Not sure how true this is but I have heard this on several sites including edmunds saying that the 2001 models of the 3 series that BMW had experimented on the power steering system making it lighter. And supposedly it was kind of an issue and had fixed it back in the 2002 models. Is this a real known issue or not even noticeable at all........ who ever owns any 2001 3 series if they can actually notice any difference? Thanks!
2001 3 series
- Thread starter Delgreco13
- Start date
![[:I]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_blush.gif "Blush [:I]"){kind=icon}
.Hi Delgreco13,
I have a 2001 325XI and must admit the steering is lighter but not that bad. I just drove a 330 convertiable with the same mileage the other week. The steering on that car is so light that I can steer with one finger. I must say it was horrible to drive because it felt like I was driving a Chevy. Attached are links about it and BMW NA would retro fit them. Mine was delivered june of 2001 so its a year end car, they may have gone back to the original steering with mine.
If you choose to buy a used 2001 get the vin number and call BMW NA to see if they will retro fit the steering for you before buying. Just say that you test drove it and hated the steering.
Good Luck!
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=107361&highlight=steering+retrofit
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=102142&highlight=steering+retrofit
I have a 2001 325XI and must admit the steering is lighter but not that bad. I just drove a 330 convertiable with the same mileage the other week. The steering on that car is so light that I can steer with one finger. I must say it was horrible to drive because it felt like I was driving a Chevy. Attached are links about it and BMW NA would retro fit them. Mine was delivered june of 2001 so its a year end car, they may have gone back to the original steering with mine.
If you choose to buy a used 2001 get the vin number and call BMW NA to see if they will retro fit the steering for you before buying. Just say that you test drove it and hated the steering.
Good Luck!
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=107361&highlight=steering+retrofit
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=102142&highlight=steering+retrofit
Except that BMW decided to lighten the low-speed steering effort of its 3 Series cars for 2001. Feedback from customers apparently indicated that some of them didn't like how hard it was to turn the wheel when sliding their 3 Series between the Lincoln Navigator and the Harley Davidson in their three-car garage. While the new 330i requires noticeably less muscle to navigate tight parking areas, the downside is decreased steering feel at every speed. The change isn't dramatic, but if you, like us, felt that the previous system was basically perfect, you'll be disappointed. More than one of our staffers commented, after driving both vehicles back-to-back, that our '99 328i was more appealing.
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2004/bmw...=46434&tid=edmunds.e.roadtests.content...BMW*
Well thats all the info that I have for the 2001 3series that I have heard....... I am only bringing this issue up because I am contemplating on which year to purchase 2001 and up or 2002 and up. If the steering in the 2001 is really that drastic that you will notice from a 2002 model then im probably better off getting a 2002 or so? Well thanks for the feedback!
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2004/bmw...=46434&tid=edmunds.e.roadtests.content...BMW*
Well thats all the info that I have for the 2001 3series that I have heard....... I am only bringing this issue up because I am contemplating on which year to purchase 2001 and up or 2002 and up. If the steering in the 2001 is really that drastic that you will notice from a 2002 model then im probably better off getting a 2002 or so? Well thanks for the feedback!
Yea I definately want to go for a 330 (costs more ![[:(]](/images/smilies/frown.png "Frown [:(]")
) but its nicer looking and bigger engine factor with extra ponies is a PLUS. My main concern is the rumors that I heard about the 2001 models with the lighter steering, so if thats true I definately want a 2002 and up. THanks for all the feedback guys! ![[driving]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_driving.gif "Driving [driving]")
) but its nicer looking and bigger engine factor with extra ponies is a PLUS. My main concern is the rumors that I heard about the 2001 models with the lighter steering, so if thats true I definately want a 2002 and up. THanks for all the feedback guys!