2025 is the year I’ve decided to start sharing my journey—the ups, the downs, and all the lessons in between. As a BMW enthusiast, my passion for these machines has always been more than just about driving; it’s about solving problems, creating solutions, and building something that brings value to the community. This is the story of how our Power Steering Reservoir (PSR) came to life.
This isn’t just another aftermarket part—it’s the solution I wish I had back when I first ran into this problem.
Where It All Began
One afternoon, on my way back to Detroit, I caught that all-too-familiar smell—burning oil. I pulled over, popped the hood, and found fluid streaked across the engine bay. The power steering reservoir had sprung a leak. Again.
I replaced it with a brand-new OEM unit, thinking that would take care of it, but a few weeks later, the fluid was back, pooling around the cap. I kept cleaning it up and tightening everything, but nothing worked.
As I started talking to other E9x owners, it became clear that this wasn’t just me. Overflowing power steering reservoirs were a common issue for anyone who pushed their car hard. The OEM design just wasn’t cutting it—especially in high-heat, high-performance conditions. Aftermarket options existed, but they were either overpriced or had the exact same materials and design as the OEM. That’s when I decided: I’d make a better solution.
Obsessing Over the Details
Once I started thinking about how to fix the reservoir, I couldn’t stop. It had to handle more fluid, run cooler, and be durable enough to last the life of the car. Every detail mattered, from the material to the fittings to the design of the cap.
But getting from design to reality wasn’t easy. Our first batch from the manufacturer looked good on paper, but when the reservoirs arrived, they didn’t meet my standards. The machining was inconsistent, the anodizing wasn’t durable, and some of the finer details were off.
Scrapping that batch was a tough call. It cost me time and money, but I wasn’t about to put my name on something I didn’t trust. So, we started over—refining the design, finding the right manufacturing partner, and making sure every detail was perfect. Only then did I install the reservoir in my own car for testing.
Here’s my rule: before any product leaves the shop, it goes on my own car first. I installed the prototype in my E92 and drove it hard for months—commuting, road trips, and plenty of track time. I pushed it as far as I could to make sure it performed under real-world conditions. If I’m not happy with how it holds up, it doesn’t go out to the community.
What Makes Our PSR Different
When I set out to redesign the power steering reservoir, I wasn’t just looking to patch the problem—I wanted to fix it for good. It wasn’t enough to just tweak the OEM design; the solution had to address every shortcoming I’d encountered over the years.
First, capacity was a major issue. The stock reservoir couldn’t handle the fluid expansion that comes with aggressive driving. So, I made sure ours had the room to keep things running smoothly, even under pressure.
Durability was another big factor. Plastic just doesn’t hold up, especially in high-heat, high-stress situations. That’s why I chose billet aluminum—it not only prevents overheating but is built to outlast the car itself.
Maintenance should also be straightforward. That’s why I added a user-serviceable filter. It’s easy to clean or replace, so you don’t have to deal with unnecessary headaches down the line. This idea came from the community and I'm really glad we took a step back and implemented it!
Fitment was non-negotiable. It had to install seamlessly, whether it was going on an E9x M3, E39 M5, or E6x M5/M6. I tested it across multiple models to make sure it integrates perfectly with the car’s design.
And of course, it had to look as good as it performs. With anodized finishes in multiple colors, you can match it to your car’s aesthetic while knowing it’s more than just a good-looking upgrade.
Looking Ahead
Starting this year, I’m opening the door to the entire process—sharing the highs, the lows, and the lessons behind every product I design. Whether it’s the PSR or the next project, my goal is to stay transparent and connect with other enthusiasts who share the same passion for these cars.
Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes stories about my journey turning problems into solutions for BMW enthusiasts.
This is just the beginning.
- Abdul
