Question for those with Dynamic Handling/Active Steering...

King · #1 12-17-2008, 11:39 PM

Just wondering if it's worth the extra $$$ on the 4.8is.

I have not had a chance to drive one yet, but does it take getting used to? Is the steering really soft like driving a minivan?? I like the tight steering and it's very responsive but sometimes it feels too stiff especially with 20's. On the other hand, I don't want it so soft that you lose interaction with the vehicle and feel like the steering has play on it like driving a Chrysler.

Any thoughts from those that have this option? Would you recommend it?

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ozam · #2 12-18-2008, 04:40 PM

I have an 07 4.8 sport package with active steering and I think it is an excellent and convenient feature. You will not even notice under normal driving...BUT when you need to make tight turns it is remarkably efficient. My other car is a 330i and the X5 drives nearly as tight. That being said, others without the feature may be equally as happy.

rh71 · #3 12-18-2008, 05:02 PM

I test drove a 4.8i and I didn't know it was equipped with active steering... in my attempt to drive it aggressively during the test drive, I slowed down to make a quick turn and it freaked me the hell out as I came close to a parked car rather quickly. It takes some getting used to but I'm sure it helps a lot because of the heavy steering as mentioned. I chose not to go with it though... not worth the cost but hey if you like it...

I'd put it under the same category as the HUD... cool to have, but not practical enough to pay what they're asking (they sure do have a lot under this category, don't they?).

ozam · #4 12-18-2008, 05:21 PM

I can't disagree with what RH71 said he experienced......all I can tell you is that I have never felt any lack of control or other unusual feelings related to active steering. The vehicle will drive like a BMW...ie. you will feel the road! (i just wish it took bumps like the 20101 740il it replaced!!)

I definitely would not goup it with HUD (which I also have). HUD is pretty much of a novelty factor (it nice to have but no big deal either way. Active steering really does make the handling of a 5,000 lb vehicle that much easier at slow speeds.

BBMMWW · #5 12-18-2008, 06:41 PM

I have both active steering and adaptive drive on my X5 SD and I can compare it to my father's X5 without any of these features. I can tell you one thing for sure: these are completely different cars. Active steering gives you a very direct respons and is very light when parking. It's not only the fact it's light, but you have to turn like 2-3 times less than without active steering. It feels like the car is mucher smaller than it really is. Adaptive drive limits body roll and with the sport mode it gives you better grip on the road. I have 20" and the other X5 is on 18". When the road gets bad, the 20" with adaptive drive feels more comfortable than 18" without. I would take these 2 options above any other.

Craig · #6 12-18-2008, 08:35 PM

In the U.S., we can't order the adaptive drive or 20" wheels with the diesel. I really wanted the 20" wheel option. I went with the factory 19" wheels...

Craig

rh71 · #7 12-18-2008, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig

In the U.S., we can't order the adaptive drive or 20" wheels with the diesel. I really wanted the 20" wheel option. I went with the factory 19" wheels...

Craig

The adaptive drive even in the 35d should be part of the electronic damping control of the sport package.

Maddog · #8 12-21-2008, 11:03 AM

Others may disagree, but I think the active steering is more about easy parking. It takes nothing away from on road feel, but makes it much quicker at low speed, hence the name "Active Steering". My wife loves it and makes it much easier to park a large car.

Have done a lot of miles in an E53 without it, and many more in an E70 with it. No difference at highway speeds, but when it comes to the carpark - I wouldn't be without it!

Cheers, Maddog.

jimsaq · #9 12-21-2008, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBMMWW

I have both active steering and adaptive drive on my X5 SD and I can compare it to my father's X5 without any of these features. I can tell you one thing for sure: these are completely different cars. Active steering gives you a very direct respons and is very light when parking. It's not only the fact it's light, but you have to turn like 2-3 times less than without active steering. It feels like the car is mucher smaller than it really is. Adaptive drive limits body roll and with the sport mode it gives you better grip on the road. I have 20" and the other X5 is on 18". When the road gets bad, the 20" with adaptive drive feels more comfortable than 18" without. I would take these 2 options above any other.

seconded
I got a 3.0sd with adaptive drive and active steering - had it in at the service centre twice (once to get 21's fitted and again to get power steering pump replaced) and was given a loaner X5 without either feature. wow what a difference, it's a completely different car. ordinary is the word that comes to mind when I drove away in the loaner.

Slalom · #10 12-21-2008, 01:20 PM

I have it and after almost 2 years it is "normal". I was away on a long business trip and because of weather my wife left her 5 series parked and took my X5. She was not aware of the active steering but she is amazed by how easy the X is to park. Now she is suggesting that she keep the X5 and that I should trade in the 5.

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