Practice Classics magazine

[Sonatine]

I was flicking through the pages in the supermarket and it said the E30’s steering was light and precise. The last word I’d use to describe my steering is ”˜light’. If I was being kind I would say it is weighted.

So what do the members of this fine parish have to say?p on this subject?

[Speedtouch]

I've owned two pre-facelift 320i chromeys that didn't have PAS - the steering was a little on the heavy side when parking but otherwise OK, but then I was previously used to non-PAS older cars, the worst of which was a 1972 MGB GT - quite a heave-ho, with the heavy cast iron boat anchor B-series engine.

I later owned two facelift 325i versions with PAS, and never found the steering heavy.

As for 'precise', well, E30s are something like 4 turns lock-to-lock, so generally low-geared, but being rack-and-pinion they should be fairly precise unless something's badly worn.

[martauto]

Do these pas steering ones get less power the faster we go ?

Mart.

[paultv]

I was pleasantly surprised when I had a full-on (£65 ) alignment done by some gaff in London - very state of the art - the results were impressive - very light, responsive - great centering blah blah - lasted about a week as I discovered a knackered wish bone ball joint (the big one)

The bloke never told me, I guess he was watching "How To" videos on his phone as the computer did its thing and didn't notice - he did however try to sign me up to a yearly check up deal - an extremely reasonable £160...... have to say I demurred.

I also remember my new 525i I bought in 1988 - very tight, precise, balanced - it was a dream - as was the "auto sport switchable gearbox"

but I guess the 5 had more sophisticated steering gear ...

Paul

[Mitchen]

Mine handles amazingly. Light and precise would describe it.. although can't stand these classic magazines. Mostly written by twats who know nothing and just harass specialists for information before putting their Enid Blyton spin on things.

[Speedtouch]

Haha, good graphic description there! Some are quite good though, Sam Glover and Matt Tomkins of Practical Classics stand out as being pretty knowledgeable.

[greg124]

Compared with my other cars, I would say an E30 with PAS is light and precise.
I guess it depends what you are comparing it with...