Couple of things come to mind. If you suspect boiling, then the most likely culprit is the cap on the expansion tank not holding pressure, but.. you would be losing coolant. As far as the gauge, I would look for an intermittent faulty ground, or a bad sensor. if the engine doesn't have any signs of overheating, then you're getting bad information for tne monitoring system. Any good antifreeze in a 50 50 mix should not be a problem. Check the thermostat as well.. As far as steering goes, the damper would not produce a dead zone at full center. Try removing it and seeing is anything changes (unlikely). Sounds more like excessive wear someplace. Pitman arm, tierod ends or the box itself..

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Jeff L
1987 300e
1989 300e
1987 BMW 325

[This message has been edited by jeffsr (edited 05-31-2000).]