Well I love my "new" 1995 540 6spd. The car has an amazing documented 65K original miles but the steering response is just awful.

Very high effort at low speeds.
Bad on center feel.
Likes to wander.
Fair amount of play on center.
Poor self-centering.
Shimmy at about 55-60.

I'm new to the forum and have searched around for the easy fixes.
I have jacked up the front and inspected the linkage- looks OK.
The thrust arm bushes look fine and don't wobble.
The front wheels sure moved around alot when shaken by hand.

I have tightened the steering shaft nut under the dash. This took out the clunk when the front was off the ground and decreased the on center play by about half.

A little more info:

The car has a PS fluid leak and the previous owner said the steering made noise until he had it filled with fluid by the mechanic. (Guy must not have any mechanical ability.) The car has newish aftermarket 17 inch rims all around.

I appreciate any info you, (the board) can provide. I'm not new to cars but this is my first BMW. I have always held them in the highest regard.

Im leaning toward a steering box. Anyone know if the 95 540 box is interchangable with any other BMW ? Quicker ratio woud be fine too