X5 steering issue

[windy]

I picked up a used '02 X5 3.0d last week to tow my track car. It's done 107k and is pretty mint really.

However...

The steering has developed an unusual issue. An E46 M3 steering wheel has been fitted, and at first it felt like this was maybe rubbing against the column shroud and occasionally 'jamming'. However I've now realised it's the PAS working then not working

I'll be halfway through a turn, the PAS will go 'off' so the wheel will weight up meaning I have to put more effort in, then it will come back 'on' and I'll suddenly be steering too much. Obviously not good...

I bought it from an independent dealer so will take it back to him, but I'd rather have a rough idea of what it could be beforehand.

So, PAS pump? Entire rack? Something else?

The dealer isn't very local, so I wouldn't mind having an opinion from someone else before making the trek to see him — I'm sure the BM-dealer will charge me a fortune just to open the bonnet, so is this the sort of thing a decent independent mechanic could work out?

Other than that I bloody love it!!! Even though it's a bit 'pimp'...





Bought to tow this, which is currently stripped and awaiting a cage...