BMW Repair: 2003 E46 325i from Mexico, .. steering wheel issue, south padre island, matamoros mexico

Question
Hi Evan,

I'm driving a 2003 325i 6 cylinder (vin: 3AVEV392X3RA21433) with 68k miles on it, I live in Matamoros Mexico south of the Border from Brownsville Texas, this past Saturday April/7/2007 night while spending my Easter weekend at South Padre Island Texas, I came out of the hotel parking lot, my steering was normal, but when I got to the stop at the corner and made a normal left hand turn, I felt my steering wheel extremely hard to turn, I checked all my tires and none were flat, I checked at the parking spot were I had parked at hotel parking lot and I did not see any fluid stains on the pavement.
On Sunday while driving back to Mexico there was an abnormal sound like groaning sound. When I turn the steering wheel left or right, it became slightly more louder. Drove it slowly and tried to turn the steering wheel left or right, the same thing.

Could it be the:-
i. power steering pump (I replaced it already once 1.5 years ago)
ii. wheel bearing or others associated with the steering mechanisms
iii. need of replacing steering wheel fluid - could you tell me where the fluid reservoir is located

I bought my BMW brand new in 2003 in Monterrey, Mexico (4 hour drive from home town Matamoros), in Mexico BMW's only carry a 2 year warranty.

Your prompt help on my steering problem is highly appreciated.

Answer
Omar, check the powersteering fluid resevoir next to the oil filter housing on the front of the engine. Make sure you have fluid on the dipstick/cap up to the bottom line.
If you do then I would suspect the pump. Remove the drive belt and wiggle and pull on the pulley. If loose then replace the pump. Steering racks are more rare. I would inspect for leaks if you have a low fluid level. The pump will make noise when it is starved for fluid.
-Evan