Curious About 2 Technical Issues

[GaryD]

There are two technical questions I was wondering if anyone knew the answer to:

1. Where is the fluid reservoir for the hydraulic power steering? We all know the ///M does not have the electric power steering. The hydraulic steering is referenced in the supplemental owner's manual but there is no mention of checking the fluid level.

2. When I removed the wheels to switch to Axxis brake pads I noticed sensors, both front and rear, that are connected to the suspension that must measure up and down motion (sorry, I didn't take pictures). Since the suspension on this car is not dynamically adjusted (as far as I know!) what would be the purpose of the car's computer knowing this information?

Can't sleep 'till I know

 

[RCNet]

Gary,

1. The fluid reservoir for the power steering is just behind the oil dipstick waayyy down next to the engine below the intake manifold. It looks something like this.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/h/n/30.png

2. Could you be seeing the pulse sensors for the anti-lock brakes? On the front axles it looks something like item 7 on the image below. But it's just a guess....
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/h/o/225.png
The other option is that they might be G-force sensors for OBD2. I sort of remember from years ago a really good write-up in Car and Driver on OBD2, and it talked about how many things it monitored including g-forces at each wheel and chassis.

RCNet

 

[RCNet]

:slaphead: Oops, those aren't pulse sensors, they are pulse generators. They are hydraulic actuators, not electrical sensors. I guess I'm back to the g-force sensor for OBD unless someone else has a better answer.

They aren't the wear sensors for the brake pads are they?

RCNet

 

[Top pup]

2. When I removed the wheels to switch to Axxis brake pads I noticed sensors, both front and rear, that are connected to the suspension that must measure up and down motion (sorry, I didn't take pictures). Since the suspension on this car is not dynamically adjusted (as far as I know!) what would be the purpose of the car's computer knowing this information?

I think you mean the Ride height sensor for the Xenon lights, they need to know the ride height front and rear to adjust the aim.

 

[GaryD]

The fluid reservoir for the power steering is just behind the oil dipstick waayyy down next to the engine below the intake manifold.

Thanks. I'll take a look.

I think you mean the Ride height sensor for the Xenon lights, they need to know the ride height front and rear to adjust the aim.

Yes!!! That must be it. Thanks!

 

[RCNet]

I think you mean the Ride height sensor for the Xenon lights, they need to know the ride height front and rear to adjust the aim.

I like your answer better.