@wpoll: thanks!

@Hen28: yeah, I don't think it is the pump.

@workingonit: The steering should be firm, but not super stiff. I have had the X5 since it rolled off the lot, so I know exactly what it was like and it is not what it is today (or has been for the past 6 years?). It certainly should NOT feel as if you have no power steering at all as you seem to describe is your situation.

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2001 BMW X5 3.0i, Automatic, Gasoline