Improve Your Steering - BMW E46 E39 Drift, Race, Street Car *Easy and Free*

I show you a little trick that many know, and many don't
You will feel a more 'fluid' steering system immediately following this modification. Being both easy and free, this is one of my favorite mods.
-Instagram; olearyt0534

[@OLearysBMW]

Note, for E39 you'll have to remove the nut for engine mount on passenger side from above, typically an 16mm nut. Then lift the engine a couple inches. This will allow you additional room for tools to access the 19mm banjo bolt. Just performed this on my E39 as well.

[@robsweekendgarage]

Cool mod. As you mention at the end, do not rely on a floor jack to support a vehicle you’re working under. I had a family member crushed and killed by an improperly supported vehicle. Ramps, or jack stands, even a wheel under the car for an extra backup. Never just a floor jack.

[@OLearysBMW]

My condolences, that's never fun to go through.

[@Thesomersetgimp]

Sorry to here it. There was a chap in the next village that had a limo business, he suffered the same fate. My Jack rarely goes anywhere without stands.

[@HoBuilds]

Thank You, Once again. Keen to see progress on the Suzuki

[@DriftSanti]

Good Info here. Thanks man . Subbed!

[@OLearysBMW]

Thanks! Appreciate you for watching, 😁

[@gerardogoveche8064]

Men watching your videos motivated me to star working on my car thanks

[@OLearysBMW]

Good stuff, glad to hear!

[@Pribbl3]

Awesome mod! I love oem upgrades. Also im curious about your metal headlight covers? Are they custom made? Id be interested in knowing how you made them.

[@OLearysBMW]

I made the headlights, they were a cheap set. So I let my mind wander, can't tell by video, but they're induction headlights.

[@SniperNuggetz79]

Hey bro! really appreciate the interesting video you made regarding this. Do you happen to know if that same check valved bolt is on E30’s as well? E30’s are notorious for having stiff ass steering so it’d be nice to loosen it up a bit if there is such a thing. If you don’t know, no worries too dog!

[@OLearysBMW]

As far as I'm aware, E30s do not have a check valve within a banjo bolt. But it may be worth a check, to see.

[@bishbosh8494]

Great video! Couple of slightly irrelevant questions to the theme... What is the line coming off your PS overflow leading too? Also how does the cooling system functionwith no coolant overflow tank? I assume you have to keep a good idea on coolant system to make sure it doesnt run low at the least...

[@OLearysBMW]

That's a overflow for the PS, and I do use a overflow/recovery tank for cooling system. It's there, maybe not easily seen in the video.

[@talhabinazhar4664]

Is it needed or recommended for the e36 racks aswell ?

[@legendman391]

Does removing emotion make the steering easier, and thanks for being prepared e39 .

[@M54ftw]

Hi there What‘s the function of the valve when i would leave it in?

[@I6N54]

do you know if E9x cars have this restrictor?

[@tweedjohnny8740]

I'm going to try this also where did you get that front tower brace and is it worth it? Thank you in advance!

[@OLearysBMW]

It's Dusan Strutworks. Strut braces do tend to add chassis rigidity. For instance, some M3s have them equipped from factory. Also, Dusan offers them in chromoly, what mine is, which is super light 👌

[@omrizod]

Hi, this is very interesting and I'm considering trying it myself, but I see that some people decide to restrict their power steering rather than unrestricting. Have you had the steering fluid overheat? What are your thoughts on that side of things? Thanks.

[@OLearysBMW]

The race team I tech'd for along with thousands of other E46s have no issues, even with the stock cooler.

[@CKIVI]

Hey man, I wanted to ask you how much power could be made by slapping a turbo on a M54b30. Done a fair bit of research and haven't found anything conclusive. Im looking to make around the 400 hp mark so that I can go drifting. Anything you would advise upgrading? Ive seen that head studs and a thicker head gasket improve longevity. Thanks in advance.

[@OLearysBMW]

400hp is easy. Should not need more than 8/10 psi to achieve that.

[@jakesprojects1978]

Hey man, great video. I have a question about a m54 turbo build. Is it possible to only use 1 o2 sensor of the 4? And which o2 sensor can i use best? I have read that i should only use sensor 1 of bank 1 and delete the other sensors. Is this correct?

[@OLearysBMW]

Hello, some tuners are capable of using solely one sensor as your narrow band, yes. Also, some tuners are capable of using original wiring of downstreams for a AFR wide band. Always consult with your tuner about these types of questions. If you're tuning yourself, researching and asking someone with tuning experience is important. I myself get tunes from external sources, not my own doing.

[@tribewu3223]

Shouldn’t be doing a turbo build if you don’t know what o2 sensor/wideband to use… lol

[@jakesprojects1978]

Shouldn’t reply to a comment when you dont have something usefull to say. Stfu

[@jakesprojects1978]

Its actually really simple. I found the info i needed on ms4x wiki. Set the following values that suit you needs: 0: Single bank with one pre-cat lambda sensor or cat-preparation (SA199) 1: Dual bank with two pre-cat lambda sensors or cat-preparation (SA199) 2: Single bank with one pre-cat lambda sensor and one post-cat lambda sensor 3: Dual bank with two pre-cat lambda sensors and two post-cat lambda sensors 4: Dual bank with two pre-cat lambda sensors and automatic learning of post-cat sensors or cat-preparation (SA199)

[@MrBanebre]

is that banjo bolt the only one with that restriction in it?I understand that its the one needing the modification but asking strictly from curiosity 🤔 also,I noticed the modified steering coupler - its not from the e34,but which brend is it?

