Active Steering - Yes or No?

[JLBM]

Hi guys (and girls)
I currently drive a 335i coupe with M Sport package. I find it a harsh ride but worst of all, I find I can't quite get comfortable behind the wheel. The power steering is too heavy and the angle of the wheel doesn't suit my driving style. I really enjoy the comfort of the new E Class but I think I'm going to go for the new 535i (due to the engine). BUT, I drove the new 5 and wasn't impressed with comfort or the power steering. Is Integral Active Steering the answer? And most importantly, is it much lighter at parking lot speeds than standard power steering?

If there is anyone out there who can advise me I would appreciate it. I am worried Active Steering will be too jittery as well..

 

[fortuner]

If you like the E class why dont you gof for a E350 maybe its a great car i drove one a few weeks back.

 

[JLBM]

If you like the E class why dont you gof for a E350 maybe its a great car i drove one a few weeks back.

I agree, it is lovely, but up here in Joburg it feels flat - can't compare it to the engine of the 535i..

If the E350 had the new engine that is in the works, but with a turbo added, then I would definitely rather go for the Mercedes..

 

[martinbo]

So, active steering varies the steering ratio according to speed: at low speeds the steering ratio quickens up making low speed manoeuvring easier by requiring less twirling of the wheel. At high speeds the rack is slower making the steering less sensitive to small inputs. It's been a hella long time since I've driven this variable system but I am almost certain that Active Steering will suit you to the tee and won't feel jittery at all because it's comfort and convenience oriented as opposed to sport oriented.

I saw a new white 535i in the traffic on Rivonia this morning. Damn - that's one very sexy car!

 

[JLBM]

So, active steering varies the steering ratio according to speed: at low speeds the steering ratio quickens up making low speed manoeuvring easier by requiring less twirling of the wheel. At high speeds the rack is slower making the steering less sensitive to small inputs. It's been a hella long time since I've driven this variable system but I am almost certain that Active Steering will suit you to the tee and won't feel jittery at all because it's comfort and convenience oriented as opposed to sport oriented.

I saw a new white 535i in the traffic on Rivonia this morning. Damn - that's one very sexy car!

I agree, it's a great design If the active steering addresses my concerns I think the new 5er is the one. I might just order it with active steering as a leap of faith

 

[Zafiro]

Get active steering and adaptive suspension and you got yourself a more comfortable car than E-class according to pretty much every comparison out there. I have electric steering in my facelifted 1-series and the steering is much better for everyday use than the "old" BMW steering which my parents have and much easier to pocket park with and for city driving.

 

[Sayyaaf]

Hey JLBM, first of all congratulations for the new car. Personally I'd go with the flow here and advice you to go with active steering. However, it doesn't lighten the steering feel but it improves the number of lock-to-lock turns of the steering wheel. Soft steering wheels has never been bmw's interest for years being one of the sporty characteristics of their cars.

 

[JLBM]

Hey JLBM, first of all congratulations for the new car. Personally I'd go with the flow here and advice you to go with active steering. However, it doesn't lighten the steering feel but it improves the number of lock-to-lock turns of the steering wheel. Soft steering wheels has never been bmw's interest for years being one of the sporty characteristics of their cars.

Thanks Sayyaaf, I was hoping the steering would be lighter as well. Well, at least it will be less effort! Other than that I think the new 5er is great. I think I have a better idea of what to expect now..

It's amazing, as a R20,000 optional extra ($2,700), you would think they had better advice for buyers as to what to expect from steering feel, instead of just some technical explanation..

 

[Betty Swollocks]

There are quite a few reviews of the new 5 advising to stay well clear of the active steering option.

 

[Sayyaaf]

Depending on ur requirement Betty. I believe those reviewers were after a sporty feel and Mechanical feedback then yes, avoid the active steering. Otherwise it is a very handy tool for congested cities and tight parking lots.

 

[Zafiro]

Thanks Sayyaaf, I was hoping the steering would be lighter as well. Well, at least it will be less effort! Other than that I think the new 5er is great. I think I have a better idea of what to expect now..

your 335i isnt a facelift of E92?
then I guess its the same heavy steering as my father E90. I have a facelift 1-series and the steering is a lot lighter than my fathers car. So if active steering is anything like my steering then the heaviness is pretty much gone (but still heavier than C-class and A4 which I like since the steering is no good if its too light IMO)
I havent drive the new 5-series so I cant compare it to mine.

 

[Human]

So, active steering varies the steering ratio according to speed: at low speeds the steering ratio quickens up making low speed manoeuvring easier by requiring less twirling of the wheel. At high speeds the rack is slower making the steering less sensitive to small inputs. It's been a hella long time since I've driven this variable system but I am almost certain that Active Steering will suit you to the tee and won't feel jittery at all because it's comfort and convenience oriented as opposed to sport oriented.

I saw a new white 535i in the traffic on Rivonia this morning. Damn - that's one very sexy car!

My X6 has active steering, driver-steering input is less in town driving BUT the feedback is NOT typical BMW steering feel apposed to the conventional BMW steering, thus I miss out on 'that' direct connection on longer journeys - dead and numb the Active Steering is not though.

My local dealer has a Space Grey 523i F10....man! She is gorgeous looking and the interior is a true copy of the F01 7er (730d standing next to the 523i on the showroom floor) Apart from being a little bit downsized the interior and materials is all F01 7er!

Depending on ur requirement Betty. I believe those reviewers were after a sporty feel and Mechanical feedback then yes, avoid the active steering. Otherwise it is a very handy tool for congested cities and tight parking lots.

Spot on!

 

[JLBM]

There are quite a few reviews of the new 5 advising to stay well clear of the active steering option.

Most reviews are negative, hence my confusion! Johannesburg is a hectic city with bad roads. I am only 35 years old but comfort both in terms of steering and suspension is most important to me. I will never buy a BMW with M-Sport Pack again!

your 335i isnt a facelift of E92?
then I guess its the same heavy steering as my father E90. I have a facelift 1-series and the steering is a lot lighter than my fathers car. So if active steering is anything like my steering then the heaviness is pretty much gone (but still heavier than C-class and A4 which I like since the steering is no good if its too light IMO)
I havent drive the new 5-series so I cant compare it to mine.

No, my 335i os a 2008. The steering is practically un-assisted ..

My X6 has active steering, driver-steering input is less in town driving BUT the feedback is NOT typical BMW steering feel apposed to the conventional BMW steering, thus I miss out on 'that' direct connection on longer journeys - dead and numb the Active Steering is not though.

My local dealer has a Space Grey 523i F10....man! She is gorgeous looking and the interior is a true copy of the F01 7er (730d standing next to the 523i on the showroom floor) Apart from being a little bit downsized the interior and materials is all F01 7er!



Spot on!

Hi Human, is your steering stable and sure-footed when cruising long distances on speedocruise at 130Km/h?

 

[bmer]

Taking into account your experiences with the 335i Coupe and your preference for comfort, I think you should get it.

PS. In the future, please use multi-quote.

 

[siko]

I drove several Bimmers with active steering and I didn't really like it. It's not terrible, but I find it takes away from the road feedback, makes it a little artificial.

That said, it does add comfort and it surely does make the steering lighter (at low speed).