive