To ensure easy control when parking the vehicle, a hydraulic power steering is fitted as standard on the vehicle. The efficiency of the booster depends on the engine speed. At high speeds, the force decreases, at low speeds it weakens.
Depending on the model and its equipment, the steering is facilitated by the power steering, the operation of which depends on the vehicle speed (SERVOTRONIC). Thanks to this, the effort required when turning the steering wheel with the vehicle at a standstill will be even less, and at high speeds, on the contrary, due to the reduction in the efficiency of the power steering, better contact with the road and high steering precision are achieved.
The power steering consists of an oil pump, a fluid reservoir and pressure pipes. The pump draws liquid (oil) from the reservoir and delivers it under high pressure to the steering gear. The pump is driven by a V-belt.
In the steering mechanism, the adjusting device ensures that the fluid acts in the desired direction.
The steering wheel has an inflatable airbag for the driver. In the event of a severe frontal collision, the control unit gives the command to ignite the charge in the airbag unit. combustion products (gases) inflate the airbag in a fraction of a second. This time is enough to protect the instrument panel and the driver's upper body from hitting the steering wheel. Then, in a few seconds, the airbag deflates again, as the gases escape through special openings.
Work on the airbag must be carried out by a specialist workshop for reasons of personal safety.
Caution: Always replace self-locking nuts. Welding and straightening work on steering parts is not allowed. Work on the airbag system must only be carried out by a workshop.
Steering elements with a worm-toothed sector steering mechanism
1 - steering gear housing;
2 - bipod;
3 - medium thrust;
4 - lateral thrust;
5 - ball joints;
6 - pendulum lever.
Rack and pinion steering elements
1 - steering gear type «rack and pinion»;
2 - steering rod;
3 - washer;
4 - nut;
5 - clamp;
6 - case;
7 - nut;
8 - bolt;
9 - mesh;
10 - sealing ring;
11 - gasket;
12 - block of the SERVOTRONIC system;
13 - bolt.
Precautions when working with an inflatable airbag
Inspection and repair work on the airbag system must only be carried out by a workshop. Under no circumstances should you make any changes to the design.
The airbag steering wheel must only be replaced with an identical BMW part.
The steering wheel cover plate must not be pasted over, pulled on or manipulated in any other way. It can be wiped with a dry or slightly damp cloth or a cloth dampened with a special cleaner.
The airbag does not replace seat belts. Passengers must wear seat belts, only then they are optimally protected.
The driver's seat must always be precisely adjusted to the height of the driver. Do not use a special child seat on the front passenger seat. Children under the age of 12 must be transported in the back seat only.
There must be no objects between the airbag and the person.
Do not use the front passenger airbag cover as a shelf.
If the airbag deployed during the accident, the control unit, the airbag unit and the contact assembly must be replaced with new parts in the workshop.
Disconnect the negative cable from the battery before working on the airbag system or electrical components (AB). Then disconnect the airbag connector from the steering column.
The airbag assembly must always be stored with the facing facing up.
If the removed airbag did not work during a long car repair, it should be stored in a closed box.
The airbag assembly must not be exposed to lubricants, cleaners or the like.
The airbag assembly and control unit are impact sensitive.
If they have been dropped from a height of more than 50 cm, they must not be reinstalled. If the height was less than 50 cm, then you need to check the airbag in the workshop.
When carrying out welding work, the contacts of the welding machine must be located as close as possible to the welding site. In each case, you need to disconnect the negative wire from the battery. Then you need to isolate the negative contact from the battery to avoid accidental contact. Disconnect the airbag assembly connectors from the gas generator.
The airbag assembly and the control unit must not heat up above +75°C even for a short time. Damaged or defective parts must not be repaired under any circumstances. Parts of the airbag system must never be opened. Before installation, you need to check again that the negative wire is disconnected from the battery.