[carbonSI]

Hi All,

To everyone with the pre lci hydraulic steering. Am i right in saying it should feel heavy to start with then go lighter as the speed increases??

It sometimes does this, but sometimes it will feel heavier or lighter on the same road with same conditions.

56 plate 320si 54K been to Bmw to check steering, no problems found. Just had Hunter KDS done, no problems found. I told bmw to check steering pump and they say can't find any problem.

Anyone else find this on the older type steering or have i got a dodgy pump?

[Tipper]

I thought it was supposed to be the other way round...light at slow speeds and heavier at high speeds.

ie more assistance at slower speeds.

[carbonSI]

Hi Tipper.

Thats what i thought but apparently not.

[carbonSI]

Anyone?

[mistryn]

i experience the same at low speeds my steering is very heavy but on the mway my steering feels light. mine is a 2008 one so not sure if its pre lci?

[carbonSI]

Hi Mistryn, i think first half of 2008 like yours would have been pre LCI so you have same steering as me

[Jon D]

From the fond memories I have of my pre LCI '08 E92 any change in weighting was very subtle, as I can't recall being consciously aware of any great difference with speed increase or decrease. I realise that sounds a bit vague, but what I'm trying to say is that I never felt it to be unduly heavy whilst parking and around town, whereas it was superbly accurate at higher speeds, so I interpret that as being easier/higher geared at low speeds and weightier/lower geared as speed increased. It was beautifully responsive at any speed and always provided superb feedback - the best I've ever known and very sadly missed in comparison to the electric system in the post LCI 3 series, my current F10 and the new F12.

[carbonSI]

Thanks for the responses, well i'm going to start off by changing to non-run flats and see if there are any changes. I do remember reading one post but can't find it saying that with the system on the SI, it should be heavy to start with and then go lighter as speed increased. Just mine seems to be intermittanly doing that on the same roads

[carbonSI]

I believe mine doesn't have servotronic???

[Carjack]

My experience is, that on my pre LCI '55 reg E90 the hyd steering was the only fault I ever had with the car:-

1) leaking hyd oil, which was sorted under warranty.
2) heavy steering when parking, but excellent once on the move & cornering.

Currently on my LCI reg '59 E90 I have electric steering with servotronic,
which I must say I find excellent :-

1) parking - a very nice light feel. Parking is a doddle.
2) very precise at low speed cornering which firms up very nicely as speed increases to approaching ultimate speeds with a firm and steady feel giving a feeling of superb confidence in the cars ability.

Would I go back to hyd steering?: I dont think so!

[doughboy]

Originally Posted by carbonSI

Hi Tipper.

That's what i thought but apparently not.

No he's right, you need less assistance at speed.

Think of a regular car with no PAS, it is heavy when parking and naturally becomes lighter at speed as there is less turning friction when the car is moving.

So with PAS you have more assistance when parking (but it still feels heavier) and virtually no assistance, or even added resistance due to the PAS friction at mway speeds, but it still feels lighter (and much more sensitive of course) at speed as that is the way steering works.

[carbonSI]

[QUOTE=Would I go back to hyd steering?: I dont think so![/QUOTE]


Got a point here, i thought when i bought the si, i that it would have this variable type steering like my mk5 golf had. Its the other way round on this car, heavy at low speeds less resistance when you need it at higher speeds.

Lot of people on the forum say the opposite tho, saying the EPS is s**t and is too light???

[doughboy]

The 335i has hydraulic, even LCI models like mine, its great - perfect IMO.

Just light enough (still meaty) at low speeds and rock solid heavy at high speed.

The EPS cars I've tried have been gash IMO with that slightly delayed / jerky off centre position where assistance switches on.

[carbonSI]

I reckon then Doughboy its them crappy run flats that i just can't get on with!

I know somewhere there is one fantastic handling car i've got, its just getting to it lol

[dbramley]

Hi,
I find my steering has a nice feeling to it. I don't notice any real difference between high and low speeds. It always feels just right.

I'm on 57k miles now and changed all the run flats out this year and I'm now running on Falkens. Not a massive change in comfort but it is a bit better
Dan