So I read lots of mixed reviews with regards to removing the power steering on the E30 before I pull the trigger myself, but now that I have I want to set the record straight:
There is no downside, these cars should never have even power steering to begin with, and the best thing you can do for yourself and your car is to throw that nasty, grimy pump, hoses, and reservoir straight in the trash can!
Ok, perhaps I should qualify that statement a bit; I'm assuming that if you're on these forums, then you are an enthusiast driver and generally like to work on your car. If you drive a 325iX automatic and still take it to the dealer for everything, then perhaps this doesn't apply.
In any case, I removed the PS from my 325iS - properly with removing all the PS fluid and putting on a aluminum block with the banjo bolts to plug the rack holes - while doing some other front end work. After I got the car back together and drove it a bit, I actually FORGOT that I had removed the power steering! The steering is so easy, precise, and pleasant, there's just no need to encumber it with extra boost.
Granted I also have a 2002 so am accustomed to heavier, non-assisted steering when stationary, but let me be clear: the unassisted E30 steering with my teeny-tiny 320mm steering wheel and 205 tires is STILL lighter than the 2002 with a 380mm wheel and 195 tires!!!
Yes it takes a little bit of effort to turn the wheel when the car is parked, but let me remind you: this is bad for your tires, your garage floor, and you should try not to do it! All you need is to be moving just the tiniest bit, even 1/4 MPH, and then it's a non-issue. Above 2 MPH and everything is just effortless.
And most importantly, you get the oily, grimy, foul crap out of the way in the engine bay, which IMHO would still make it worth it even if there were drawback, but there aren't, so it becomes a no-brainer.
If you're worried, try it and just keep you parts (I guarantee one of them is leaking anyway, in which case you pretty much have nothing to loose) in the extremely unlikely event that you want to put it back on, but at least try it! You'll be a happier E30 owner, I promise!
There is no downside, these cars should never have even power steering to begin with, and the best thing you can do for yourself and your car is to throw that nasty, grimy pump, hoses, and reservoir straight in the trash can!
Ok, perhaps I should qualify that statement a bit; I'm assuming that if you're on these forums, then you are an enthusiast driver and generally like to work on your car. If you drive a 325iX automatic and still take it to the dealer for everything, then perhaps this doesn't apply.
In any case, I removed the PS from my 325iS - properly with removing all the PS fluid and putting on a aluminum block with the banjo bolts to plug the rack holes - while doing some other front end work. After I got the car back together and drove it a bit, I actually FORGOT that I had removed the power steering! The steering is so easy, precise, and pleasant, there's just no need to encumber it with extra boost.
Granted I also have a 2002 so am accustomed to heavier, non-assisted steering when stationary, but let me be clear: the unassisted E30 steering with my teeny-tiny 320mm steering wheel and 205 tires is STILL lighter than the 2002 with a 380mm wheel and 195 tires!!!
Yes it takes a little bit of effort to turn the wheel when the car is parked, but let me remind you: this is bad for your tires, your garage floor, and you should try not to do it! All you need is to be moving just the tiniest bit, even 1/4 MPH, and then it's a non-issue. Above 2 MPH and everything is just effortless.
And most importantly, you get the oily, grimy, foul crap out of the way in the engine bay, which IMHO would still make it worth it even if there were drawback, but there aren't, so it becomes a no-brainer.
If you're worried, try it and just keep you parts (I guarantee one of them is leaking anyway, in which case you pretty much have nothing to loose) in the extremely unlikely event that you want to put it back on, but at least try it! You'll be a happier E30 owner, I promise!
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