[raleedy]

Just getting acquainted with a new (2013) 528i, and I have this question: if the steering assist is electric, why is it unavailable when ASS has the engine off?

[SUMO12]

yes the steering should be electric (EPS) Electronic power steering.
if you turn your steering slightly to the right or left the engine comes back on; this is assuming ASS switched the engine off when you became stationary.

[raleedy]

Originally Posted by SUMO12

yes the steering should be electric (EPS) Electronic power steering.
if you turn your steering slightly to the right or left the engine comes back on; this is assuming ASS switched the engine off when you became stationary.

Thank you; this answers a different question entirely. My question is not whether it comes back on with the engine; it is, why is it off in the first place?

[SonicEndeavor]

EPS works off the alternator, not the battery, so when the engine is off, so is the EPS.

[raleedy]

Originally Posted by SonicEndeavor

EPS works off the alternator, not the battery, so when the engine is off, so is the EPS.

That's very interesting. I had the impression that the alternator functions intermittently as part of the efficient dynamics system, I would have thought that means the alternator's output is available only some of the time when the engine is running. Steering assist, on the other hand, is probably needed without interruption (except, that is, when the engine is stopped).

[ManiacGT]

The amount of energy required to (assist you) move the steering wheel/column/rack/suspension/wheels is enormous when the car is stationary and cannot be supplied without the engine running. So when you're stationary, the engine is off, all components that could draw a large amount of energy are also disabled. Items that draw minimum electricity are powered from the battery.

You only have to look back to any car you may have driven without power steering. While moving, its do-able. When stationary, you need popeye's arms.

[The X Men]

Only hybrids with their larger battery banks can supply enough electrical power to run the electric steering assist motor.

[raleedy]

I learned something! Thanks.

[WBecher]

Does anyone can take pictures of the cables who reach the steering rack and his connectors??