Beatrice Lang
Electric power steering systems (EPS) were introduced in the early 1990s, with Italian car manufacturer Fiat introducing the technology on its Punto model in 1993. Since then, EPS has become a standard feature in most new cars around the world, with luxury car brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi adopting it as well. BMW has played a significant role in the development and promotion of power steering technology, especially in the field of luxury vehicles. The company introduced its active steering system on the 5 Series in 2003. While some BMW enthusiasts prefer the older hydraulic steering systems, the switch to electric steering was driven by a desire to improve fuel economy and cater to the majority of BMW owners who want a comfortable and easy-to-maneuver vehicle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of introducing electrically assisted steering | 2002-2004 |
| First model with electric steering | Z4 E85 Roadster and E86 Coupe |
| Second model with electric steering | E92 330d |
| Reason for switching to electric steering | Fuel economy savings, customer complaints about stiff steering |
| Difference between hydraulic and electric steering | Hydraulic steering uses a pump to push power steering fluid through the rack, whereas electric steering uses an electric motor attached to the steering rack |
| Advantages of electric steering | Only turns on when required, reducing fuel consumption and increasing power output |
| Disadvantages of electric steering | Less responsive than hydraulic steering, does not provide the same road feel |
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What You'll Learn
BMW's first power steering model
The E3 series was the first step in BMW's journey towards integrating power steering technology into its models. Over the following decades, the company continued to refine and adapt this technology to suit different models and market needs. The power steering system evolved from the initial hydraulic configuration, which was the mainstream setup in BMWs from the 1960s to the 1990s, to the more advanced and efficient electric power steering system (EPS).
The switch from hydraulic to electric power steering was driven by various factors. One reason was the issue of fuel economy; hydraulic steering systems rely on engine power, impacting fuel efficiency. Electric steering, on the other hand, improves fuel economy by removing the parasitic drag of the hydraulic pump on the engine. Additionally, BMW owners complained about stiff or hard steering, so the company softened the steering to appeal to a wider range of buyers seeking comfortable and easy-to-manoeuvre vehicles.
The first BMW model to feature electric power steering was the Z4 E85 Roadster, introduced in 2004. This first-generation system incorporated a brushless motor attached to the upper part of the steering column. Subsequently, the E92 330d became the second model to adopt EPS, utilising a second-generation system with the electric motor mounted parallel to the steering rack.
While BMW has transitioned to electric steering in its newer models, the hydraulic power steering systems of older BMWs are still revered for their unique driving experience and feedback.
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The switch to electric steering
The first power steering system on a vehicle was installed in 1876, but it wasn't until the 1960s that BMW began using hydraulic power steering systems as the mainstream configuration. This system used a hydraulic pump to deliver hydraulic oil to the steering gear, providing power assistance to the driver. However, it had deficiencies in fuel economy as it relied on engine power.
In the continuous pursuit of innovation and optimisation, BMW introduced its first electric power steering (EPS) system in the early 2000s. The Z4 E85 Roadster and E86 Coupe models (2002-2008) were the first to feature this technology, with a brushless motor attached to the upper part of the steering column. The E92 330d was the second model to receive EPS, this time with an electric motor attached parallel to the steering rack.
Another factor was the desire to improve the driving experience and comfort. BMW received complaints about "stiff" or hard steering, so they made the steering lighter to increase sales to buyers who preferred easier steering. Electric power steering also allows for real-time adjustments to power assist based on vehicle speed, road conditions, and steering angle, providing drivers with a more precise control feeling.
While the switch to electric steering offers benefits in efficiency and comfort, some enthusiasts prefer the unique driving experience and feedback of the hydraulic systems in older BMW models.
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Electric steering benefits
BMW started using electric power steering (EPS) on the Z4 E85 Roadster and E86 Coupe models (2002-2008). Subsequently, the E92 330d was the second model to feature EPS, but with a second-generation system.
Electric power steering has several benefits over hydraulic power steering. Firstly, it is more fuel-efficient. EPS does not run off mechanical engine power but electricity, and only draws power when needed. This can increase fuel economy by about 1 mpg. Secondly, EPS is generally simpler and easier to maintain than hydraulic steering systems. Electric systems do not require power steering fluid to work, and since they have fewer parts, they can also take up less space in the engine bay.
Another advantage of EPS is that it can be programmed to only turn on when required. Sensors attached to the motor measure how much torque or rotational effort the driver is applying to the steering wheel, and the system provides assistance only when necessary. This can make parking and low-speed manoeuvres much simpler, while still providing greater stability at high speeds.
While some drivers prefer the feel of hydraulic steering, EPS has improved over the years and will likely continue to do so. It will also be essential as the automotive industry moves towards self-driving cars.
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Active Steering
BMW has been at the forefront of introducing power steering technology, making several innovations and optimisations in the field. The core function of the power steering system is to reduce the driver's force required to turn the steering wheel through hydraulic or electric means, thereby improving the vehicle's handling performance. The power steering system makes it easier for the driver to control the steering wheel, especially when driving at low speeds and parking.
BMW first introduced electrically assisted steering in 2002 with the Z4 E85 Roadster and E86 Coupe models. This first-generation system featured a brushless motor attached to the upper part of the steering column. The second model to feature electric power steering (EPS) was the E92 330d, which used a second-generation system with an electric motor attached parallel to the steering rack.
The benefits of electric power steering over hydraulic power steering include fewer hydraulic lines in the engine bay, leading to fewer oil leaks, less maintenance, and improved fuel economy and power efficiency. Electric power steering systems can also adjust the power assist in real time according to the vehicle's driving speed, road conditions, and steering angle, providing the driver with a more precise control feeling.
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Power steering history
Power steering is a system that reduces the driver's effort to turn the steering wheel of a motor vehicle by using a power source to assist in steering. The first power steering system on a vehicle was purportedly installed in 1876 by a man named Fitts, but little is known about him. In 1900, Robert E. Twyford, a resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, patented the first four-wheel-drive system, which included a mechanical power steering mechanism.
The first practical power steering system was invented and demonstrated by Francis W. Davis, an engineer at Pierce-Arrow's truck division, in 1926. Davis continued to refine his hydraulic power steering design into the 1940s and filed patents for five different components of a power steering system. Interest in power steering grew during World War II as it facilitated manoeuvres for large military vehicles.
In the late 1960s, the Bendix Corporation commissioned Davis to install his power steering system in ten vehicles. Through Bendix, the power steering system was adopted by GM's Buicks. By 1953, power steering had become more common in civilian vehicles, and by 1956, it was available as an option in a quarter of all cars on the road. Chrysler introduced the first commercially available passenger car power steering system, the "Hydraguide", in the 1951 Chrysler Imperial. By 1960, over 3.5 million vehicles were equipped with power steering.
Electric power steering systems, which use electric motors to assist in steering instead of hydraulic systems, have become increasingly common. Electric power steering is more efficient than hydraulic systems, reducing fuel consumption and increasing the effective power output of the combustion engine. BMW, for example, transitioned from hydraulic to electric power steering in 2013, starting with the Z4 E85 Roadster and E86 Coupe models (2002-2008). While electric power steering offers advantages in terms of efficiency and fuel economy, some enthusiasts prefer the unique driving experience and superior feedback of hydraulic steering systems.
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Frequently asked questions
BMW started using electric power steering (EPS) in 2002 with the Z4 E85 Roadster and E86 Coupe models.
The BMW E3, also known as the "BMW New Six" series, was the first model equipped with a power steering system. It was launched in 1968.
BMW switched to electric power steering to improve fuel economy and power efficiency.
