Whats up with the steering for cars produced between June and December 2000?
BMW marketing had feedback that said that their cars took too much effort to turn the wheel in slow speed situations, i.e. parking. BMW modified the steering rack and system to decrease the steering effort. Those owners who have had extensive experience with E36’s (previous generation 3 series) or pre June 2000 cars have stated that there was also a resulting loss of road feel through the steering wheel. Many of these board members have dubbed the “new” steering feel equipped cars as the “Ultimate Parking Machine”. Various owners have stated that the only E46’s spared this steering boost and loss in road feel are those equipped with the all wheel drive option (i.e. Xi’s). Current rumors state that the steering rack was modified again starting in Jan. 1, 2001 and that the “old” steering was phased in. Some E46s produced between Jan and April may or may not have the “old” steering. If you are unsure, check out post April 2001 cars and compare steering feel. See this post from “Ginger” an
