Power steering

UK forum for general and technical discussion about the Z3 roadster
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Z3crazy
Joined: Thu 04 May, 2017 13:37
Posts: 49

  Z3 roadster 1.9i
Location: Breda, The Netherlands

Power steering

Post by Z3crazy »

Hiya,

I've got a question about the power steering in the Z3. I hope no one takes offence, but is it really as bad as i think it is or is just me?

My first car with power steering was a Rover SD1 3500 back in the 70's, then a load of cars without it, and now my last 4 cars with it. Basically, none of them were as "absent" as the Z3; it's almost as if there's no power steering at all. It was the same with all the potential Z3's i tried before i bought this one.
I always thought that powersteering made things really easy at low speeds and then progressively stiffend up. My experience with the Z3's is the other way round.

Am i daft or is this by design?
If it ain't broke, don't fix it
Z3 1.9 2000, Cosmos Schwartz
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lightning
Joined: Tue 27 Nov, 2007 08:15
Posts: 818

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Stockport

Re: Power steering

Post by lightning »

Nope, mine's great on my 3.0 Z3
gookah
Z Register member
Joined: Thu 07 Aug, 2008 09:51
Posts: 2737

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: Power steering

Post by gookah »

Have you checked the fluid level?
try the steering with the engine on, then with it off, there should be a distinct difference.
No difference.... its not working

check tyre pressures too.
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Z3 2.8 Progress Journal (Mine)
Z3 1.9 Sport Progress Journal (Wifey's)

I have an element of 'M-styling' on my car, If that's a good enough reason for the manufacturers to adorn a 320 with the M badge, then its certainly a good enough reason for me..
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BladeRunner919
Joined: Fri 17 Feb, 2012 20:18
Posts: 2225

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Power steering

Post by BladeRunner919 »

MIne's fine. The Z doesn't have speed-sensitive power steering as far as I know, but then your SD1 wouldn't have been either, so it doesn't provide more assistance at low speeds. Is your complaint that it's too heavy? If so, the Z3 isn't over-assisted, which many cars are, because it is supposed to have a sporty nature, rather than a floaty manoeuvering-about-town feel.
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Z3crazy
Joined: Thu 04 May, 2017 13:37
Posts: 49

  Z3 roadster 1.9i
Location: Breda, The Netherlands

Re: Power steering

Post by Z3crazy »

Okay, it must be down to the "sporty" experience. It does work, but it has more of a frog-eyed sprite or Spitfire feel.

I'll get back to you on the SD1.

Cheers
If it ain't broke, don't fix it
Z3 1.9 2000, Cosmos Schwartz
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Robert T
Site Admin
Joined: Mon 12 Jun, 2006 10:35
Posts: 10170

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Cheshire

Re: Power steering

Post by Robert T »

Z3crazy wrote:but it has more of a frog-eyed sprite ... feel.
What? Immediate, nimble and precise? :lol:

The Z3 power steering is not as assistive at that found on some more modern cars - you can't turn the wheel with your little finger - but believe me, parking the zed is a lot easier than parking the frog. :D

Cheers R.
Arctic Silver '99 Z3 1.9 & Black '59 Frogeye 1275cc
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Rodent
Joined: Mon 22 May, 2017 07:34
Posts: 33

  Z3 roadster 2.2i

Re: Power steering

Post by Rodent »

I'm a new z3 owner and also found the steering quite heavy initially. Having now had the car up to a decent speed, the steering weight feels perfect to me, when 'making progress'. That little extra weight feels superb and nicely sporty to me.
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