Power Steering Symptoms - Failure or something else
 

My power steering was making a very low level hum for a long time. My sister borrowed the X5 and it came back very loud, and the steering assist impaired. It is the typical power steering sound when fluid is low, but very loud.

My question is whether this is a failure of the pump, or it not getting fluid.

My reservoir was full, and the fluid looked pretty clean. I siphoned the fluid out. Curious if there has been experience with our X5's whereby the filter in the reservoir could get clogged and prevent fluid from being supplied to the system, or if a hose can fail internally and collapse, similarly preventing fluid to reach the pump.

P/S systems
 

Many of posters have reported p/s noise and have replaced the reservoir and flushed the system to elimate the cavitation sounds you may be hearing. If your pump is making death rattle sounds then flushing and replacing the reservoir will reduce the noise level but not cure it. If the built in filter clogs up it will constrict the fluid flow and force the pump into working overtime until it fails. It is a quick replacement that only needs the clamps replaced if the hoses are in good shape.

As your system wears out there are only three issues to determine: rack, pump, line pressures. Only diagnostics will determine which is the issue and hence source of the problem. Any competent shop can determine this will a pressure gauge.
Helpful?

Stephen, is there no way to clean the filter inside the reservoir? I'm not getting noises but the steering gets heavy in the first quarter turn....as if something is caught. If I quickly release and turn again it goes smooth :dunno: I've sucked out the fluid from the reservoir once last week and it helped just a little for 2 days. The hoses are dry and nothing visible under the car.

I am not aware of a way to clean the reservoir, but these are not expensive parts if the filter is the issue... it is best to just replace it than cause damage to the pump. Surprisingly the pumps are still expensive, my pump failed earlier this year and because i was an hr away from home i was left with no option but to take it to a bmw indy shop. It ended up costing me $800ish to get the pump replaced. I think the indy went and got the pump from the dealer.
Your issue could be a completely different, but in my case the pump did not make any noise or felt different..

Correct on the filter within the reservoir is NONE replaceable. The part it self is cheap and an easy install. The aftermarket ones are not too bad either. STAY AWAY FROM URO ones. Spend the 3-5 bucks more and get a quality part. Visit www.ecs.com and [http://www.eeuroparts.com] to see a large selection of parts

^:iagree: with Stephen - I got a ZF Reservoir for $25 IIRC - replaced it last year with stainless worm clamps, snipped 1/4-1/2" off the ends of the reservoir hoses to have a "fresh end" and reinstalled with fresh fluid and did a drain/refill with turkey baster twice - fluid is nice and red and I feel better knowing the filter is fresh - Easy DIY

Any other problems besides that would need shop diagnosis with pressure tester IMO

On all Gen 3 Dodge Mini vans (if anyone cares) the issue is the same. At 80-100 K the filters stop flowing and BURN up the pumps. A $27 reservoir and a few hose clamps you will be MUCH happier. Follow Ricky Bobby's tip on snipping off 1/2 inch of hose BEFORE reattaching as the old hose will NOT compress no matter how much force is applied by the clamp. (Ask me how I know....):wow::rofl:

Thank you kindly gents, I'll change the res. and go from there...

You guys rock...all of You!

I just checked Ebay UK since I live on the other side of the pond and found this:
BMW Meyle Power Steering Fluid Reservoir Bottle Tank with Cap 3146320000 | eBay , is Meyle known to any of you? I'm not going for the cheapest but I'm also not getting too many options (on ebay atleast).

Meyle tends to be Chinese made nowadays - not a bad thing if its in a quality factory (the OE BMW ignition coils are now made in China as well) -

Can you find a ZF reservoir? ZF is the OEM and is German made - Part #7672472232

Ok, I've checked both US and UK ebay now for the ZF reservoir and:
1. The UK side don't have them (only Meyle that is new and with warranty).
2. The US do have them but not for my 4.8iS. :dunno:
I've also checked ecs and they charge 50 bucks for shipping (+22$ for the part). If the DIY is easy then the sourcing must be the challenge! :rofl:

Stevekat: I'm sorry for hijacking your thread...maybe some of the info was useful for you...?

I have installed them before. Fit and finish is good, not OE but NO ONE will notice. The dead give away is the lack of shiny upper body. It will be all flat black. Again no one notices except us anal people.....:p: Works as designed, buy it as options are just that, things that are available.

Not sure what they charge but you can also check:
Autohausaz.com
Rockauto.com
pelicanparts.com

Unfortunately international shipping will cost you a bit. I am surprised there are no European auto store that could ship for less. How much is it at the dealer?

It will work fine for your 4.8iS - all took the same reservoir the only thing that might be different is the cap (labeling for ATF) - unless I'm wrong Stephen? But yes if Stephen says the Meyle is a good unit then go for it if the ZF is not available

That brand has my stamp of approval for what that is worth....:D

I haven't checked with the dealer, not going to bother anymore here in Norway. Thanks for the suggestions nebilex, I'm bookmarking every link I get on this forum! I have to say, the US has way more options (both parts and specialists) than Europe. Shame about the shipping charges though :/

It's settled now, Meyle it is....much obliged to you gets. I'll be sure to update you once I'm done.

BMW X5 4.8iS 2005

Add this one to your list
Schmiedmann - Styling/Tuning/Spare parts for BMW - New parts

Powersteering oil carrier
Product number: 32416851217
(Direct link to 32416851217)

^Excellent link! Thanks!

BMW X5 4.8iS 2005