# BMW 2004 325I Power steering pump

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-2004-325i-power-steering-pump/66313>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [July 16, 2011, 10:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-2004-325i-power-steering-pump/66313 "2011-07-16T22:28:00Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![carookie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4da419/32.png) [@carookie](https://community.cartalk.com/u/carookie)\
**Post date:** [July 16, 2011, 10:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-2004-325i-power-steering-pump/66313/1 "2011-07-16T22:28:00Z")

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I was informed that my 2004 325i power steering pump is broken and needed to be replaced. Besides the fact that I lost power steering, the pump is broken because it doesn’t seem to be pumping oil when the engine is running. The pump at the dealership cost apprx $600, while online the after market pump cost $170. I was wondering (besides saving $$$$) if it’s wise to replace my power steering pump with an after market power steering pump? Also, would I cause further damage to the car if I continue to drive the car until I get the power steering pump fix?  
Thank you for your help.

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**Author:** ![Manolito](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/manolito/32/3070_2.png) [@Manolito](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Manolito)\
**Post date:** [July 16, 2011, 11:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-2004-325i-power-steering-pump/66313/2 "2011-07-16T23:43:40Z")

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$170 sounds really low. I would look closely at that one. If your existing pump is a LUK LF-20, it is a known problematic unit and the aftermarket pump, which goes for about $250 on line, is supposed to be better.

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**Author:** ![carookie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4da419/32.png) [@carookie](https://community.cartalk.com/u/carookie)\
**Post date:** [July 17, 2011, 12:39am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-2004-325i-power-steering-pump/66313/3 "2011-07-17T00:39:20Z")

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Not sure but when I asked Autozone, they gave me a quote of $170 for a power steering pump for 2004 bmw 325i series. My current power steering pump is the original. I’ve been looking online and the average price for LUK LF-20 is around $250. What’s the quality difference between the LUK LF 20 vs. 30? The price only come with the power steering pump, not the complete kit. I was told I needed to buy the o-ring and pulley separately. Thanks for your feedback…