Expert: John Kingery - 2/20/2009

Question
My 1997 BMW 328i (automatic) stalls when the steering wheel is turned to full lock. I had a mechanic check it and he told me it was a leaking crankcase ventilation valve. However, he was not a BMW specialist and anyone I speak to who knows about BMW's disagrees with the assessment. What do you think could be causing the issue I am experiencing?

Answer
Sounds like it might be the steering relief valve.  When the steering goes to full lock, the valve releases the excess pressure the pump is applying.

IF this is the case, yours isn't releasing, and it's enough for the pump to stall, stopping the belt, stopping the engine.

GET IT TO A DEALER.  If, and I repeat if, this is the case, then you are having very high pressure in your steering system, and are likely to blow seals, if you haven't already.  Getting it fixed correctly by the dealer now will be much cheaper than it will cost you if this continues.