'77 320i, is this "heavy" steering normal?

Only at speeds under 1-3 mph or so, but it steers like a truck at those speeds! And I mean that literally, as I drove semis before power steering was standard on most big trucks.

It's been a long time since I drove anything without power steering, and of course the steering effort lightens up considerably once the car gets past walking speed, but I am wondering if this is normal, or if something is out of whack?

Parallel parking is hard work, shoud it be like this?

I bought my 1983 320i new in 1983. Without power steering, the steering was very heavy at low speeds and a strain to parallel park. I cheated by pumping the front tire pressure to 40 lbs or more. I'm not recommending this but just thought I'd mention it. I recently acquired a 1982 320i and the steering is as heavy as the 1983 at low speeds. The steering is excellent once the car gets going. I think it's normal and read somewhere that an aftermarket power steering unit is available.

Ah, thanks, that's comforting to hear. I guess mine is just fine, then. :)