Filling the Power Steering System with Fluid and Bleeding
With the engine off, fill the reservoir 25 mm below the rim.
Start the engine and top up the reservoir. Turning the steering wheel from one extreme position to another, remove air from the system. Top up the contents of the tank as you go. Depress the brake pedal five times, wait 30 seconds, and depress the pedal five more times.
Check the fluid level with the engine off. Press the brake pedal until the accumulator is empty. The accumulator is empty if the oil level in the reservoir no longer rises or if the force on the pedal drops sharply.
Models without ride height control
The fluid level should be 10mm below the top of the tank.
Models with adjustable ride height
Raise the rear axle so that the wheels hang freely. After two minutes, the liquid level should be a maximum of 5 mm above the bottom of the mesh.
If the level is low, top up with the engine off.
Steering adjustment
During this work, the steering gear and steering column bearing/joint must be in perfect condition. Disconnect the tie rod from the steering arm.
Unscrew the nut and press out the ball joint with a puller.
Set the steering wheel to the middle position. Take into account the marks on the shaft and the steering gear housing.
Remove the BMW emblem from the steering wheel and remove the air bag assembly.
Install a cranking resistance meter on the steering wheel.
Turn the steering wheel to the left one turn.
Turn the steering wheel to the right at the pressure position, read the gauge. The increase in resistance force should be 1.4 Nm.
Adjustment
Loosen the castle nut on the steering gear, install the screw (2) to a position where the increase in cranking resistance is normal.