Power steering sluggish at low speed
 

My new to me X5 is rather difficult to steer at very low speeds (parking, for instance). I am not sure if this is normal for an X5 or not. Steering at speed is totally fine and there are no abnormal noises. My wife hasn't driven it yet but I am sure she will find it a challenge. Is this an indication that the power steering fluid needs to be flushed?

Thanks

Not likely a PSF flush will change things - unless its already REALLY low (but then you'd have odd noises).

What wheel/tyre combo do you have? And tyre pressure? Some of the wheel options are very wide and can result in pretty heavy steering at low speeds.

I think in general some folk find the steering a little heavier than on smaller vehicles but I can't say it is the first thing that I notice when driving mine (compared to other cars).

*edit* - FWIW, I try to NEVER turn the wheels while the vehicle is stationary - doing this is likely to feel VERY heavy. I always roll very slowly when changing the wheel direction.... YMMV...

I checked the PSF level yesterday and it is at the low end of the dipstick so maybe I'll just top it off and see. I have standard 17 inch wheels/tires.

I have had several other SUVs over the years (Mercedes, Lexus, Toyota, Subaru) and the X5 is, by far, the most difficult to turn at parking lot speeds.

This is the trade off you get when you want the Ultimate Driving Experience. Yes the BMW X5 steering is a bit more heavy compare with other SUV. Want a one finger steering experience get a XT5 (Cadillac).

I actually kinda like those. Rented on in Road America this year and it had all the whistles and bells.

The x5's without servotronic (adaptive steering) feel pretty heavy to most people. My wife likes the heaviness (her e70 has regular steering) and complains about my 4.8is being so light until it gets up to speed. It shouldn't feel manual steering jeep hard, but definitely some stiffness is normal.

Like mentioned above it's never a good idea to steer in place. Probably sheds 50 miles of wear every time it's done not to mention it's 10x the forcea on the 15-20 year old parts.

The x has a firm feel that will improve your upper body strength no doubt


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I never mentioning steering while not moving...:captainob

She'll be fine. My wife is 4'11" (shhhh, don't tell her I told you, she hates it when I don't refer to her as 5' tall) and is pretty petite. She prefers heavy steering and doesn't have an issue. :thumbup:

And a flush couldn't hurt. If it helps great, but the X5's without servotronic are known to be heavy at low speeds.

:thumbup: