Lighter Steering Wheel?

[killcrap]

Originally Posted by Weasel

The steering feel is noticably lighter on the 4.6is/4.8is vs the regular I6/V8 X5s. The valving controling the output of the power steering pump is different.

power steering pump is the same. the only difference the "is" vehicles have servotronic steering gear.

[Weasel]

Yeah, they activate the ECO (electronically controlled orifice) valve differently to allow more assist. Just opened more to allow more fluid pressure through for higher assist.

Basically servotronic has the same ECO valve on the pump, then adds a similar valve to control flow on the nose of the steering rack. It controls the restriction of hydrolic assist based on vehicle speed for greater or lower assist.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by Engz

I always knew that the steering on the BMW had more resistance than other cars. I love the feel but my girl doesn't. lol

Time to get a new girlfriend?

[themoth]

Originally Posted by killcrap

power steering pump is the same. the only difference the "is" vehicles have servotronic steering gear.

can this be retro fitted?

[jst2878]

Originally Posted by Engz

I always knew that the steering on the BMW had more resistance than other cars. I love the feel but my girl doesn't. lol

A lighter steering wheel LMFAO!

[askhao]

you'll get used to it... and when you do, you will never get back to the "lighter" steering wheels.

[chefwong]

food for thought. Just came to mind. You CAN TRY Castrol Dex III. It does change the steering feel marginally but if I recall, it was caused some noise at the rack.

Long story short, I did a PS fluid swap and used 4 fluids, before I found the perfect Dex III for *me* in both viscosity, noise...and steering feel.