Steering fluid/active steering

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05-19-2006, 02:37 PM

slowdog

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A co-worker with a 545 with active steering asked me what the reservoir is that is right behind the coolant reservoir. I assumed it was the power steering fluid for active steering, but when I looked at the manual, it is not shown in the illustration of the engine compartment. As a matter of fact, I couldn't find any reference to checking the steering fluid level at all.

So, is it the steering fluid reservoir? What should the level be? And why is it omitted from the manual?

Thanks

Pieter

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05-19-2006, 04:24 PM

Ray Hull

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My Ride: '04 545iS 6 spd, bought new via eBay, 11/05; Blk/Gry, Cold, L7, PDC, BMW Rear seatcover for pets. First "Bumwa" was a new 1971 2002. High performance 5s since 1987. Beamer motorcycles too, currently on an 07 BMW K1200 GT; also a Moto Guzzi 1000 SP III.

AS is electronic, but I don't know if they have totally converted the system from hydraulics to black-box magic. And it's too dark to go look--as if I could tell.

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Ray Hull

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10-10-2006, 10:34 AM

SilberGrauE60

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My Ride: 2004 545i, 6-speed Manual, Silver Grey Metallic, Grey Dakota Leather, Cold Weather Pkg, Premium Sound Pkg, Sport Pkg, Lumbar Support

So, did you ever find out what this reservoir was? I just bought a 2004 545i with Active Steering and was also thinking this was for power steering. When I went to check the fluid, it was so low, it didn't even touch the small dipstick on the cap.

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10-10-2006, 12:24 PM

PoleApart

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My Ride: 2010 523i. Alpine white, dakota leather, 8 speed auto, VDC, bluetooth, HID lights, parking sensors, sport seats, black window trim, tinted rear windows 1988 Ferrari 328 GTS, nero on rosso corsa. 1992 Mazda MX-5 / Miata 2009 Ford S-Max 2.5T

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilberGrauE60' post='343461' date='Oct 10 2006, 08:34 PM

Does anyone else with active steering feel a light pulsing effect on the steering wheel when negotiating tight and slow multi storey car park turns. I'm with a client where I'm three floors under ground and the surface is perfectly smooth and when I take the 90 degree turns I definitely feel a regular light pulsing sensation through the steering wheel - sort of like a very muted ABS effect.