Bmw E60 heavy steering feel

[S8QUATTRO]

What should I be checking if my e60 530i has heavy steering?

I know BMWs are heavy but this feels a bit too heavy, at motorway speed it’s ok but slower speeds seems a tad too heavy, no leaks and reservoir is topped up.

Pump not making any strange sounds or grinding noise.

2005 530i model - car battery is fine incase that makes any difference

[bgunn]

Check the servotronic - in ‘failure’ mode it’ll default to heavy.

Could be faulty solenoid on the steering rack, or wiring to it.

[MikeM6]

Has it changed? As in, has it become more heavy?

[S8QUATTRO]

No, not become more heavy. Just feels heavy and I’m thinking is this normal. Not one odd sound from it, been a while since I drove an e39 and remember them being heavy, this is the first e60 I’ve driven. Used to driving more modern BMWs like the 640d which is pretty light

[rassi]

How long have you had the car? In other words, how long have you been concerned about the heavy feeling?

[bigdom]

S8QUATTRO said:

No, not become more heavy. Just feels heavy and I’m thinking is this normal. Used to driving more modern BMWs like the 640d which is pretty light

E60 uses hydraulic power steering, it will feel heavier than an F12 with electronic

[MikeM6]

S8QUATTRO said:

No, not become more heavy. Just feels heavy and I’m thinking is this normal. Not one odd sound from it, been a while since I drove an e39 and remember them being heavy, this is the first e60 I’ve driven. Used to driving more modern BMWs like the 640d which is pretty light

I assume it's hydraulic power steering and not electric, in which case it will be a little heavier, although I don't think any BMWs are noticeably heavy on steering.

[CLX]

When I was looking for an E90 335d, I thought the first one I test drive was faulty, the steering was so heavy. Turned out they're all like that.

[croyde]

My old e36 steering got heavier.

Checked the power steering fluid reservoir and it was very low. Topped it up and it was all good for the next 10 years until I sold it

ETA Ah, you did check the reservoir, sorry, skim read.

I used to drive my old e36 to a depot where I'd be given a new van or car to drive for our work. I'd wonder at the Transit Luton's light steering. Get used to it over 400 odd miles then return to base.

Get back into my Beemer and for just half a mile, think that I had a problem or that I'd got a puncture

But I did love that steering feel.

Edited by croyde on Friday 28th March 19:01

[S8QUATTRO]

I think this is just how they feel, more engaging than newer stuff. Just drove another one and it’s just a heavier feel to a newer car.

[tgr]

are you new to the car? As has been said, hydraulic power steering is more meaty than EPAS

[S8QUATTRO]

Yes just recently bought it, but hadn’t driven one before. I remember my e39 being a lot heavier than the 640d. I guess the E60 is more like an e39 drive wise.

[S8QUATTRO]

Yes just recently bought it, but hadn’t driven one before. I remember my e39 being a lot heavier than the 640d. I guess the E60 is more like an e39 drive wise.