[@OLearysBMW]

Yessir, just one. The coupler is an aluminum one from Garagistic, which I'd never buy again. Fitment was not good.

[@BillB]

banjo bolt torque values E36, E39, E46, E52 = 35 Nm E38 = 39 Nm E60, E61, E63, E64 = 35 Nm E53, E60, E61, E63, E64, E65, E66, E85 / S54, E86 / S54 = 33 Nm E36, E38, E39, E46, E52, E53 = 40 Nm E60, E61, E63, E64, E65, E66, E83, E85 / S54, E86 / S54 = 35 Nm E38, E53 Banjo bolt M18 = 45 Nm E36, E38, E39, E46, E53, E60, E61, E63, E64, E83 = 36 Nm E65, E66, E67 = 39 Nm

[@userlamezz]

gonna try this , also what brand headlights are those?😳👌🏻

[@OLearysBMW]

I made them, they started life as a dim and cheap set.

[@userlamezz]

@@OLearysBMW wow nice!

[@mmmmm12311]

Nice video! Will try this on my car. I've had a wierd issue on my E46, the steeringwheel sticks when turning to the right and there is almost 0 force feedback, i have replaced everything suspension and steeringwise(exept the pump) and the issue is the same as always, yes it has gotten an alignment several times and the issue is still there. Have anyone got an idea of what it can be? I have orderd a pump but if that doesn't work I am very lost...

[@OLearysBMW]

RWD or AWD?

[@mmmmm12311]

@@OLearysBMW rwd 330ci 2001

[@OLearysBMW]

@@mmmmm12311 Replace pump, inspect steering u-joint of steering shaft. Not common to go bad, but possible. Also, if not done already, replace reservoir. Built-in filter can get gunked up. I also do recommend removing the check valve that I've shown in the video.

[@mmmmm12311]

@@OLearysBMW thank you very much for your input. Will try the pump, reservoir and banjo bolt mod 👌🏻

[@VNEMUS]

Any reason NOT to do this on just a street car, regardless of which PS pump I might have?

[@OLearysBMW]

I myself believe they feel great the way they are. But now, I'm doing this to every E46/E39 I get. I performed it on a customer xi, while replacing a steering rack. The car steers like butter. Will update how my E39 feels after I do it. Any reason not to do it, hmm. There was a section in this video that quickly covered the cons. But there simply wasn't any, so I just removed it from the final draft.

[@stokedska]

​@@OLearysBMWI'm interested in how this worked out on your e39. I would like to do this but it is my daily street car

[@OLearysBMW]

@@stokedska No issues, as per usual with this mod. It's worthwhile to do.

[@kevinmcgannon1630]

So why did BMW use that valve in the first place?

[@OLearysBMW]

It's a check valve, it shuts to avoid backwards flow. However, for racing and drift applications it tends to jam shut, starving the pump of fluid. Have yet to hear any ill effects with removal.

[@plugpenguin1660]

those crush washer arent suposed to be stacked. there should be one above and below the banjo line when bolting it in

[@OLearysBMW]

And how do you think I install them?

[@plugpenguin1660]

not sure u didnt show u installing them n u jus stacked em ontop of eachother in the video

[@OLearysBMW]

@@plugpenguin1660 Got it, I was solely discussing/showing them. If you were to stack the crush washers, an obvious leak would appear, certainly. Lol

[@imestia7911]

The steering wheel will be a bit easier or the exact same strength?

[@OLearysBMW]

It will be easier to steer the wheel, yes. The car will still feel genuine, though.

[@imestia7911]

@@OLearysBMW so for racer like me it would be a bad idea cause I prefer the steering wheel to feel as stiff as possible

[@OLearysBMW]

@@imestia7911 The issue with this check-valve during race application is during a blunt impact, it can lodge itself shut. Totally starving the pump of fluid. I didn't get to mention that within the video.

[@imestia7911]

@@OLearysBMW oh okay thanks you I didn't know that

[@OLearysBMW]

​@@imestia7911 you're welcome. I would recommend to try it. See if you like it.. and incase you don't like it, here's the part number for them; 32416781261

[@razeru_]

Is this applicable to e36s?

[@E306cyl]

E36 banjo doesn't have the integrated restrictor

[@larbi3568]

Great work however if you want to stay alive and continue to make content please use a jack stand to secure the vehicle if the jack fails and turns you into roadkill. be safe.

[@OLearysBMW]

Thank You, I did mention the use of jack stands at the end. 👌

[@amirmpower170]

So what was the result of the test? Post a video of the test.

[@OLearysBMW]

Test? What test, I've done this to numerous cars now. I wouldn't just toss a video out there without first hand experience.

[@amirmpower170]

@@OLearysBMW I mean, start the car, turn the steering wheel and see how smooth it is

[@amirmpower170]

@@OLearysBMW or example, if you made a video before and after the change, it would be great. Real performance test.

[@likewise713]

@@amirmpower170how are we gonna tell it’s a video bro

[@wladimirwerz7393]

Why would BMW spend money to make this bolt so complicated? It should have a function for sure.

[@E46TY]

Thats not a restrictor bro🤦🏽‍♂️its a little check valve that saves your rack in the event you destroy a power steering pump dummy. Now if you destroy a pump, you’re gonna destroy your rack too

[@OLearysBMW]

It's common knowledge that the check valve jams shut during race and drift applications. They're a nuisance. Besides LF20 pump shafts shearing, LF20/LF30 failure rate is very low. SPEC/NASA E46 class cars have them removed prior to events.

[@OLearysBMW]

Where u @? Let's bicker some more.

[@boastfulboost8295]

​@OLearysBMW 😂