Although many manufacturers were late to the game with rack and pinion steering, the BMW steering rack has been a fixture under these popular German sedans and coupes since the late 1970s. The reason is simple: Rack and pinion steering, thanks to the ingenious design of the BMW steering rack, provides more feedback and better control for a more satisfying driving experience. Since a BMW steering rack allows a more direct connection than, for example, worm and roller steering or recirculating ball steering, the driver gets a sense of being more 'involved' with the driving and handling experience. And that's exactly what you'll hear from BMW drivers and magazine reviewers alike. Of course, the modern BMW steering rack isn't the same creature it was back in the 320i. While precision is still a hallmark of the BMW steering rack, comfort is now equally important. That's where the power BMW steering rack comes into play. A power BMW steering rack incorporates a high-pressure pump and hydraulic mechanism in order to provide assist, helping you turn the wheels. BMW engineers have worked very hard to ensure the assist provided to the BMW steering rack didn't interfere with the natural balance of the system that they'd worked so hard to achieve. At the same time, as wheels have grown wider and suspension systems tauter, a power BMW steering rack is almost a necessity to be able to move the steering wheel at parking lot speeds. Unfortunately, along with the increased complexity of the power BMW steering rack comes increased potential for problems, in this case hydraulic fluid leaks. A puddle of power steering fluid under your Z3 can mean a cracked hose, leaky pump, or a bad seal in your BMW steering rack. You don't want to lose your power assist, which will invariably fail at the worst possible time, so get your BMW steering rack inspected if you notice any fluid leaks. A little time and money spent on the BMW steering rack now could save you from a much larger bill down the road.