2000 E38 728 - power steering pump - type?

[fuseman]

The power steering is getting a little heavy on my 114k 728. A specialist garage say the pump needs replacing and quote £298 + VAT for the part - a recon service (Power Steering Services - in Greenwhich) will supply a recon one for £163 + VAT. The problem is they want to know the type and say there are 2 sorts. Can anyone tell me where exactly the pump is and how easy it is to get to?

Also any advice on the idea of a recon pump and anyone heard of this company?

[mark@vorny.co.uk]

Can anybody offer any advice here ?

[ez64]

The two types I think are the ones that also do the self leveling suspension and the ones that dont, i'm not 100% sure but I dont think you could get the suspension package as an option when not buying the L versions.

For the part number enter your details and it will be the non self leveling pumps, http://www.realoem.com/bmw/select.do

Also,

About to fit new p/s hoses all round on mine and it looks horrifically expensive but must be done, sorry to hijack the thread but any ideas about after market parts as all they are apart from the special top interlink pipe is cheap high pressure hose's and I'm not paying silly bmw prices.