2001 325i Power Steering Pump replacement - advice, please!

So I have a new (to me) 2001 325i daily driver with 104K miles on it.

The power steering pump has bitten the dust. (It's making knocking noises, very heavy steering, vibrations, etc.) It's a LUK LF30.

I've read a bunch about LF20 (less boost, better feel) vs. LF30 (more boost, lighter steering). I can't really tell the condition of the existing high pressure hose. I am planning on replacing the hoses and reservoir when I replace the pump.

So here's my question - Do I go with the straight LF30 replacement, or, since I'm changing the hoses anyway, get an LF20?

Next - there are many used LF30s floating around. There are also a whole bunch of aftermarket and rebuilt replacement parts available. I wouldn't go used LF20, but again, there are a whole bunch of aftermarket and remans floating around.

Any specifically good sellers/brands? Any to stay away from? $$$ are a significant issue currently, and OEM doesn't seem to be all that great, anyway...

Thanks for your help!

You've checked the PS fluid level already? Is the fluid a nice clean pink? Have you tried bleeding it by turning it to full stop 3Xs...all the way right and left?

You probably don't need all the hoses at all, OP, if the pump is bad. It's not a bad idea, but it's a lot of work and $ you probably don't need to spend. All my PS hoses are original except for two. Also, you probably don't need a reservoir, despite everyone here thinking you do. You can clean up the vent tube and replace the gasket...then just get new clamps to replace the factory clamps.

Anyway, check your fluid level. Should come to the second fine line on reservoir cap when cold.

Sorry IDK the answer to the question about the pump, but if you use advanced/title search for PS Pump, I'm sure you'll find your answer.

Fluid level is good, there is no movement in the fluid with the car running, and no power assist, so I am assuming that the pump is bad.

Evidently the shaft breaks off from the impeller. If you can pull the pulley out, think that's proof that the pump is done.

Only other really low odds chance is that someone had the belts off recently and put them on the wrong way...like I said...low odds, but it's happened before.

Unfortunately, it's not the belt - it was fine for a few weeks, just happened a few days ago - no one touched the belts in the interim...

If you switch to lf20 you will need different pressure hoses to fit and best to replace clamps with jubilee clips. i tried the new and improved bmw clamps and they were crap too, mabe my hose rubber had gone hard but jubilee clips tighten to how much u need - get 2 20mm ans 1 13mm.

Thanks I know I'll need a different pressure hose - my question is - Should I switch to LF20?

Stick to oem. Its a simple DIY. Your pump is most likely out.

i heard lf20 was the crap1 and lf30 was better but not in your case...

What a load of sh1t about luk20 being crap.
Luk20 gives you that e36 feel of tighter steering. Most of us perfer the over a Toyota steering wheel that you can turn with a pinky.
Luk30 gives you less of that feeling, specially the 2001 model, it's overboosted.