What To Do Now - BMW Forum

gman · 06-24-2005, 10:31 AM

I'm having some problems with my 1998 328i and needed some advice on what to do first. My steering is very stiff, I topped off the power steering fluid but its still very sluggish. I'm wondering what the problem could be and hoping that its nothing major. Also my auxiliary fax has ceased and its effecting the A/C. If im stopped or stuck in traffic the a/c is not strong. My check engine light also came on with the o2 sensor code, I have 116000km on the od. My mechanic is telling me that I need to change all four o2 sensors to get rid of this slight but very annoying shaking when the car is stopped. Looks like it's gonna be an expensive summer! I also wanted to pick up some M3 style wheels. What should I do first and how much will all of this cost me?

drz · 06-24-2005, 11:06 AM

Not sure about costs. Wheels should be last on your list. Make sure to look into the o2 sensor deal first. Browse around to find out if there is any way to test which sensor has gone bad. However, as a rule of thumb, it is better to change them all uot at the same time. Are you sure that the auxiliary fan is the one not working? The switch that activates it may have gone bad. Check the switch first (switch is a sensor that is attached to the right side of your radiator; disconnect it, then jumper the middle recepticle on the wiring harness to either of the other two with the ignition ON; if the fan activates, then only your sensor is bad). About the power steering: I'm sorry to tell you this, but your pump may have gone bad. I'll have to do a little research to find out what you can check out before taking it to a shop.

Good luck.

DeefNDorf · 06-25-2005, 04:42 PM

Hmm..Just replaced the one that was bad on my car..had no problems..y fix it if it aint broken..?

Rooz · 06-25-2005, 04:50 PM

YOur mechanic is trying to rip you off. If only one O2 is bad only change one, true, they say that when one goes bad the others tend to follow but it's not always the case and has been proven wrong many times. As far as your steering problem goes, you might have some air in it, so I don't know, might want to flush it....

gman · 06-28-2005, 04:38 PM

thanks for the help guys!