Steering on 2012 USA 528xi?

LuvMyE92 · 01-08-2012, 09:45 AM

I know that the 2012 528i RWD sold in the USA has the electric steering assist, but I wonder if that is true with the AWD (xi) version? I know that the 535 and 550 have hydraulic steering with the xi version, but since the 528 is a four cylinder now, there's a lot more room down there for extra differential and driveshaft. Does anyone who actually owns one of these or has seen one know the answer?

Thanks!

grimlock · 01-08-2012, 09:59 AM

I don't actually own one so i guess i can't provide an answer, sorry..
nor will i see a 528xi ever in my life (unless i go on holiday)

davesf · 01-08-2012, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuvMyE92

I know that the 2012 528i RWD sold in the USA has the electric steering assist, but I wonder if that is true with the AWD (xi) version? I know that the 535 and 550 have hydraulic steering with the xi version, but since the 528 is a four cylinder now, there's a lot more room down there for extra differential and driveshaft. Does anyone who actually owns one of these or has seen one know the answer?

How would one check?

I have a 2012 550xi, and read some rumors that x-drive versions got electric steering in 2012. I'm not sure I believe those rumors, but if there was a way to check on a physical car I could gladly do it. The BMW spec info is sufficiently vague so it's not obvious.

LuvMyE92 · 01-08-2012, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davesf

How would one check?

Well, it's a little tougher on the V8 since there is so much stuff packed in there. Basically, the electronic assisted steering has a little motor attached to the steering rack. The hydraulically assisted steering will have a pump that is run by the serpentine belt at the front of the engine, and there will be two hoses coming out of that running to the rack. On a V8, probably the easiest way would be to count the number of things hanging off of the front of the engine. You'll have the alternator, air conditioning compressor and water pump. Odds are that the A/C compressor runs off of its own belt, and will be on the lower left side (if you are looking at the engine from the front of the car). The alternator is standard looking and the water pump is rather tiny. If you have another big thing off of that belt, probably under the alternator with two rather sturdy hoses coming out of it, then you've likely got hydraulic power steering assist.

E90Fleet · 01-08-2012, 02:51 PM

The 528iX has the electric steering , not the Hydraulic like the 535iX

E90Fleet · 01-08-2012, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davesf

How would one check?

I have a 2012 550xi, and read some rumors that x-drive versions got electric steering in 2012. I'm not sure I believe those rumors, but if there was a way to check on a physical car I could gladly do it. The BMW spec info is sufficiently vague so it's not obvious.

Easiest way is to check the Dealers parts system

The 550iX has Hydraulic steering and was not changed for the 2012 model

LuvMyE92 · 01-08-2012, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90Fleet

The 528iX has the electric steering , not the Hydraulic like the 535iX

I appreciate the feedback, but I'm interested in what is available in the USA.

E90Fleet · 01-09-2012, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuvMyE92

I appreciate the feedback, but I'm interested in what is available in the USA.

I gave you the USA model info

LuvMyE92 · 01-09-2012, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90Fleet

I gave you the USA model info

OK then, thanks. You're profile says that you're in South Africa, so that's why I doubted you. You do live in the USA and have a 2012 528xi?

E90Fleet · 01-09-2012, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LuvMyE92

OK then, thanks. You're profile says that you're in South Africa, so that's why I doubted you. You do live in the USA and have a 2012 528xi?

I checked for you on the dealers parts system.
We can look up any countries parts

Teo71 · 01-16-2012, 10:02 AM

Strange.. I ordered for myself f11 528xi and I was told that it would have hydraulic steering.
I know how good is electric one so I was a bit puzzled by this.
Maybe it's just for f11 will be hydraulic steering...wich of them is better ?

01-08-2012, 09:45 AM	#1
LuvMyE92 Occasionally frequent poster 3000 Rep 2,744 Posts Drives: CT5V-Blackwing Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: RTP NC, USA iTrader: (0)	Steering on 2012 USA 528xi? I know that the 2012 528i RWD sold in the USA has the electric steering assist, but I wonder if that is true with the AWD (xi) version? I know that the 535 and 550 have hydraulic steering with the xi version, but since the 528 is a four cylinder now, there's a lot more room down there for extra differential and driveshaft. Does anyone who actually owns one of these or has seen one know the answer? Thanks! __________________ Current inventory: F22 & G05 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing w/3 pedals Past: E24,E28(3),E34,E36,E37,E38(2),E39(4),E46,E89,E92 (obviously),F01,F06,F10,F30,F87,G12,G30(2),G82(2)
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01-08-2012, 09:59 AM	#2
grimlock Colonel 716 Rep 2,003 Posts Drives: F10 N52B30@255PS Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Hong Kong iTrader: (0)	I don't actually own one so i guess i can't provide an answer, sorry.. nor will i see a 528xi ever in my life (unless i go on holiday)
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01-08-2012, 02:51 PM	#5
E90Fleet Lieutenant General 1312 Rep 10,185 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Africa iTrader: (0)	The 528iX has the electric steering , not the Hydraulic like the 535iX __________________ BMW if you are reading, I need a job, Please.
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01-16-2012, 10:02 AM	#11
Teo71 Drive&Joy 0 Rep 6 Posts Drives: f10 520i 2011 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Kiev, Ukraine iTrader: (0)	Strange.. I ordered for myself f11 528xi and I was told that it would have hydraulic steering. I know how good is electric one so I was a bit puzzled by this. Maybe it's just for f11 will be hydraulic steering...wich of them is better ?
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