Steering Wheel Noise
 

Has anyone had any dull squeeking noises when turning the steering wheel in their X5? Mine is a 2001 4.4i and have had it nearly five weeks. It was living outside at night until I started reading the horror stories with the oil separators blowing in cold temps (I live in the Reno/Tahoe area). Moving the car from the outside to the garage at night didn't seem to change the noise however. The steering is "fairly" heavy although I don't have another X5 to compare it to (first time X5 owner).

Any thoughts anyone?

if the squeaking seems to come from the steering column then it could be the same thing that the e36 experience. there is a lube fix that worked pretty well on our 323. it also made the steering feel much smoother.

try bimmerforums.com and search squeeky steering. the lube point was the steering linkage as it came out of the firewall into the engine bay. i used motorcycle chain lube, though gear oil would work too

For me, i noticed that when my steering wheel was all the way up ^ using the electronic steering adjuster it made noise. I lowered it a little and now it doesnt squeek. Basically the wheel makes noise when its at the upmost setting.

YOu probably need to fill or switchup your power steering fluid. I have an 01 and did the fluid change last week and no more squeeking from the steering pump.

I also just changed my power steering fluid using the turkey-baster method and it was pretty brown and nasty. It was also below the MIN line on the cap stick. Filled her up with Castrol Dextron VI (compatible with the recommended Dextron III) and I no longer have similar squeals when I turn my wheel. Be sure to turn your steering wheel lock-to-lock a few times before doing a final MAX level check.

Power Steering Fluid Fix
 

So I have not leaks in my power steering - wondering why I would need to add more? Just to confirm, the squeek seems to come right between the steering column and the steering wheel. Could it be something different than power steering fluid?

my o ring went bad on the reservoir cap and fluid would spill out from the top. Try the fluid change first