Change in RPM in park
 

Ok so here is my interesting experience.

I was sitting in target parking lot waiting for a friend. The truck was on with the front wheels slightly against the curb. It was in park and bored, as I was turned the wheel for no reason at all, I watched my RPM gage decrease and increase as I turned the wheel from all the way to the left to the right.

This is the first time I have noticed the RPM gage moving like that in park without having my foot on the accelerator.

Any ideas? Is this a clue I am up for some rough waters at the stealer?

Thanks in advance your your thoughts,

Austin

Completely normal. The rpms will fluctuate when you turn the wheel.

Just an (un)educated guess here, but when you JUST started to turn the wheel, your actions put a "load" on the engine, due to power steering. The power steering action caused the initial dip in the RPM's which the engine then made up for by overcompensating to raise them back up. This should be your answer and should also be readily re-testable with consistent results, I would think. Therefore, based on my theory, you have nothing to worry about. :thumbup:

Or I could be out in left field... :dunno: :rofl:

Totally right. The power steering is robbing power from the engine - hence causing the dip in the RPM... Once you stop turning the wheel, the robbing of the power stops... RPM's go back up to normal...

Same thing happens when you turn on A/C. It robs power from the engine too...

Ok good! Thanks for all your guys help. I was starting to worry it would be a huge issue.

While we are on the topic about engine with components, sometimes when I turn on my air (ac, heat, or fan) it starts fading in and out getting weak and then powerful and repeating...

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

That probably just means that you have your A/C system set in "AUTO" mode. If you want the fan to blow at a steady speed, just set the fan speed via the "manual fan speed control" button in the middle console, and the speed will not vary - until you push the auto button again.

Also, don't forget to adjust the "dial" up near your center vent duct from hot to cold depending on what you want. It seems to impact the temperature MUCH more than the actual digital temperature selector does! I still haven't figured out why BMW keeps these 2 separate control functions because it only causes confusion!

I know what you mean, but I have the old school climate control with the dials... So when I turn the dial up it does the weird high low high low thing sometimes.

But I do agree with the two separate controls is a pain in the butt. I wonder the benefit? I wonder if you can cool your feet but heat your head? :rofl:

Yea, that's normal. Happens on any vehicle with hydraulic power steering assist. In fact, its the easiest way to see if its hydraulic or electric-assisted.