[AJG19]

Before anyone jumps all over this, let me explain...

I need easier slow speed steering. The over-boosted Prius type! Yes, I realize that the BMW steering is perfect - it is for most people, and would have been for me before I developed a degenerative neurologic condition that weakens my muscles. Parking lot tight turns at slow speed are now difficult for me in the BMW, yet OK in my family's less sporty Japanese econoboxes.

I love my BMW and want to keep it. If there any reasonable way to modify the steering system to get more power assist? I realize this is silly to most of the people here - who would ever want to do this? But as a person with a substantial disability that is robbing me of life at a young age I would appreciate any advice so that I don't have to replace my beloved BMW.

Thank you.

[DUI Elite]

start working out

jk, but seriously, sorry to hear about your condition brother. I would think a custom setup for a larger power steering pump would get what you're looking for.

Otherwise, lighter wheels, or certain alignment (adjusting caster most likely, but i dont think you can without supporting mods) on suspension could make for easier slow speed turning.

[John 070]

I think you'd like the new F30--unfortunately, most of us love the E9x steering. It's a shame it's done away with on the new cars. You either need the newer BMW or maybe get some active steering.

[Infamous]

test drive the new f30, it may help out

good luck in your battle against this condition

[avocet]

Get some 205 section tires on the front That will help with low speed turning.
Not sure if the base 328's in the states have 16" rims, but up here they have 16" 205 tires on the base 323i.
Someone would probably be glad to trade ya!

[tofu-]

try putting more air in your front tires first

[Taipei-TT]

I think you can make your steering substantially lighter by switching from RFTs to regular tires. I found my steering MUCH lighter at parking lot speeds after I did this...even though I also went from 17" rims to 19" rims when I switched to non-RFTs. Anyone else find this reduced steering effort at low speeds?

[Blubaron79]

Buy an F30

[williewonkerz]

seriously, you're joking right?

[ntasia2000]

sorry to here abt yr condition.....i think the tires are as narrow and small as possible may be useful

[username604]

more narrow tires... aka stretch tires on the stock rims
you will not keep the same handling that you currently enjoy, but to be honest, there is not much you can do to change the steering.

possibly look into a mercedes c class next, for a sport ride similar to a 3 series, but with less "effort"

[CirrusSR22]

I also suggest narrower tires, and a switch to all-seasons if you don't have them already. On my car I've run 185mm winters, 205mm all seasons and 225mm summers. The difference in steering effort is very significant with the 225mm summers being the highest steering effort.

[NiVeDh]

Trade it in for a car with Active Steering. It makes low-speed maneuvering extremely easy... I love it.

[avocet]

getting a high quality performance tire in a smaller size will lower your handling limits, but the actual handling does not necessarily suffer.

in fact, with the lower limits, you might find your car very tossable and balanced.

[TheTal0n]

does having the sports package have anythinhg to do with it? knowing that the sporty pack has the thicker steering wheel and all...?

[bumere90]

Originally Posted by DUI Elite

start working out

This

[vapore0n]

Originally Posted by williewonkerz

seriously, you're joking right?

Originally Posted by bumere90

This

[wrickem]

I don't know what part of "degenerative neurologic condition " the clowns that are giving you stupid answers don't understand, but I'm sorry about your condition, and I hope it's not a rapidly progressing one.

As NiVeDh said, your best bet to stay with a BMW might be to trade it in on a car with Active Steering. Good luck

[VMRWheels]

I'll agree with everyone else with a slightly smaller tire. It'll help you out since there is less friction on the floor when doing turns around in parking lots or at low speeds. However, it won't help the steering 'effort' by much. Another thing that might help you out is moving your seat or steering wheel closer to you. A good rule of thumb is, when sitting all the way back in the seat, extend your arm so your wrist barely sits over your steering wheel. It'll feel a bit close at first but it's how most racing drivers determine their seating position.

[techwhiz]

Pretty sure, a smaller pulley will increase the number turns of the pump makes at any given RPM. this should boost the power steering amount. You want an over drive power steering pulley similar to people that "under drive" the alternator and water pumps on other performance cars.

[DASHOCKER]

stick arms lol.

[EQUANT]

Sorry to hear about your condition mate.
You might want to ask your dealer for a servotronic retrofit. It's going to be expensive though - requires new EPS, a FSC activation code + labor.
I also hate the hydraulic PS on my car for the very same reason. EPS rocks.